Fountains Of Wayne

This album does not disappoint! The cover art is just like it was when released and it still captures the childhood imagination of most any male Gen-Xer. The pressing is super clear and amazing as it really highlights the musical genius of Fountains of Wayne - a lot of which was lost on the original CD recording. Whether you’re a 90’s power pop fan, a Fountains of Wayne devotee, or someone looking for something different that plays well all the way through, this album is for you!

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!

As a relatively late arrival to this band, I've been working my way around their catalog finally getting to the debut. I found pretty much what I expected: incredibly clever wordplay wrapped around solid power pop hooks; this band has been solid since the beginning. "Leave The Biker" alone is worth the price of the CD; a tale that every guy who thought Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" needed an update, will be more than satisfied with. The CD is filled with various takes on life's little mysteries and it's interesting to see how close the band stayed to its roots. If I have any complaint, it is the overwhelmingly mellow music; a little edge occasionally would be appreciated, but as a debut this is a good indicator of how talented this band is.

I took a chance of not knowing whether or not I'd enjoy Fountains of Wayne. Most have maybe heard one or two of there songs. So, it was a great joy when I heard some of their other tracks, and found myself enjoying listening to each one.

Love this album!

I like it.

I'm too old to suddenly become a fan of a bunch of whipper-snappers like these Fountains of Wayne guys. It is but too true, I now own everything they've put out and I like practically all of it. I've been walking around with these songs cycling through my head for weeks. Ridiculous! It's too early for my second childhood.

I'm a fan! What can I say?!

Discovered FoW in 2007 after Traffic and Weather and having become resigned to entering my 5th decade listening to pre-90's Dad-rock & pop and becoming increasingly distanced from any current artists. FoW may not be rewriting the musical landscape but they do their thing with poise, awesome lyrics and a power pop sensibility second to none. And now, just to make life even sweeter, their new record company have started reissuing their back catalogue on vinyl, great, heavyweight slabs of it. Check 'em out man. Part of me never wants a relatively undiscovered personal favourite to go mainstream, but that's pure musical snobbery. FoW deserve much wider recognition - whether they achieve it is down to you. Vinyl, CD or download. It makes total sense.

What a group. Everyone should have one.

As usual, good, well written songs and their trademark sound.

Great to have the first album of the band.

Very easy listening. Delivered really quickly.

A week after buying their latest album ( Welcome Interstate Managers ) I got this album. It's another great set of songs, just as good as WIM. The best tracks are Leave The Biker and Please Don't Rock Me Tonight, but there's not one poor track on the album. Fountains of Wayne seem to produce albums where every track is different and I feel that is a big plus for a group. All I can say is go and buy it, in todays world of manufactered music is great to find a band with talent.

Super

great cd by an underrated group

il cd è perfetto, i fountains of wayne sono dei grandi eh, ma, amazon, metti la copertina giusta per la versione cd? grazie.

Mon commentaire est sûrement moins spontané que celui de mes prédécesseurs... Toutefois, on ne peut que leur donner raison sur la valeur de cet album d'une qualité très enviable (par nombre de goupes débutants) pour un premier.Le titre d'entrée envoie déjà une bonne décharge électrique (vibration radioactive ?) et se trouve suivi de près par une très romantique composition "Sink To The Bottom".Rassurez-vous, personne ne restera au fond très longtemps car nombre de titres vous feront remonter la pente : "She's Got A Problem", "Barbara H.", etc.Finalement, je dois avoir un goût spécial et une affection particulière pour les groupes de binoclards pour étudiants binoclards du style Weezer ou Jimmy Eat World, auxquels il convient désormais d'ajouter les Fontaines...Un grand talent.

1stです、疾走系パワーポップでしょう、ピュアな青さが光る素敵なフルバムです。『Leave the Biker』ひねくれてストレートな所がお気に入り。尖ってないけど軟じゃない、重めのギターサウンドがいい感じです。

i have caught up with these after their heyday - but being a fan of alt rock and pop rock i thought I'd give them a go (especially the cd was only a quid!)my first impressions are that i was a little dissapointed after all the 5* reviews on here - It annoys me how most people give every album they like 5* and just describe how much they love it rather thanthe music- how can you decide if its for you?Anyhow - the album is full of breezy accessible pop rock songs in the world of the "I'm a loser - who cant get girls" slacker style.Overall though there is no real suvstance or anything to merit closer investigation - the songs wear their hearts on their sleeves, the lyrics are fine but ultimately meaningless, the tunes are fine - but not particularly adventurous.Obvious comparisons and Weezer and lyrically a touch of Westerbergs early Replacements Slacker lyrics. I think my review might not be as favourable as others as i have heard so much of this type of music it doesnt bring anything fresh to me - I certainly have no urge to check out any of their other stuff as the reviews state they are all pretty much the same throughout.if you are only just venturing into Alt rock then this is a great album to get into - full of easy to listen to pop songs and i have enjoyed having this on inthe background whilst driving, but ultimately it is nothing more than some run of mill US teen movie Geek style songs and some pleasant tunes.if that is your bag then go for it - if you have heard a lot of 90's rock than this may seem to a bit tired.overall - not bad album but by no means groundbreaking or mind strethcing.it does what it says on the tin - nothing more. worth picking up coz its so cheap now!

男の子がスーパーマンのポーズしてるジャケになってて、一瞬注文を間違えたかと思ったです。

「パワー・ポップ」なんて風に表現されるFountains of Wayne(FOW)のデビュー作です。ビートルズやブライアン・ウィルソン、ロン・セクスミスなどが好きと聞いて納得のメロディ重視バンドで、FOWのどのアルバムにも共通して言えることですが、ちょっと感傷的にさせられる、ノスタルジックで、シンプルでキャッチ−なメロディが素晴らしいと思います。この作品は、「ロック・バンドです」って主張したかったのか、全体にギターの占める割合が多く、また、ゆるゆるのセカンドに比べると随分気合の入ったハードなアレンジで、力が入りすぎた印象があります(名盤のセカンドからFOWファンになったので、ついついセカンドと比べてしまいます)。

ジャケットは情けないが、内容は実にポップ。今時の新バンドにしては珍しいほど王道のギターポップアルバムです。どの曲も適度にキャッチーなメロディを持っており、かつさらっとしていて変なべとつき感はありません。最初に書いたとおり、これでジャケットがもう少しさわやか系だともう少しよかったような気がするが、それじゃあどこにでもあるバンドになってしまうか。値段安いしお勧め品。