Fountains of Wayne

Amazon.com
Fountains of Wayne is one of the leaders of the latest in a long series of power- pop revivals. If the music sounds a lot like mid-'60s pop rock, it's no accident, for the songwriters are unabashed British Invasion fans. The songs on the debut album, Fountains of Wayne, take perky, '60s-like hooks and marry them to ambiguous, unnerving, '90s-like lyrics. Some songs offer an untrustworthy narrator; when the singer complains about "Joe Rey," a Eurotrash jet-setter, you wonder whether he's expressing disdain or envy and whether the song's noisy guitar energy belongs to the band or to Joe Rey. And there's something about the pent-up Mersey-beat energy and pleading vocals of "Please Don't Rock Me Tonight" that make one suspect the singer doesn't really mean what he says. Schlesinger and Collingswood are undeniably clever, but they're not afraid to rock. --Geoffrey Himes

Fountains of Wayne,Fountains of Wayne,Atlantic / Wea,Alternative Pop/Rock,Indie Pop,Jangle Pop,Pop,Pop Underground,Popular Music,Power Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

---

Fountains of Wayne

Average customer rating: I'm going to be listening to this one for a long long time Awesome Corny More of the Same from Fountains of Wayne Fun fun fun!

Traffic and Weather Fountains of Wayne Manufacturer: Virgin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sky Blue Sky Because of the Times Favourite Worst Nightmare We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank West ASIN: B000N4SKFK Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Someone To Love
2. '92 Subaru
3. Yolanda Hayes
4. Traffic And Weather
5. Fire In The Canyon
6. This Better Be Good
7. Revolving Dora
8. Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim
9. Strapped For Cash
10. I-95
11. Hotel Majestic
12. Planet Of Weed
13. New Routine
14. Seatbacks And Traytables

Amazon.com

Punctuated by 2005's sprawling compilation of B-sides and outtakes (Out-of-State Plates), a nearly four-year interval between fresh recordings has done nothing to tarnish Fountain of Wayne's pop-drenched songwriting tandem of Chris Collingswood and Adam Schlesinger. This 14-song bash is a late-'60s/early-'70s time warp that exploits every facet of the pop action plan (chiming guitars, infectious choruses, sinful harmonies) and begs for radio play. As usual, the band never takes itself too seriously, crafting melodies around a lively, vigorous cast of characters that practically come to life. There's a DMV attendant who can't shake our attention (the bouncy, piano-boosted "Yolanda Hayes"), an airport-stranded couple waiting impatiently for lost luggage (the folksy "Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim"), and ex-lovers who blame it on the highway ("Fire in the Canyon," which explores the radio country-rock of the Eagles and America). They sing of an old-model Japanese car to get the girl ("'92 Subaru") and Renee seeing you "at the Gap in a baseball cap" ("This Better Be Good"), and any way they shake it, even after a too-long interruption, Collingswood and Schlesinger rarely miss the mark. --Scott Holter

Album Description

A new, indelible cast of characters is inducted into the FOW pantheon of stars on Traffic And Weather: Yolanda Hayes, a sullen object of affection behind the glass at the Department Of Motor Vehicles; Seth Shapiro and Beth Mackenzie, two lonely, hardworking New Yorkers who cross paths - sort of - in "Someone To Love" (which features Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur singing backing vocals); the exhausted couple in "Michael and Heather At The Baggage Claim", dragging themselves onto an airport shuttle bus after a long trip; newscasters in heat in the album's title track, and many others. Hapless protagonists like the suspicious boyfriend of "This Better Be Good" and the hit-man target in "Strapped For Cash" are also classic Fountains Of Wayne narrators.

Travel and transportation continue to figure heavily in the on-the-go world of FOW. The guy who buys himself a "'92 Subaru" is convinced that the right pimped-out ride is all he needs to get the girl; in the Beatlesque "i-95" a driver explores a rest area gift shop late at night, on the way to visit his loved one; we hear of "an eerie kind of sadness on the highway today" in the Gram Parsons-tinged "Fire In The Canyon" (featuring backing vocals by the Candy Butchers' Mike Viola, who was the voice of "That Thing You Do"). The misery of sitting in coach on a delayed flight is examined in the wistful waltz "Seatbacks And Traytables" (which contains a guest appearance on guitar by James Iha). And in the semi-epic "New Routine", we follow a series of characters who each randomly pick a new place to live, only to discover someone else there who can't wait to move away.

Customer Reviews:

I'm going to be listening to this one for a long long time.......2007-07-24

Let's make it simple. The music is catchy, the lyrics are fun and original. I hear and feel Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow, and a whole lot of great 80's bands on this one. I dare you not to bob your head while driving and listening to the title track!

Awesome.......2007-07-20

It makes me laugh when I read reviews of people complaining about this record. I like all of FOW's records and I to might've liked a little more guitar driven rockers on this release but for the life of me I can't understand how anyone can put this record down. Nobody out there is as creative lyrically or hook wise and nobody is doing or can do what they are doing and I'm grateful as heck that there is a band out there that I actually look forward to hearing and learning those smart snappy lyrics. These guys are real musicians and that seems to be a long lost artform these days. Go listen to the radio and you'll see what I mean.

Corny.......2007-07-18

This album is either 2 or 3 stars - I decided for 2. This is the first Fountains of Wayne album I have listened to, but I have heard a few of their singles from years ago. The songwriting on this album is real corny, and intentionally so. A lot of the instrumentation is just as corny too - overly catchy hooks and harmonies that grate with only a few listens. Oh, and the name dropping and brand-slinging is rampant and also becomes grating.

Sure, they don't take themselves too seriously, but nearly every single song is obsessed with cars, trains, airplanes, and travel in some way. This obsession certainly is familiar to me - perhaps the songwriter is autistic? Or, to be fairer, maybe they were trying to create a theme album, however, I hear that this band is always obsessed with transportation. I don't know; I must say that I can easily remember each song, which is a good sign, but many songs are not memorable in a good way. I hear other albums, like their self-titled, are better. I recommend listening to that first if, like me, this is the first FoW album you are about to hear.

More of the Same from Fountains of Wayne.......2007-07-15

Fountains of Wayne's latest album doesn't change much of their formula. There are 14 songs, all some variation of pleasant, ultra-catchy pop-rock. It's all well-written and some of it is clever, and yet, the overall effect is something a bit diminished this time. I thought I personally had an endless appetite for cool variations on power-pop, but maybe that's not so true anymore. It's tough to pin down exactly what, if anything, is wrong with Traffic and Weather.

The songs, taken individually, are pretty darn good. There's opener and single "Someone to Love," which features a slight curveball in the familiar FoW formula by including a hyped-up disco-beat chorus. Then there's "Yolanda Hayes," a bouncy song with sweet lyrics about the narrator's attempts to woo a DMV attendant. "This Better Be Good" is about the paranoia of a man who keeps hearing sketchy rumors of his girlfriend being seen with other men and in places she isn't supposed to be. I-95 is a wistful country song with lyrics about driving down the titular interstate to visit a long-distance lover. "Planet of Weed" is a one-joke song that's made to work with the ambient sounds in the background- various clinking and low talking. Plus the piano that fades in and out, playing bits completely unrelated to the main song, and the tambourine that keeps showing up that isn't on the beat at all. "New Routine" is a strong rocker that zooms around the world and tells several stories of disenchanted people making a change in their lives.

But then there's the rest of the songs. The band's penchant for pop-culture references verges on the out-of-control on this album; it'll be dated by 2008. "Someone to Love" works entirely on its music and chorus, the verses reference Coldplay, King of Queens, and The Late Show, and you're getting a bit aggravated on the first song. Then there's "'92 Subaru," a song whose narrator is a pompous jackass talking about how he is pimping out his car. I think it's supposed to be ironic, but the "irony" comes across about as well as Motley Crue's "Dr. Feelgood" came across as an anti-drug song (now they've got me making the references- dammit!). "Traffic and Weather" is a one-joke song that doesn't work, as a male news anchor spends the whole song telling his female co-anchor "we belong together, like traffic and weather." The effect is creepy, and not so funny. "Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim" is a boring story of a couple who have lost their luggage, and it's supposed to be sweet, but it's piled on too thick and becomes cloying. And "Strapped for Cash" features another unlikeable narrator that's supposed to be funny, this time a loser who owes money to everyone.

Leaders Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood are as strong as ever in the songwriting department. But since their style hasn't changed nearly at all over the past decade, the weaknesses in the lyrics keep this album from being a home run. Too bad the guys didn't write more stuff like the two great new songs off of their 2005 B-side collection, "Maureen" and "The Girl I Can't Forget." Despite the complaints, this is still a pretty good album. I'd give it a 3.5 on the Amazon scale, or a solid 7/10.

Fun fun fun!.......2007-06-08

My only prior experience with FOW was Welcome Interstate Managers which I love. Listening to this band never fails to bring a smile to my face. No, they are not very "deep," but they are clever and I always feel like I am in on the joke. Their rhymes put me in mind of Lily Allen. The song that runs through my head these days is Traffic and Weather, but I love Strapped for Cash, and the part that makes me go Awww! is in Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim where Michael asks Heather "Have you had enough?" and Heather says "Michael, you know it's you I love." And how about the places people end up in New Routine? Too funny. This is pop at its finest - catchy, funny and makes you feel smart.

Average customer rating: "He was killed in a cellular phone explosion" awesome. A little uneven, but there's still some great songs to be found. Fantastic album Their best to date!

Welcome Interstate Managers Fountains of Wayne Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Utopia Parkway Fountains of Wayne Out-of-State Plates Traffic and Weather A Hangover You Don't Deserve ASIN: B00009QGF2 Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

1. Mexican Wine
2. Bright Future In Sales
3. Stacy's Mom
4. Hackensack
5. No Better Place
6. Valley Winter Song
7. All Kinds Of Time
8. Little Red Light
9. Hey Julie
10. Halley's Waitress
11. Hung Up On You
12. Fire Island
13. Peace And Love
14. Bought For A Song
15. Supercollider
16. Yours And Mine

Amazon.com

After a four-year hiatus notable for some film and television soundtrack work, a lapsed contract, and a relaxed songwriting schedule Fountains of Wayne return with their third and best CD to date. The New York-based power-pop quartet delivers a diverse feast of infectious melodies and endlessly clever lyrics. Songwriters Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood still slide on a sweet scale between the Beatles and the Monkees, but they've branched out from '60s sounds to include bona fide alt rock ("Little Red Light," "Bought for a Song"), orchestrated pop ("Halley's Waitress"), a country lark worthy of Dwight Yoakam ("Hung Up On You"), and hints of psychedelia ("Supercollider"). The Cars-flavored "Bright Future in Sales" and "Stacy's Mom" warrant heavy-rotation airplay. Following their acclaimed eponymous debut and the vastly underrated Utopia Parkway, Welcome Interstate Managers leaves no doubt that Fountains of Wayne are gaining strength. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

"He was killed in a cellular phone explosion".......2007-06-21

When I heard these words, the first of the first song, I was completely hooked.

It's a great album, full of 1960's-sounding music, but with themes from the 1990's and 2000's. Every song's a winner, with lyrics that stick in your mind.

awesome........2007-05-13

i love this cd. fountains of wayne are more versatile than you'd imagine -- they span everything from country-like rock to punk rock to acoustic. and the lyrics are beautiful, as well. go fountains of wayne!

A little uneven, but there's still some great songs to be found........2007-02-19

WELCOME INTERSTATE MANAGERS opens with a series of clever rhymes (or near rhymes as the acceptable equivalent) in the song "Mexican Wine" a bit of nonsense that sets the tone for this one. From the slacker salesman in "Bright Future in Sales" (Really reminds me of some old Nick Lowe) to the hopeless dreamer trapped in "Hackensack," there are a lot of great characters here. This one even has a hit for a band that deserves it in the form of "Stacy's Mom," a quirky look at teenage lust. But sometimes the songs land flat, like on Halley's Waitress" that stretches the metaphor way too far, "Hung Up On You" with it's forced twang, or "Peace and Love" that could be taken with tongue in cheek or not; it's just too earnest to convince. Then you hear something like "Valley Winter Song" or "Hey Julie" and all is forgiven. This is a band that's just hard not to like.

Fantastic album.......2006-12-20

I was not too impressed on my first listen, but by listen #3 was hooked. The more I've listened to this album, the better it sounds. I initially thought the latter half of the album would have been better left off, but how wrong I was. Even the country song (#11) has a strong pop melody to it, and I am definitely NOT a fan of country music in general. The only songs I'm not crazy about are Fire Island and Peace and Love (#s 12 and 13). All the songs (even those 2) will stick in your head -- Fountains of Wayne are definitely experts at crafting a good pop song. There are so many great songs on here that it's hard to pick favorites, but Mexican Wine, Hackensack, Valley Winter Song, and Supercollider (#s 1,4,6,& 15) are definitely on my favorite list, as is Stacy's Mom. I am a 49-year-old woman and had some reservations about the lyrics of the latter song (it doesn't seem like something a grown woman should be listening to or singing!), but the music is so nearly perfect that I purchased it despite those reservations, and I'm very glad I did. This album is probably the best music purchase I've made in years and is sure to be enjoyed by Baby Boomers who miss the good pop songs of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Their best to date!.......2006-10-16

This is so far the best CD from Fountains of Wayne. It's filled with so many strongs songs. Some of my favorites include "Bright future in sales" and "Hey Julie". One of my all-time favorite lyrics is from the song "No Better Place":

"And the bourbon sits inside me
Right now I'm a puppet in its sway
And it may be the whiskey talking
But the whiskey says I miss you every day"

I had the pleasure of seeing FOW and a small club in Atlanta, Ga called Smith's Ole Bar. I was tickled that with all the volume coming from that stage, the vocal performance was very "subdued" and it occured to me that the true star on that stage was the lyrics of each song.

Average customer rating: I love this CD! Parkway to Pleasure A Pop Classic Member of a rare species: the perfect pop album Catchy Happy Guitar Pop

Utopia Parkway Fountains of Wayne Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Fountains of Wayne Welcome Interstate Managers Out-of-State Plates Traffic and Weather Drunk Enough to Dance ASIN: B00000IFW1 Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

1. Utopia Parkway
2. Red Dragon Tattoo
3. Denise
4. Hat And Feet
5. The Valley Of Malls
6. Troubled Times
7. Go, Hippie
8. A Fine Day For A Parade
9. Amity Gardens
10. Laser Show
11. Lost In Space
12. Prom Theme
13. It Must Be Summer
14. The Senator's Daughter

Amazon.com

Fountains of Wayne's second album is somewhat of a new thing under the sun: Pet Sounds for '90s Jersey high schoolers. Main-men Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood litter these songs with cultural references (Pink Floyd laser shows, tattoos, Puff Daddy, lavender Lexuses, "You Dropped a Bomb on Me"), but their "Valley of Malls" is saturated with as much bittersweetness as that of Adam Sandler's wedding singer. The pop-savvy Schlesinger--who also puts in time as a member of Ivy and wrote That Thing You Do!'s title song--is wiseacre enough to dub a touching ELO tribute "Prom Theme," but when the album ends with one of the kids falling for "The Senator's Daughter," it feels as openhearted as when Brian Wilson puzzled over why he just wasn't made for these times. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

I love this CD!.......2007-06-04

This is a great CD. There is not one song that I do not like. It has this 70's sound to it. I love to listen to it over and over again. My favorite song is Dragon Tattoo.

Parkway to Pleasure.......2006-08-26

The second (and probably least appreciated) album by Fountains of Wayne. Although there are not many chart toppers here (mainly due to the album's softer tone), I found the album very enjoyable, although if I had to pick a single FoW album to own it would be their self titled debut. Chris and Adam continue to write lyric that make me laugh (who else would you hear "We've driving.. through the Valley of Malls" from?) and put them to tunes with varied (from the psychedelia of Go Hippie to the electronica of Denise) melodies. Favorites include Red Dragon Tattoo, Troubled Times (one of prettiest relationship ending songs I think I've ever heard.. Almost make you want to break up all over again), and The Senator's Daughter.

A Pop Classic.......2006-08-20

The more I listen to Fountains of Wayne, the more they amaze me. Intelligent, witty, and catchy songs, and they can play, too. Who do these guys think they are? The Beatles?

Member of a rare species: the perfect pop album.......2006-07-26

One of the few perfect pop music albums made in the past 25 years. If there was a college class on how to make a pop record, Utopia Parkway should be the primary textbook.

There are no filler tracks on the album. Zero.

Great melodies. Great hooks. Sly little songs like Denise, Laser Show, and Lost in Space don't wear out their welcome. They come in like a cool, refreshing breeze and are gone in less than 2½ minutes. Never does this album drag. A few semi-serious songs will make you think, like the nostalgic Prom Theme. Mostly FoW is about having a good time, describing ordinary life with wit, in a perfect musical context. They know exactly when to use acoustic guitars, electric guitars, a cheesy synth, or a soaring string part.

Fountains of Wayne are able to express genuine pity in songs like Go Hippie and Fine Day For A Parade, but even here their sense of humor and intelligence never flags. Hippie contains a classic guitar solo that recycles every stereotypical riff and effect from the psychedelic era and spits it out in one minute. I love it! You will smile with recognition and thrill to the beauty of it.

Sometimes it is easier to list an album's flaws than its strengths. Honestly, after a dozen listens to Utopia Parkway, I can't find any flaws. If pressed, I would say that lead vocalist Chris Collingwood's voice is slightly thinner and weaker than on FoW's latest studio record, Welcome Interstate Managers, but for this type of music, it is hardly necessary to have the chops of a Billy Joel or the power of a Springsteen to pull it off. And Chris does, in spades.

Red Dragon Tatoo
It's just about on me
I got it for you
So now do you want me
With nothing to prove
Will you be my honey
Oh yeah
In you I confide
Red dragon tatoo
I'm fit to be dyed
Am I fit to have you?

This chorus from the second song on Utopia Parkway sums up the humor, simplicity, and cleverness of Fountains of Wayne. Like Interstate Managers, Utopia Parkway's songs are written from a middle-class suburban perspective. And what's wrong with that? FoW are us. Arguably this is a better album than their latest and more famous Welcome Interstate Managers, but really both albums are five star efforts. Don't be in the dark about this great band.

Catchy Happy Guitar Pop.......2005-10-10

Utopia Parkway shimmers with the accomplished song writing that Fountains Of Wayne are famous for. With a Beatles meets Weezer sense of harmony and melody and lyrics with the kind of sense of humour and play on words purveyed by the likes of Ween and They Might Be Giants. There are serious ditties too but the majority is straight up fun. It is up beat, immediate and catchy and if that is the way you like your pop then buy this album. If you like things a bit more experimental or gritty this is not for you.

Average customer rating: Mixed bag for the Fountains fan not as good as Welcome Interstate Managers... For a bunch of leftovers, these are really good! out of state plates A Must for FOW Fans

Out-of-State Plates Fountains of Wayne Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Utopia Parkway Welcome Interstate Managers Fountains of Wayne Traffic and Weather You Could Have It So Much Better ASIN: B0009OL808 Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

1. Number 45 Sunblock
2. Maureen
3. California Sex Lawyer
4. Janice's Party
5. Karpet King
6. Baby I've Changed
7. I Know You Well
8. You're Just Never Satisfied
9. I'll Do The Driving
10. Nightlight
11. I Want You Around
12. Trains And Boats And Planes
13. Places
14. Can't Get it Out Of My Head (Live)

Tracks:

1. City Folk Morning
2. The Girl I Can't Forget
3. ...Baby One More Time
4. Elevator Up
5. Comedienne
6. Kid Gloves
7. Today's Teardrops
8. She's Got A Problem (Live)
9. These Days
10. I Want An Alien For Christmas
11. The Man In The Santa Suit
12. Chanukah Under The Stars
13. Killermont Street
14. Half A Woman
15. Small Favors
16. Imperia

Amazon.com

Out-of-State Plates is the byproduct of nearly a decade of Fountains of Wayne's stellar power-pop pursuits. The 28 performances (two other tracks are brief, snarky radio excerpts) culled together on this double-disc anthology may represent demos and previously unreleased leftovers from the band's three albums, but their consistent quality belies any notion of the extraneous. Also spotlighted are two new performances: the rollicking rush "Maureen" and the infectious, pop-souful "The Girl I Can't Forget." An eclectic slate of covers ranges from wistful takes on Jackson Browne's "These Days" and ELO's "Can't Get It Out of My Head" to a spry, countrified version of Gene Pitney's "Today's Teardrops" and their delicious, barely tongue-in-cheek cult-fave version of Britney Spears's "...Baby One More Time." Another delight is "California Sex Lawyer," while the mirthful "I Want an Alien for Christmas" and "The Man in the Santa Suit" offer up some welcome holiday cheer. The package also includes a track-by-track commentary by band mainstays Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Mixed bag for the Fountains fan.......2007-04-02

If you're a fan, you'll probably like this disk set. Like most "previously unreleased" compilations it has some gems, some dogs and some oddities. If you are looking for your first disk from these guys, try Welcome Intersate Managers or Utopia Parkway.

not as good as Welcome Interstate Managers..........2007-01-10

Did not find much interesting or, frankly, good on this albumn - unlike other Fountains of Wayne efforts in the past. Kind of a let down...

For a bunch of leftovers, these are really good!.......2006-12-03

After three studio albums, FoW decided to put out this double CD collection of B-sides, live tracks, and demo's. This delightful collection of "leftovers" continues the band's talent for writing catchy, melodic power-pop. Truth be told, they could've marketed the entire collection as another studio album if they wanted to. But I think they wanted to put out this collection just to appease us fans until their next album comes out (sometime next year), which I'm very glad they did! In the meantime, I'll just have to settle to listening these songs over and over again! :)

Stand out tracks:

Maureen
California Sex Lawyer
Janice's Party
I Know You Well
I'll Do The Driving
The Girl I Can't Forget
Kid Gloves
I Want An Alien For Christmas
The Man In The Santa Suit
Imperia

If you're into power pop, you should check out this other band by the name of Material Issue (R.I.P., Jim Ellison - God rest his soul...).

out of state plates.......2006-11-05

The remakes they do from other artists are great. They take a fluff song from Brittiny Spears and turn it into a work of art and take a great classic from ELO and do an excellent remake. A lot of their other tunes are very good. Theres a few lame tunes but on a two CD set you have to expect it. Great Christmas song included.

A Must for FOW Fans.......2006-07-26

These two discs are as good as any FOW have done -- even if they are demos, B sides, novelty cuts and experiments. "The Night I Can't Remember and the Girl I Can't Forget" is a perfect demonstration of their perfect pop sensibilities. Clever lyrics and better hooks.

That's followed by their version of "Baby One More Time" that is completely different from Brittney's but just as good. The notes from Adam and Chris are very funny yet...
also informative!

Average customer rating: Wow power pop at its best one of my faves Self Titled Magic A lesser known pop rock classic! Most people will LOVE THIS!

Fountains of Wayne Fountains of Wayne Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Utopia Parkway Out-of-State Plates Welcome Interstate Managers Traffic and Weather That Thing You Do!: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B000002JX0 Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

1. Radiation Vibe
2. Sink To The Bottom
3. Joe Rey
4. She's Got A Problem
5. Survival Car
6. Barbara H.
7. Sick Day
8. I've Got A Flair
9. Leave The Biker
10. You Curse At Girls
11. Please Don't Rock Me Tonight
12. Everything's Ruined

Amazon.com

Fountains of Wayne is one of the leaders of the latest in a long series of power- pop revivals. If the music sounds a lot like mid-'60s pop rock, it's no accident, for the songwriters are unabashed British Invasion fans. The songs on the debut album, Fountains of Wayne, take perky, '60s-like hooks and marry them to ambiguous, unnerving, '90s-like lyrics. Some songs offer an untrustworthy narrator; when the singer complains about "Joe Rey," a Eurotrash jet-setter, you wonder whether he's expressing disdain or envy and whether the song's noisy guitar energy belongs to the band or to Joe Rey. And there's something about the pent-up Mersey-beat energy and pleading vocals of "Please Don't Rock Me Tonight" that make one suspect the singer doesn't really mean what he says. Schlesinger and Collingswood are undeniably clever, but they're not afraid to rock. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Wow.......2006-10-28

I discovered this in 1997, long before Stacy's mom. If you like Stacy's Mom, you will love this album. It blows away their later stuff. It is a must have if you love catchy, pop, infectious music. You will be tapping your toe almost the entire time. There are a couple of slower songs, but the rest of the album sufficiently makes up for the speed bumps. MUST HAVE.

power pop at its best.......2006-09-09

This is a classic work that has yet to be formally recognized.

FOW is a terrific power pop group. They have 2 other cds out that are good but not as earnest as this one. FOW tends to be tongue in cheek, smarmy, sometimes too cute. Their first cd, this one, is more pure and honest.

What makes the group so good is the lyrics. They are clever yet at the same time done in a unique, conversational manner. Like a close friend telling you a story, in everyday jargon only to music. The music is amped up... Ramones style (but more musically sophisticated).

All the songs are great, there is no filler. "Radiation Vibe" kicks off the cd with energy and a very catchy chorus. "Joe Rey" moves fast and employs a Nirvana soft/heavy style. "Shes got a problem" and "Sick Day" epitomizes the unique conversational songcraft. "Barbara H" rocks, rocks rocks! "I've got a problem" and "Leave the Biker" examplifies the wit in their songwriting.

The cd moves at a quick pace.

Interestingly, the very precious cd cover art of a little boy in pajamas acting out some fatasy, "I.m a superhero" thing perfectly reflects the tone and theme of this cd. This was music made, at the time, by and up and coming band that did not care what was in vogue and maintained a very real and honest vibe.

Their other cds are very good but not like this one!

one of my faves.......2006-09-04

One of those rare albums where EVERY song on it is excellent. Each track on here are filled with extremely catchy hooks that will stick in your head for months. I still have a hard time getting some of the songs out of my head, after I heard for the first time about 4 months ago.

I came into this album expecting a generic 90's alt rock album, when I heard in actuality a brilliant Beatles/Beach Boys influenced power pop with a modern production filled with references of the tri-state area.

Some of the lyrics struck me as really lame at first, like in "Leave The Biker", but once you realize how awesome the music is, you start to pick out that these are obviously tongue in cheek. "I've Got A Flair", "Joe Rey", "Barbara H"... it is extremely hard to get these hooks out of your head.

"Everything's Ruined", my favorite song on the album is on here too, which is quite unlike anything else on the album. It is a gentle piano ballad with a beautiful melody and lyrics that are obviously meant to be more serious.

If there's any similar album like this one that came out around the same time, i'd definitely like to hear it. This is an excellent album and has quickly become one of my favorites of all time.

Self Titled Magic.......2006-08-26

There isn't a song in this collection that isn't at least good. Catchy, quirky lyrics, with British Invasion inspired melodies. Be careful, or after listening to this album you'll catch yourself singing it. Radiation Vibe, Sick Day, and Please Don't Rock Me Tonight are my personal favorites.

A lesser known pop rock classic! Most people will LOVE THIS!.......2005-12-29

Whatever you might be thinking of FOW's hit "Stacy's Mom", be prepared for a surprise when you hear this CD! Every track on this album is pop rock gold. Every song is laced with very catchy hooks and (mostly) interesting lyrics, and they're always funny and quotable (they have a GREAT sense of humor). This is one of the few albums I can come back and listen to at any time without getting tired of it. Sonically it does sounds very 90's-ish, but it's definitely not dated. Songs like "Radiation Vibe" and "Barbara H.", for example, are lesser pop rock classics, but really the entire album is simply amazing (it's similar to how good Marshall Crenshaw's solo is). Chris Collingwood also does an excellent job capturing the heart of the lyrics with his slightly nerdy vocals. Any self-respecting collector and/or music fan NEEDS this CD! Absolutely recommended!

Highlights include:
"Radiation Vibe"
"Joe Rey"
"She's Got A Problem"
"Barbara H."
"Leave The Biker"
the rest are awesome, too

Average customer rating: Definitely worth buying! Their BEST album in 30 years!

Here & Now (2 CD + DVD) America , Ryan Adams , Ben Kweller , My Morning Jacket , Nada Surf , and Fountains Of Wayne Manufacturer: Burgundy Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Horizontal Fall ASIN: B000N30F2W

Product Description

Limited 2 CD Set with Bonus Live DVD of AMERICA's Greatest Hits. DISC ONE: 1)Chasing The Rainbow, 2)Indian Summer, 3)One Chance, 4)Golden, 5)Always Love, 6)Ride On, 7)Love & Leaving, 8)Look At Me Now, 9)This Time, 10)Work To Do, 11)All I Think About Is You, 12)Walk In The Woods DISC TWO - Live at the XM Performance Theater 1)Ventura Highway, 2)Don't Cross The River, 3)Daisy Jane, 4)I Need You, 5)Tin Man, 6)Muskrat Love, 7)Woman Tonight, 8)Only In Your Heart, 9)Lonely People, 10)Sandman, 11)Sister Golden Hair, 12)A Horse With No Name BONUS DVD - Live at the XM Performance Theater 1)Ventura Highway, 2)Daisy Jane, 3)I Need You, 4)Tin Man, 5)Only In Your Heart, 6)Sandman, 7)Sister Golden Hair, 8)A Horse With No Name

Customer Reviews:

Definitely worth buying!.......2007-05-20

I'm a huge fan of Fountains of Wayne, and had just purchased "Traffic and Weather" when a friend of mine had America's new "Here and Now" on his system. I did one of those double take moments, saying, "Wait a minute, I have the new Fountains of Wayne album, and this song isn't on it!" When I heard that it was America (I'm a fan of their older stuff), I was very impressed. Let me put it this way, it's a bit like getting two new FOW albums in one year- not a bad thing at all!

The writing on "Here and Now" is really good- there's a couple of rather "iffy" songs, IMHO, but the good writing really shows. Kudos!

Their BEST album in 30 years!.......2007-02-17

This is America's best album since their heyday in the the mid-70s! This album was a modest hit on the Billboard album charts hitting 52 on the Billboard 200 and 11 on the Top Internet Albums charts; their best chart showing since 1982's View From the Ground. Working with younger performers like Adam Schlesinger, James Iha, and Ryan Adams seems to have renewed their creative spirit and energized them! Their performance of songs like "Indian Summer", "One Chance", "Ride On", "Look At Me Now", and "Work To Do" are all outstanding, making it difficult to pick a favorite. All of those songs deserve air-play!

The second CD is a live recording of all the songs from their multi-platinum "History: America's Greatest Hits" album. While in a few places Gerry Beckley's voice is starting to show some strain from four decades of performing, Dewey Bunnell's voice seems as strong as ever. The performances are very good and include several songs not available on any of their other live albums. The new intro to "Sandman" is exceptional. Solid performances all the way around!

The bonus DVD includes the video of some of their live performances.

All-in-all this is an OUTSTANDING set and I highly recommend it!

Average customer rating:

You're So Lucky London Calling Manufacturer: Atenza ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00025XNV6 Release Date: 2004-07-06

Album Details

Formed in December 2002. The Band Includes Ex Guardian Member Jamie Rowe and Former Members of the Frantics.

Average customer rating:

Stacy's Mom, Pt. 1 Fountains of Wayne Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | CD Singles | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000YDXZU Release Date: 2004-03-08

Album Details

The Grammy Nominated Song Backed with a Cover of Bacharach and David's "Trains and Boats and Planes" .

Average customer rating:

The Day Traders The Day Traders Manufacturer: 20/20 Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0006MSNTM Release Date: 2004-11-15

Tracks:

1. Tonight I Wanna Be Sad
2. Why
3. Out Of My Head
4. Sorry About The Time
5. Worry About You
6. The Night They Said Goodbye
7. Fantasy
8. Goodnight
9. Work It Out
10. Someone Else Will
11. Come Home

Album Description

"If the Fountains of Wayne, Squeeze, and the Bee Gees had a baby, it would sound like The Day Traders." -Big Fan

Average customer rating:

The Modern Genius of Ray Davies Steve Wynn, Redd Kross, Mudhoney, The Thanes Fountains of Wayne , The Green Pajamas, Yo La Tengo, Kevin Tihista, The Blue Aeroplanes Bill LLoyd , and Peter Bruntnell, Mark Lanegan, Ed Kuepper, Gravenhurst Holly Golightly ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000PEQYWE

Product Description

15 tracks

Rap Music:

1. Frengers [Import]
2. Good Morning Vietnam: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Soundtrack]
3. Gravity
4. Greatest Hits [Import]
5. Hand of Blood [Enhanced]
6. Hasten Down the Wind
7. Haunted [Enhanced]
8. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (An Anthology)
9. In The Court Of The Crimson King: 30th Anniversary Edition [Original recording remastered]
10. Innocence & Despair

Rap Music

rap music

Recommended Music:

Dispersion [Import]

Haydn: Divertimenti For Winds [Import]

Momentum 2: The Laws of Refraction

Music: Creatures of Prometheus

Maximum White Stripes: The Unauthorised Biography Of The White Stripes

Last Night [CD-single]

Long Play Mother's Day

Let Me In [Import] [CD-single]

Karaoke: The Songs of the Dixie Chicks [Karaoke]

History of [Import]

Luxor

Kathryn Rose [Import]

Mayday Mix: Derrick May [Import]

25 Hymns Kids Love to Sing

Lionel Hampton - Greatest Hits [RCA]