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DOWNLOAD: Ex-Format Member's New Song

MP3

By David Marchese on September 22, 2009 9:04 AM (18) Comments

Sam Means

Joining a line that stretches back to Simon & Garfunkel's contributions to The Graduate and runs through Karen O's soundtrack for the upcoming Where the Wild Things Are, Sam Means of currently-on-hiatus Phoenix-based pop-rockers the Format will release his soundtrack to last year's indie comedy The Sinking of Santa Isabel on September 29.

According to Means, the soundtrack -- which features six full songs and twenty instrumental tracks -- came together almost by accident. "I received a phone call from the director, Michael Hamblin, asking if I would be interested in scoring his new film," Means tells SPIN.com. "He informed me the original score had been pulled, so the budget was long gone, and there seemed to be a mild sense of urgency to get it done. It was a challenge I happily accepted. Who needs a budget when you have a laptop, a cheap microphone, and some extremely helpful friends?"

The result? "Saying this soundtrack is lo-fi might be an understatement," explains Means, "but I think it works."

If the rest of the album is like the sweetly sleepy "Yeah Yeah," Means has nothing to worry about. Take a listen below and tell us what you think of Means' first post-Format release in the comments section.

LISTEN: Sam Means, "Yeah Yeah" (DOWNLOAD MP3)

Topics:

Posted By Anonymous

09.22.09 3:32 PM

Great song! This is the member I want to hear some new music from...bring it on, Sam.

Posted By UK

09.22.09 3:47 PM

This is great can't wait to hear the rest. Sam does it again!

Posted By Anonymous

09.22.09 4:15 PM

Hey sounds great. You go, Format. You do that whole solo career deal.

Posted By Anonymous

09.22.09 5:46 PM

Fun gave me my Nate fix, but I'm so incredibly glad Sam is making music again! This is such a great song!

Posted By Mary Queen of Scots

09.22.09 6:23 PM

I have played this song about 20 times today. I've been walking around singing and humming "yeah yeah". It is good to see both of the format boys making music again!

I can't wait to see the movie and hear the whole soundtrack.

Posted By My 3 babies

09.22.09 8:40 PM

This is GREAT we need more music by SAM MEANS!!!

Posted By Anonymous

09.22.09 10:50 PM

What a great song! I actually saw the film, The Sinking of Santa Isabel at the Cinequest Film Festival in 2008 for its world premiere. This score by Sam didn't exist at the time and I can't wait to see what Sam has done. The movie was really quite unique. A nice little indy film and with Sam's stuff it should be even better.

Posted By Anonymous

09.23.09 12:26 AM

I was so psyched to see this post! Sam is one of the most singularly talented musicians out there. Thank you Spin! The song is amazing...already in heavy rotation.

Posted By Anonymous

09.23.09 12:29 AM

I 100% agree with Zac! Sam Means Rules

Posted By Anonymous

09.23.09 1:08 PM

I can't get enough of this song!! Sam is definitely an amazing musician and my favorite Format member ever!

Posted By Mary R

09.24.09 8:40 AM

This is amazing. Sam Means is an amazing musician, and anything he does will be phenominal. Although, I miss The Format.. tons!

Posted By Anonymous

09.24.09 1:23 PM

I love the folk vibe and the fact that Sam was able to produce something completely different than the typical Format stuff, yet still have it turn out just as awesome! cant wait for the album

Posted By Anonymous

09.24.09 3:51 PM

Sounds very promising. I loved The Format...Dog Problems is one of the best records of the last decade...Fun was a huge dissapointment...not bad music, just bland and un-exciting version of The Format. Hopefully Sam's stuff will be better!

Posted By donny

09.24.09 6:35 PM

A great song from Sam. I've been following Nate and his FUN project. I'm gonna have to keep an eye out for Sam's music also

Posted By Anonymous

09.25.09 12:02 PM

I like the simplicity of this song. I can't wait to hear more!

Posted By anon

09.27.09 3:07 PM

my heart broke when the format broke up. and NOW there is Fun. & sam's solo stuff. it's like DOUBLE the format!!! its excellent. they are both amazing musicians. this is an awesome awesome song. cant wait for the movie.

Posted By ILoveTabelhaha

10.01.09 11:40 PM

I love Sam Means' talent. Seeing him perform in the past was amazing! Can't wait to hear more. Congrats Mr. Means. :)

Posted By Anonymous

10.03.09 7:19 PM

Although The Format breaking up was quite devistating, I'm so pleased to hear both Sam and Nate have moved on to greater things. Boys got talent. :)