You Should Really be Listening to Fun.

I could be oh so clever and do a list of ten reasons why you should listen to the band Fun. and then just list the ten tracks of their debut album Aim and Ignite. But that would be a disservice to an amazing band and it would also make me feel like an ass. So here are some actual reasons why you should be listening to this amazing band right now.

Fun. is the new project of The Format's Nate Ruess. If that name means nothing then you should probably go listen to The Format as well. The Format were one of the great underrated indie bands of the last decade, combining Ruess' brilliantly incisive lyrics with some great orchestral arrangement. Combine that with Jack Antonoff from Steel Train (better listen to them too) and Andrew Dost of Anathallo (them too) and you have a supergroup of sorts with one hell of a pedigree.

Their combined powers make one hell of a debut album. Aim and Ignite feels like a natural progression of The Format's Dog Problems, and that is a very good thing. Whereas Dog Problems was a precise and moving documentation of a failed relationship, Aim and Ignite deals with the aftermath, and Ruess learning to move on from these events.

The album is packed with tunes that could easily be "The next big thing" if people would actually sit up and take notice. "All the Pretty Girls", "Walking the Dog", "Benson and Hedges", and "At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used to Be)" are all prefect indie pop tracks. Catchy, well made and will be stuck in your head for days after.

"The Gambler" is one of the most beautiful songs of the year. Ruess sings about his parents long lasting love, from the day they met, through his successful battle with cancer, to watching their children grow up together. The song is backed by a simple yet lovely piano melody, and Nate's lyrics and vocals really drive the whole thing home. Anyone who doesn't get a tear in their eye listening to this song is dead inside, or just way more manly than me.

The album has lots of replay value. It came out in August and I still can't stop listening to it. Upon each listen new things are found, from the diverse instrumentation to new meaning from Ruess' lyrics.

Most importantly, because if they get successful enough, they will be able to come to Australia and I will be able to see them live. For what it's worth I have also heard they are a great live band. If you don't believe me check their youtube performance of "At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be), where they intersperse Alladin's "A Whole New World" into the song. Seems cool right? Well I want it!

Actually the most important thing, is that they are talented dudes who deserve success, especially as their music is easily accessible no matter what genre you are into. I have passed it around friends who hate my music and even can't help but sing along. Give it a chance, and it will impress you.

Check them out here,

www.ournameisfun.com
www.myspace.com/fun