eMusic Disc of the Day: The Format-Dog Problems

I knew as soon as made my Top 33 1/3 of 2006 list that there'd be worthy candidates that I either forgot about out or grew to appreciate almost immediately thereafter. Like clockwork, one such disc has emerged today - The Format's Dog Problems. Two things propelled this fine disc to my attention, even though I've had it digitally for a month or so. First, it became available today on eMusic (it's also the street date for the disc). Secondly, about 3 or 4 of the tracks popped up randomly during my afternoon listening.

This is really a great album, call it indie pop, power pop, or whatever - it's just great pop, melodic, inventive and dynamic. I've seen it called by some as the Pet Sounds of indie pop, and while that might be hyperbole, it's not that far off the mark. Aside from some Beach Boy influences, I can pick out everything from Queen to XTC to contemporaries like The Shins in here as well. The title track even reminds me a bit of Rufus Wainwright's more theatrical moments. In addition to the usual guitar, bass and drums, you have horns, chimes, and all sorts of baroque instrumentation which appear from time to time. The tracks that are the most pure power pop are "Time Bomb", "She Doesn't Get It" and "The Compromise", but all of the others are standouts as well.

mp3's:

The Compromise
She Doesn't Get It
Dog Problems

Stream em at myspace, or stream 30-second samples from eMusic. For those who are not eMusic subs you can download the whole album for $7.99 at Nettwerk's site, and the album is available in cd form as of today from your favorite e-tailer (or retailer, if you have a local cd shop that's hip enough). But whatever your format of choice, just make sure you get it.