The Format put out one of the best records of the year. They also gave one of the best shows in Hollywood this summer. For some reason though we haven't seen them on very many Best Of 2006 lists which makes us a little sad inside.
Dog Problems was funny, uplifting, dance alongy, and sometimes deep. Bro can sing, and the songs are multilayered and unique. Maybe it's not cool to like the Format just yet? Must have been another email that we lost to the spam filter.
Hailing from Arizona and singing happy songs about sad things, the shaggy haired singer Nate Reuss joined in on the fun and gave us his Top 10 favorite cds of 2006:
1. The long winters- putting the days to bed
2. Regina spektor- begin to hope
3. Dr. Dog- easy beat
4. Anathallo- floating world
5. Rhett miller- the believer
6. Jolie holland- springtime can kill you
7. Lindsey buckingham- under the skin
8. The new strokes record
9. Belle & sebastian- the life pursuit
10. Rainer maria- catastrophe keeps us together




I just want to thank you, Tony, for your consistent appreciation and respect for The Format. They have been a favorite band of mine for a couple of years now, and I find the fact that they have not yet ripped the (mainstream)world apart with their music shocking. Their uncanny ability to be poppy and catchy without sounding like every other poppy and catchy band out their surprises me over and over again (in a good way). Thanks also for recognizing "Dog Problems" as one of your top albums of the year -- I couldn't agree more. I'm looking forward to reading more about Nate and The Format from you next year. ...And maybe a contest next time they come around?
Happy Holidays!