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Track Listings
| 1. Matches |
| 2. I'm Actual |
| 3. Time Bomb |
| 4. She Doesn't Get It |
| 5. Pick Me Up |
| 6. Dog Problems |
| 7. Oceans |
| 8. Dead End |
| 9. Snails |
| 10. The Compromise |
| 11. Inches And Falling |
| 12. If Work Permits |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Every great power pop band is all about two things: meaty melodies and oo-la-la choruses, and there's no disbelieving that this Phoenix band have the formula nailed on their sophomore album. Produced by a master of the genre (Steve McDonald, founding member of Redd Kross), the 12-tracker advances the Format's debut album by sandblasting pocketfuls of hooks and poetic prose into the consciousness. Band leaders Nate Ruess and Sam Means progress like a modern day Colin Blunstone/Rod Argent, zigzagging Zombies-like through a piano-led, choral-like pool of tuneful experimentation and falsetto intonation. The band make it almost too easy to pick out potential radio gems, which include up-tempo numbers like "Time Bomb" and "She Doesn't Get It," and especially "Oceans," with its glee club chorus that's downright impossible to shake. But Dog Problems must be heard as a whole to appreciate the dexterous brilliance of Means and Ruess, who apply a '20s dancehall vibe to the title track, turn the narcissistic "I'm Actual" into an Abbey Road waltz, and even flirt with country music in the discreet "Snails." Like the Zombies, the Raspberries, Dwight Twilley, or the Shins? This record may be for you. --Scott Holter
Product Description
This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By J. T. Nite
Format:Audio CD
In the second track of "Dog Problems," singer Nate Reuss asks us a question, while Beach-Boys-esque harmonies swirl behind him: "Can we take the next hour and talk about me?" It's a question and a challenge -- in the world of mp3s and single-serving music, are you willing to commit to an album that's meant to be enjoyed as a whole?
If you are, you'll be rewarded with an intricate, satisfying collection of songs that make a coherent whole, but are individually catchy as well. Nate hasn't lost any of his gift for writing the perfect lyric, as noted in an earlier review, and his voice is, if anything, more powerful than before.
The song arrangements take some getting used to. My first listen, I thought they were overproduced -- too many horns, too much harmony -- but on repeated listens, what seemed overly complicated was just agreeably complex. Nate's voice never gets lost in the shuffle, and the tune remains the driving force.
This is an album to listen to in its entirety, then listen again through good speakers, then again through headphones, then again and again. I'm still hearing surprises on my fifteenth or sixteenth go-round. From the Queen-influenced title track to the Mountain Goats-esque "If Work Permits," this is one CD you'll come back to over and over again.
If you are, you'll be rewarded with an intricate, satisfying collection of songs that make a coherent whole, but are individually catchy as well. Nate hasn't lost any of his gift for writing the perfect lyric, as noted in an earlier review, and his voice is, if anything, more powerful than before.
The song arrangements take some getting used to. My first listen, I thought they were overproduced -- too many horns, too much harmony -- but on repeated listens, what seemed overly complicated was just agreeably complex. Nate's voice never gets lost in the shuffle, and the tune remains the driving force.
This is an album to listen to in its entirety, then listen again through good speakers, then again through headphones, then again and again. I'm still hearing surprises on my fifteenth or sixteenth go-round. From the Queen-influenced title track to the Mountain Goats-esque "If Work Permits," this is one CD you'll come back to over and over again.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By kt burrr
Format:Audio CD
i was first introduced to this wonderful band about three years ago when they toured with dashboard confessional. Their first full length album, Interventions and Lullabies, was also awesome...but they've grown up a lot since then. After being dropped from their record label (twice) they are still thriving and releasing great material. They describe their most recent effort as "desert pop" and i totally agree. It features great use of instrumentals that really captivate the listener. This album hasn't left my car stereo since i bought it during the summer. I recomend this album to any fan of the pop genre and all good music in general. It is totally catchy and has the sort of sound that you are pleased to have stuck in your head 24/7. They've also just released an i-tunes exclusive ep that you should be sure to check out! It is a live recording from their 'dog days of summer' tour. I was lucky enough to catch the tour and also to see the guys again two weeks ago in their current supporting tour 'tournado.' These guys will be tour in the spring sooo be sure to catch them there too. You won't be sorry you've invested in such an amazing album...
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I heard one song from this CD and decided to buy it - I was not disappointed. It's hard to describe the style of the Format because they hit so many different types of song with some folksy guitar-based songs and some that resemble circus music. All in all, it's an unexpected delight and a light, enjoyable listening experience.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
no slowing down,not even a song about snails
when you first starting listening ,you are what like what is this,then you find yoursef singing along and you play it louder. Read more
Published 2 months ago by alittle quirky
4.0 out of 5 stars
great CD!
this is sadly the format's second and final full length record. sad because they just started to hit thier stride on this one. Read more
Published 2 months ago by JC88
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you love Fun.
Just a great album. If you like Fun. you'll LOVE the Format. Lead singer of Fun. is lead singer of The Format, only this album isn't as auto-tuned as Some Nights.
Published 4 months ago by mary
5.0 out of 5 stars
Keep it in the disc changer
It might take a couple listens to hook you, but after that this album is very re-listenable. It's great to put on for people of any age, for car rides, parties, and much of the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Steven W. Rhoden
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. You may know lead singer, Nate Ruess, from the band fun. that has blown up recently. Read more
Published 8 months ago by mas.ElonUniv.
5.0 out of 5 stars
tori
This is an awesome album. Dog problems is a great song, overall not the best album from the format but still awesome.
Published 10 months ago by tori
4.0 out of 5 stars
Trustworthy
First thing you may be thinking is, "Oh it's used, should I buy it or perhaps spend more on a new one? Read more
Published 11 months ago by VMendoza24
5.0 out of 5 stars
Music to my ears!
This Cd does not have a bad song on it. I love Fun and since they only have out 2 cds, both of which I have, I decided to go back a bit and listen to Format. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Luna Bleu
4.0 out of 5 stars
For road trips, tunes to share with friends, and everyday life
This album takes the raw genuiness of Nate's voice and puts it to equally unique music to create a collection of honest, fun songs. Read more
Published 13 months ago by LoveInACup
5.0 out of 5 stars
Too bad they broke up/redesigned
I didn't know of the Format until they had already changed to the name Fun. Fun is great too but they haven't come out with anything too recently. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Michelle Rehak
Listmania!
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