It took one song to make Fun. an overnight phenomenon. Now, they are on their way to Ball State and enthusiasm seems to be growing nearly everywhere I go. Student conversations and social networks are buzzing with anticipation. A concert featuring a mainstream artist on our campus. Is that possible?
Some of these fans have followed the troop of pop
rockers for an extended period of time. Others couldn’t get “ton-i-i-i-i-ight”
out of their heads when it became popular and topped digital charts in 2012.
Nate Ruess has two albums from his days with The Format. Albums that made me fall in love with a new form of music. Music that wasn’t on the radio. Music that wasn’t about sex and alcohol. Music that made me somewhat of a — dare I say it? Hipster. Music that I can’t stand to see go forgotten.
The band oozed of indie, alternative, punk and folk elements that can’t seem to be matched by the new synthetic tones found in Fun.’s latest album “Some Nights.”
When The Format split ways in 2008 I couldn’t help but wonder why. I continued to have hope. Ruess’ new band would still embody the same instrumental and lyrical talent. Right? This was the man that graced my iTunes favorites list for years.
Granted, “Aim and Ignite” wasn’t bad. Actually, compared to a lot of rock music at the time, it was rather good. But it wasn’t great. It wasn’t the same.
A few decent tracks made me think Ruess was going to be OK. He was going to remain true to the style that so strongly caught my attention. It was just going to take time.
With repetitive listening, Fun. started to grow on me, but The Format was missed. I was psyched to hear that “Some Nights” was going to be released. This was going to be the album that returned to The Format’s original feel.
Only it didn’t.
It felt more like pop music than ever before. From radio hits to commercials and movie trailers, Fun. was everywhere. It was exactly the kind of music that gets stuck in your head. My head. But it wasn’t the music I wanted there.
There is no doubt I can appreciate Fun. for what it is. A great talent gone pop. Compared to most radio hits, the few tracks from “Some Nights” are at the top of the list. I guess. Anthems about being young and persevering can be great. I just hope Ruess’ instant fame doesn’t prevent him from showcasing what he can really do: sing.
I declare a challenge to the rest of you Format fans out there. Let us “Wait Wait Wait” ticket in hand to give this band the credit it deserves. I believe Ruess gave “The Compromise” of a lifetime leaving his former band behind.
