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| Fountains Of Wayne - Traffic And Weather | Fountains Of Wayne – Traffic And Weather
Label: Virgin Records
Release Date: April 3, 2007
Labeled as merely a fad for some lame song about a hot mom, Fountains Of Wayne is the Jason Alexander of music. They just can’t get away from the image “Stacy’s Mom” portrayed, when in reality, they have written much better tracks (“Hey Julie”, “Peace and Love”, “Fire Island”). Traffic And Weather has the potential to finally rid the band of their one hit wonder status and put them back in radio rotation. George, however, is content with not being Kramer.
The familiar motif of transportation is all over Traffic And Weather (duh). And with all the accidents that happen due to CD player “emergencies”, Fountains Of Wayne have your safety in mind with 14 tracks of great pop-rock music. You will hardly find yourself doing anything with the changer unless you are turning the music up (to 11) or replaying songs. Fountains Of Wayne has crafted another album ideal for those road trips that become adventures that become “Yeah mom, I’m going to be staying at a Motel 6 in Reno this semester.”
Chris Collingwood’s voice has not changed very much over the years and he can still craft memorable choruses with the best of them. Whether pushing the tempo on tracks like “Someone To Love” and “92 Subaru” or slowing things down on “Seatbacks and Traytables” (complete with harmonica) and “Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim”, Collingwood has no trouble standing out.
Some very welcome additions are more prominent synthesizers and keyboards. “Hotel Majestic” features Killers-esque electronics and simple piano, creating a light-hearted pop song that ends with an impressive guitar solo. My standout track, “Fire In The Canyon”, is a country-influenced tune with effective, yet sparse piano. The chorus is truthful and smart, reminding me of the group’s formidable songwriting prowess.
It’s easy to shelve Fountains Of Wayne aside as shallow pop stars only out to get a laugh. However, most of the songs on Traffic And Weather are honest, written from life experience and just plain fun. While plenty of bands from my past (Nine Days, Eagle Eye Cherry) sit on that sad shelf next to an array of picture-less books and Game Gear cartridges, Fountains Of Wayne will always be in frequent rotation. The last time I “saved tonight” was 5th grade. However, I will be dealing with (and enjoying) Traffic And Weather for years to come.
Recommended If You Like: Barenaked Ladies, Nightmare Of You, living out of a suitcase, the smell of gasoline and B.O., The Format |
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Displaying posts 1 - 5 of 5. |
11:20 AM on 03/16/07 | Good review, Blake. I'm really liking the album. | | |
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06:21 PM on 03/16/07 | "Recommended If You Like: Barenaked Ladies, Nightmare Of You, living out of a suitcase, the smell of gasoline and B.O., The Format"
Haha, I liked that.
And since I like all of those (well, I'm partial to the smell of gasoline and b.o.), I'll most definitely be checking this album out.
Thank for swaying me into liking Fountains of Wayne again! | | |
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11:28 PM on 03/16/07 | blake's mom has got it going on. (it's true!) | | |
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12:36 AM on 03/18/07 | I haven't listened to this yet, but I loved welcome interstate managers so I'm definitely looking forward to this. | | |
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