March 14th
I knew “Fountains of Wayne” when it was just a garden variety garden store on route 46 in — wait for it — Wayne, New Jersey. And then in the mid 90s there was a band formed in NYC that took that name from that store, I guess in an ironic way. That was way before that kind of irony was cool and widespread.
And that band wrote and recorded a perfect pop-rock song ever. At least that is what I think is the perfect pop-rock song ever. “Halley’s waitress” is a perfect combination of melody, harmonies and wistfulness. It might seem an easy song— there is not much going on in it, no rhythm or melody changes but everything works just right. And it paints a picture of an easier time, a time before widespread social media and interconnectivity. That could have been a theme song for “Friends” if Gus Van Sant were to be the director.
They also had one hit — “Stacy’s Mom” and video for it is something else, if you know what I mean. And if you don’t, just watch it. I think because of Rachel Hunter in this video new porn category —hot MILFs — was started, not that there is anything wrong with that.
Yeah, as seen above early 00s (noughties?) were different times, I don’t think that kind of video could be made at present time.
But, anyways — Fountains of Wayne, they were never really popular band. I know there liked and appreciated by music critics, they had a faithful following, especially around tri-state area, but never become quite famous. And they could write amazing pop-rock songs, their album “Welcome Interstate Managers” is a real gem. Even on listening to it last weekend, almost 20 years since it was released — it really stands the test of time. One of the albums that I can listen to in its entirety without skipping any songs and still enjoy after all those years.
