Last Thursday, I had the honor of attending the Format's live DVD taping at the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles. The night was basically my birthday and Christmas rolled into one. Simply put, I heart the Format, and you should too.

This Arizona duo is comprised of Nate Ruess and Sam Means (although they've picked up a bad ass backing band along the way). Nate's got perfect-pitch pipes and Sam can break your heart with his melodies. Their sophomore release, 'Dog Problems,' is one of the best albums I've heard in the past two years because it's scathing, heartbreaking, fun, infectious and epic all in one perfect 12-song package that can endure repeat for days.

The boys played a 21-song set in the downtown LA venue with members of Limbeck, the Honorary Title, and Rubens Accomplice, but the real surprise was when Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World came on stage for three songs. For me, this was heaven.

So, how do you get into the band? Check this out. The Format is offering a free download of their entire album, 'Dog Problems,' for two weeks beginning on June 26. Seriously! Just go to their website theformat.com for the goods. Then, after you fall in love with them like I did, you can then see them live this summer as they are embarking on a full U.S. tour. Finally, to relive the entire experience, you can purchase their live DVD this fall. Pretty genius.

For a taste of what's to come, download this free mp3 of 'The Compromise' and check out its accompanying live acoustic performance.

Band: Ari Hest

Album: 'The Break-In'

Label: Columbia Records

Roll Call: Ari Hest (vocals, guitar)

Hails from: Brooklyn, NY

Sound: Pete Yorn meets Marc Cohn

Website: www.arihest.com

Bandelicious because: Ari's pop-folk jams are calming and sincere, channeling everyone from Bob Seger to Eliot Smith. "A lot of my earlier songs were inspired by things I went through, like struggling with love and relationships," Ari says. "This time, on many songs I consciously took a step back and tried to look through other people's eyes. Maybe it's because I'm a little older or maybe I just care more now about what's going on in the world."

Fresh and Free mp3 download: 'So Slow' by Ari Hest

Want to see Ari in action? Check out this video for "They're on to Me' from Ari's first album 'Someone to Tell.'

Band: Dear and the Headlights

Album: 'Small Steps, Heavy Hooves'

Label: Equal Vision Records

Roll Call: Ian Metzger (vocals, guitar), Joel Marquard (vocals, guitar, keys), Chuckie Duff (bass), PJ Waxman (vocals, guitar), Mark Kulvinskas (drums)

Sound: Melee meets Bear vs. Shark

Website: www.myspace.com/dearandtheheadlights

Bandelicious because: This is the best album we've heard all year. You'll fall instantaneously once you hear 'Sweet Talk,' then realize it's absolute true love when you listen to 'Run in the Front' or 'I'm Bored, Your Amorous.' Pick any track on the record and you're hooked. Period.

Fresh and Free mp3 download: 'Sweet Talk' by Dear and the Headlights

Band: Circa Survive

Album: 'On Letting Go'

Label: Equal Vision Records

Roll Call: Anthony Green (vocals), Colin Frangicetto (guitar), Brendan Ekstrom (guitar), Nick Beard (bass), Steve Clifford (drums)

Sound: Coheed and Cambria minus the Dungeons and Dragons

Website: http://www.circasurvive.com/

Bandelicious because: Anthony is force both as a performer and lead vocalist. His voice is like icing on the prog stylings of Colin and Brendan's guitar work, taking the listener on twisting ride with every song. Get in on it now, because Circa is about to take over.

Fresh and Free mp3 download: 'In the Morning and Amazing...' by Circa Survive

Check out Circa Survive's video for 'Act Appalled' from their first album, 'Juturna.'

Band: The Dear Hunter

Album: 'Act II: The Meaning Of, & All Things Regarding Ms. Leading'

Label: Triple Crown Records

Roll Call: Casey Crescenzo (vocals/Rhodes/guitar), Erick Serna (guitar), Luke H. Dent, (guitar, keys), Sammy Dent (drums), Josh Rheault (bass)

Sound: Thrice meets the Mars Volta

Website: www.myspace.com/thedearhunter

Bandelicious because: The music undulates through every emotion a human being can feel, and Casey's vocals can angrily cut your skin open and then tenderly stitch it back up -- all in one breath. The Dear Hunter makes progressive rock beautiful.

Fresh and Free mp3 download: 'The Bitter Suite (Part III)' by The Dear Hunter

Band: New Atlantic

Album: 'The Streets, The Sounds, And The Love'

Label: Eyeball Records

Roll Call: Giovanni Gianni (vocals), Chris Hindley (guitar), Dave Carlson (bass), Matthew Sztyk (guitar), Jacob Kalb (drums)

Sound: Coldplay meets Augustana

Website: www.myspace.com/newatlantic

Bandelicious because: Their indie pop-rock hooks are Top 40 radio-friendly and stay in your head for days. Also, their video for 'Wire and Stone' features Will Pugh, lead singer of Cartel, and they're managed by The Starting Line's Matt Watts.

Fresh and Free mp3 download: 'Wire and Stone' by New Atlantic

Check out New Atlantic's video for 'Wire and Stone' featuring Will Pugh from Cartel:

Band: Amber Pacific

Album: 'Truth In Sincerity'

Label: Hopeless Records

Roll Call: Matt Young (vocals), Greg Strong (bass), Dango (drums), Will Nutter (guitar/vocals)

Sound: Pop-punk, but the good kind

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Website: www.amberpacific.com

Bandelicious because: Alternative Press deemed 'Truth In Sincerity' one of the Most Anticipated Albums of 2007, and the band is embarking on their fourth year on the Vans Warped Tour this summer.

Fresh and Free mp3 download: 'Fall Back Into My Life' by Amber Pacific

You're invited to Amber Pacific's full CD Listening Party