Review 1 of 5

JimiGreenjeans writes:

4of 5 Stars

Fountains of Wayne exemplifies idiosyncratic songwriting. Their songs are about their own very specific experiences. When they write a song about a '92 Subaru, I suspect it's because something actually happened to one of them along the lines of the song.

When you hear the word "Liechtenstein" in one of their songs, I suspect a bet was made on whether that word could viably be worked into a song.

They have wonderful senses of humor, and yet, when you see them live, they also exude cynicism. It's painful to watch. I just saw them open for Squeeze, a remarkably similarly idiosyncratic band, and they shot themselves in the foot with their playlist. No "Mexican Wine," no "'92 Subaru," no "Bright Future in Sales," no "Traffic and Weather," no "This Better Be Good" -- generally a downbeat repertoire and quite disappointing.

Traffic and Weather is a very enjoyable album that continues Fountains of Wayne's run as the most humorous recording artists since The Presidents of the United States fizzled out.

Others have noted their influences, but to me, the most obvious influence is Billy Joel. There are several overt allusions to Joel in their songs -- e.g., "... tryin' to learn the chords to 'Just The Way You Are,'" in Peace and Love off of Welcome Interstate Managers. There are other less obvious, but more clever hat-tips as well. The title of the song "Hackensack" is no doubt derived from Joel's "Anthony's Song," and only the second song I know of that uses the word "Hackensack." On Traffic and Weather, the song "Strapped For Cash" has the lyrics "... heart attack," even using the digital delay to create an "ackackackack..." effect just like in "Anthony's Song." Even using Joel as an influence has irony all wrapped up in it, as Joel was the consummate thief in his melodic arrangements.

Being a Fountains of Wayne fan is commendable -- these guys are very smart and entertaining, and I recommend the latest effort.

Aug 14, 2007 14:12:31

Review 2 of 5

Tomdabomb9 writes:

4of 5 Stars

Fountains of Wayne is one of those bands you're really glad exist. I know that sounds stupid and doesn't seem to make sense, but let me explain. Fountains of Wayne is one of the most original bands out there. When you listen to their songs you're just glad there's a band out there that writes songs that them, because they are one of a kind. There is no other artist out there that even resembles them. They are great songwriters, with songs ranging from country to pop and even some psychedelic stuff, but what I like most about them is they don't take themselves seriously. They just do their thing and have fun with it, and while messing around just happen to make great music. They also prove that you don't have to be a tormented soul to be a great artist. Their songs are mostly witty and funny, while still sending a strong message. They do this through characters they make up for the songs. Mostly people who either have drinking problems, a bad job, or are in traffic. Anyway on to the album. Traffic and Weather is their 5th album, 4th with all new material. It opens with their potent single "Someone to Love," a catchy tune about two lonely souls that promises to capture your heart, while making you want to get up and dance. The next song talks about a crappy fifteen year old car that some idiot thinks is great. A little later in the album comes the country sounding song "Fire in the Canyon," a beautiful song about traveling. Other notable songs are the hilarious "Strapped for Cash," and "New Routine," which is about people who are bored with their lives and ready to go somewhere new.

May 24, 2007 03:53:01

Review 3 of 5

jferry2 writes:

5of 5 Stars

This is the best CD by anyone since, well, Fountains of Wayne's last new CD. At the risk of incuring flamers by the use of hyperbole, I'll go as far as to say that FOW is one of very few artists that puts out albums where every single song is enjoyable and worthy of repeated listening - other than the Beatles, who else has done that?

Speaking of the original fab four, their influence creeps in here from time to time, but not in an over-powering way. ("Someone to Love" tells a story the way McCartney did with Eleanor Rigby, and "Yolanda Hayes" borrows a couple notes from Getting Better.) There's also hints of Queen, the Kinks, and others. But mainly, it's classic Fountains of Wayne.

If you only know FOW as the group that did Stacy's Mom (um, that doesn't sound quite right), do yourself a favor and check out Traffic and Weather.

Apr 13, 2007 19:09:10

Review 4 of 5

ghostoftherobot writes:

1of 5 Stars

wow this was piece of crap was rated higher than andrew bird and modest mouse's new albums maybe Rolling Stone is worse than pitchfork.

Apr 6, 2007 15:47:06

Review 5 of 5

Buddha58 writes:

5of 5 Stars

When Nick Lowe coined the phrase, "Pure Pop for Now People" (His first album)- this is what he was talking about. This band is smart, funny, topical, tuneful, and cool without being geeky. This is another great batch of songs that will help you usher summer in while drinking a margaritta at the pool. Play it loud and learn the words and you'll be the top of the pops. Now how about a national tour lads?

Apr 3, 2007 11:03:14