CORPORATE LINE: On June 28th, Virgin Records will release Fountains Of Wayne’s long-awaited Out-Of-State Plates, a specially priced 2-CD collection of non-album tracks recorded over the span of the band’s career. Fountains fans have clamored for an official compilation for years and, up until now, most of these recordings have only been available as bonus tracks on rare and expensive import singles, or through less legal means. Also included are several previously unreleased songs, as well as two brand new ones, “The Girl I Can’t Forget” and the album’s first single, “Maureen.”
Out-Of-State Plates shows the broad palette of pop styles the band — singer/guitarist Chris Collingwood, bassist Adam Schlesinger, lead guitarist Jody Porter, and drummer Brian Young — has explored since its inception nearly 10 years ago. The recordings vary from full-blown studio productions to home demos, from elaborate arrangements to one-take acoustic performances; but throughout, songwriters Collingwood and Schlesinger demonstrate their trademark melodic gifts, as well as their lyrical and musical range. Liner notes written by Schlesinger and Collingwood, providing a bit of backstory for each of the cuts, are also included in the package.
THE GREAT:
“Maureen” – Simply pain-free pop rock. Sure, it’s shameless and a lot like “Stacy’s Mom” but that’s what makes FOW unique.
“California Sex Lawyer” – For whatever reason you feel like you should be embarrassed to say this is good—but that’s what it is.
“I’ll Do The Driving” – Surprisingly good especially considering its serious and near somber tone.
“Today’s Teardrops” – This song won’t be on top 40 radio but it’s a fun—dare we say hillbilly–song. Hillbilly being slang for good country. Yieeehaw.
THE AVERAGE:
“Karpet King” – Goofy and not really satisfying.
“You’re Just Never Satisfied” – Apparently I’m never satisfied either.
“…Baby One More Time” – Interesting, but not quite as much fun as Travis’ cover version.
“Elevator Up” – An ode to Oasis? Probably not but it sure sounds like one.
THE BAD:
Nothing mortifying.
FRANKLY: The B-sides collection Out-Of-State Plates is as good if not better than most rock records that are A-sides. Fountains of Wayne never try to be anything less or more than they are—pop rockers. So the songs might be as deep as an episode of Happy Days and yet we still can’t wait to come back for more.
+ Rae Gun
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.