While The White Stripes continue to be one of the best, most innovative rock bands around, Fountains of Wayne has done something impressive in its own right: mastered the art of writing pop songs.
Some decry pop songs. And I count myself among those who used to put down all pop songs as meaningless bubble gum tripe. I wanted my music to be important - like U2 singing about "Sunday Bloody Sunday" or Peter Gabriel singing about "Biko."
But over time I've come to distinguish between those whose songs are popular despite any lack of any original content (New Kids On The Block, Jay Z, B5, etc.) and those who are good and also happen to popular. Go back and listen to the early Beatles songs and you will find that they are really just pop songs. But that band packed so much in to each simple song.
With all the boy bands and divas around it's hard to find good pop but some does exist, and that is where Fountains of Wayne enters the picture.
I first heard their debut album and was amazed. This was not a band trying to say anything profound or do anything totally innovative. No, that is
left for other bands to try out. Fountains of Wayne instead have short songs of angst comparable to Nine Inch Nails or Violent Femmes, but the lyrics are surrounded by such great musical hooks that you have to listen to realize the jagged edges of the pictures being drawn.
This was similar to what the Beautiful South and Housemartins did - great, creative happy-sounding music while disturbing edgy lyrics were contained therein. There are exceptions - not every song is dark or pleading. But how many bands sing, as this band does, about the jerk who never had to worry about getting turned down for the prom?
The band's debut album was amazing. The second album, Utopia Parkway, was more uneven but still was so much better than most other albums around.
Unfortuntely, their biggest hit - "Stacy's Mom" - was probably one of their least original tunes. That was on the band's third album, Welcome Interstate Managers. So if all you know of this band is that song, well, give them another chance.
Article comments
1 - Scott Butki
Does anyone listen to or like these guys?
2 - GoHah
Scott: I love these guys--and you're right on target about their songwriting craftsmanship. I was also happy and surprised to see an appreciative nod to the Housemartins and Beautiful South!!
Thanks, Gordon
3 - Scott Butki
Thanks, Gordon.
I used to be the biggest fans of both bands so you're quite welcome.
4 - joyce
this group has toched me in a way no other has since I was a teenage Beatle fan.Their lyrics and musical ability are first rate.
5 - Scott Butki
Can you give me an example of a song that touched you more than others
6 - GoHah
Scott--I know this question isn't for me, but I'd like to offer "Troubled Times" from Utopia Parkway as an affecting song for me. (On the other hand, in my "Ho Ho Ho, He He He..." article on more amusing songs, I quoted from "Red Dragon Tattoo" and listed a few others Wayne songs in honorable mentions).
7 - Scott Butki
Can you post a link to that piece? I'd like to read it.
The question is open to anyone.
This band reminds me a lot of another one of favorite bands: The Old 97s. 97s are more alt-country but they also write great pop hooks and
perfect songs.
I'll buy and review their new live album soon.
8 - GoHah
Scott--article is here at BC January 6. Thx-G
9 - joyce
Where do I begin.I think Troubled Times,and Valley Winter Song,and also All kinds of Time.But I also like Bought for a song,Maureen,I Know You Well.I just think their music is catchy in a good way and very enjoyable.I saw them live in the summer of 04,and they were great.I can't believe they are not more popular.I think they are my favorite group.
10 - Ryan
Fountains of Wayne are perhaps the worst band I've ever heard, no joking.
11 - Ryan
Or is that 'is perhaps' :p.