I wanted to pass along the news that their new EP And Now I Hope You’re Alright: Live In California was released today via iTunes. I am currently feeling a bit of a penny-pincher following our lavish week of spending in California, but the samples sound good and they put on a killer live show, so this is one I shall be buying soon.
The EP contains the following 6 songs: “Dog Problems” “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us” (Sparks cover – thanks Phil!) “Inches and Falling” “Faith In Fast Cars” “Janet” “Matches”
I saw The Format last night in Denver as a birthday present from my sis, and what a present it was. Even though Kristy and I questioned that we somehow exceeded an unspoken age limit among the other patrons (which seemed to be about 15? 16?), I was absolutely blown away by these guys and am still smiling the next day.
Background: I have both of The Format’s full-length albums (Interventions + Lullabies and Dog Problems), as well as a collection of other tracks. I like them very much, I sing along, etc. etc. HOWEVER, as good as their CDs are, they truly pale in comparison to seeing them live, which makes everything just click together into one of the best concerts I have seen in a while.
Now, I know that I am an enthusiastic gal, especially when it comes to music that I like. I’ll give you that. And while I certainly stand behind all of the musical recommendations that I have made thus far on this site, this next one comes with a disclaimer that I REALLY MEAN IT. Like, 200% more than other times I have said “Hey, this band is really good.” I wish I had stronger words to express my strong emotion here. So listen:
The Format is essentially frontman Nate Ruess & multi-instrumentalist Sam Means, along with a host of musician friends when they tour. Nate is a fireball of charisma on-stage, with swagger and presence and a magnetism that reminded me of a consummate rockstar like Steven Tyler, oddly enough. He really connects with the crowd and got everyone singing along, jumping & clapping. It is nice to see that confidence and connection in an age of shoegazers and mumblers (nothin’ wrong with that in its place, but I’m just saying . . .)
Nate has an unusual voice, that’s undeniable. I wasn’t sure where to file it in my mental catalogue until I saw them live, and then it all makes sense and I want to hear him sing all day long. It’s a powerful instrument he’s got there in his pipes.
Backing Nate were no fewer than EIGHT musicians of various stripes: guitar, bass, vocals and drums, sure, but also shakers and keyboards and trombones. Come on. Sheer pop goodness. Sometimes it sounds like a circus, and sometimes they channel Queen a bit, but there is no denying the well-crafted nature of their songs, the creative lyricism, and the downright danceability and quality rock ‘n’ roll.
Although they are in completely different veins, my sister remarked that the vibe at the show was like fellow Arizonans Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers in concert, if you’ve heard me rave about them. It was the same electric sensation throughout the crowd that uplifts and unites and (at the risk of sounding like a cornball) reaffirms your faith in the power of a fantastic live music experience.
I agree with blog buddy Nathaniel when he says, “I’ve seen a lot of shows, and The Format rank up there with the very best of them.” Very very best indeed.
TOUR DATES: Here are your remaining chances to see them live on this tour. If you’ve ever said to yourself, “Hey, Heather has made some decent musical recommendations,” then TRUST ME ON THIS, lay down the twelve kopecks or whatever and GO SEE THEM. You absolutely will not be disappointed:
Aug 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue Aug 25 - Seattle, WA – Neumo’s Aug 26 – Portland, OR – Loveland Aug 27 – Orangevale, CA – Boardwalk Aug 28 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s Aug 29 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Aug 31 – Hollywood, CA – Avalon Sep 1 – San Diego, CA – Soma Sep 2 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues/Courtyard Sep 22 – Birmingham – Carling Academy Sep 23 – Manchester – Apollo Sep 24 – Leeds – Leeds University Union Sep 26 – Cambridge – Corn Exchange Sep 27 – Southampton – Southampton Guildhall Sep 29 – London – Carling Academy Brixton
AUDIO: (Note: Does anyone know where I can find a good quality live/electric set from The Format?Here! Right here! Highly recommended: 2006 Western Tread Showcase set)
Tune Out(Interventions + Lullabies) One of the first few songs, and everyone (including me) sang along at the top of their lungs when the chorus broke. It was a great moment.
Give It Up(Interventions + Lullabies) They nailed this one last night. This is the first song I heard by The Format, and still one of my favorites.
The First Single(from the EP) The final song, anthemic and sweaty and once again, everyone sang along. (Who names their first single “The First Single”? These guys do.)
TWO BONUS COVERS, just because: The Lottery Song (Harry Nilsson cover, since some say they share a vibe)
VISUAL: For the quantity of Format videos on YouTube, the good quality ones are quite hard to find.
“Tie The Rope” (officially shot video):
If you want to get a sense of The Format from where I was standing last night (in the roiling, churning, 15-year-old crowd), check out this girl’s video clips from the Hartford, CT show. I wanted to embed the one of “She Doesn’t Get It,” but darn YouTube won’t let me. It demonstrates Nate’s patented microphone toss, the clapping and some of the fantastic crowd chemistry.
This one is of a poorer quality, but totally watchable, and I am including it because you can get a sense of how well the crowd knows the songs and sings along: “Tune Out“ video (7/14/06)
And because I forgot my camera, the lovely pictures above come from Taylor’s post.
I had a strong sense watching these guys that they definitely have “IT” — that star quality and superb music that could take them all the way to the top. Why are they not all over the radio and on everybody’s iPod? I have a feeling that they will be soon.
Do you want to know what the biggest dilemma of my week to come is foreseen to be? Whether or not to vote on American Idol. Seriously, my life is hard (and I’m such a moron sometimes).
But listen: If I vote, then it is a confirmation to all that is good and holy that I have stooped to CARING about REALITY TV. Lord, no. Even though I am having an American Idol party at my house on Wednesday night.
Here are some good things I have added to my iPod rotation recently:
The 99th Floor Primal Scream Riot City Blues, the forthcoming release (June 6) from Scottish post-punk/rockers Primal Scream is a rollicking, bluesy, Stones-tinged romp. Just listen to the sick and sloppy slide steel guitar & blues harp on this one. Also download “Country Girl” over on their MySpace page, another excellent new cut from the formidable UK quartet.
She Doesn’t Get It (acoustic) The Format Thanks to Nathaniel‘s insistent love for lithe indie-pop group The Format, I’ve been thoroughly apprised of the upcoming July 11 release of sophomore effort Dog Problems. I was fiercely in love with their perfect pop song “Give It Up” off their 2003 debut Interventions & Lullabies, so hearing that same earnest & warbling voice in this lovely song makes me happy. This is a great acoustic version of a song which will be on their new album — and if you pre-order it on their website, you get a frisbee. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Let Go (solo, piano) Imogen Heap As half of the London-based duo/Garden State favorite Frou Frou, the lovely Ms. Imogen Heap recently visited local KBCO up in Boulder, Colorado, and laid down this luminous version of “Let Go,” with just her arresting voice and the ivory keys. Thanks to Don’t Need Anything for posting this.
Strange Days (Doors remix) Thievery Corporation I just realized that I am totally unintentionally featuring two artists off the same Garden State soundtrack, which really, I didn’t even love as much as your average 20-something apparently did. However, I am featuring this track, off Thievery Corporation‘s new release Versions, because it just sounded very very good to have a fresh take on The Doors slide across my musical palette. I have been reading excellentreviews of this disc, which features remixes of songs & collaborations with the likes of Nouvelle Vague, Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, and Astrud Gilberto. Oh, and I am pretty sure that this song was also featured on Alias recently, accompanying Sydney Bristow on one of her (last few) kickass missions.
Jackson Square Mason Jennings Acoustic strummer/sing-shouter Mason Jennings also has a new one out called Boneclouds. I’ve listened to it a few times through, and there aren’t the same standout can’t-help-but-stand-up-and-shake-it tracks as some of his previous releases – this one is more consistently mellow and introspective. Mason is a fine storyteller through his songs, and is able to craft tunes through just very simple guitar & drums most of the time. Plus, his voice has a very, very honest quality to it, which I find appealing.
Name: Heather Browne Location: Colorado, originally by way of California Giving context to the torrent since 2005.
"I love the relationship that anyone has with music: because there's something in us that is beyond the reach of words, something that eludes and defies our best attempts to spit it out. It's the best part of us, probably, the richest and strangest part..."
—Nick Hornby, Songbook
"Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel." —Hunter S. Thompson
Mp3s are for sampling purposes, kinda like when they give you the cheese cube at Costco, knowing that you'll often go home with having bought the whole 7 lb. spiced Brie log. They are left up for a limited time. If you LIKE the music, go and support these artists, buy their schwag, go to their concerts, purchase their CDs/records and tell all your friends. Rock on.
You may perhaps recall my fervent love for The Format?
Name: Heather Browne
