Fountains of Wayne

How can anyone resist a song for the common man. Not like Springsteen's characters, with young girls holding on tightly to studly motorcycle riders--hair blowing in the wind--tearing down Thunder Road. What I mean is a song written for regular, non-motor-scootin' males like me...who have problems, too much weight around the middle, and who are over 40 (or over 50, in my case!). Fountains of Wayne is a band for the common man, and they write the greatest 3 1/2 minute odes to lonely losers of this world. Their records are filled with stories of the lovelorn, sentimental, stuck-in-childhood geek, still living in his parent's basement.

If that description didn't offend you, stick around and Fountains of Wayne will hit a nerve. I think they write these songs so convincingly because they see the characters in themselves. The band's name--taken from a now-defunct garden center somewhere in the Northeast--suggests the absurdity that many of their songs convey. The band consists of members Chris Collingwood, Adam Schlesinger, Jody Porter and Brian Young. A quick listen to any of their CDs will reveal a mastery of the guitar-layered anthem, supporting a fine but "Wierd Al-like" lead vocal. Hidden in the background playing bass is probably the most famous silent partner in any band: Adam Schlesinger. Collingwood and Schlesinger are the band's songwriters, but Adam Schlesinger has written for several movie projects, including the title song for "That Thing You Do." He also wrote the theme song for 2007's "Music and Lyrics." Many of their songs make a cameo in TV shows and commercials. Not bad for a bunch of guys who would blend into any amusement park--kids and wives in tow.

The song "Stacy's Mom" is probably the most recognizable in their repertoire, but it would be an insult to judge their range by just that one hit. They are masterful with melodies and craftsmen at turning a phrase. When you listen to both 2005's "Welcome Interstate Managers" and the 2007 "Traffic and Weather" CDs, it seems as if one is led through a cinematic carnival ride, replete with charming characters, idiots, romance, clowns and sadness. I am so impressed with their ability to set new scenes with each song, using various musical styles, brilliant arrangements and artful instrumentation.

Just yesterday, Fountains of Wayne released a new project called, "Sky Full of Holes." Instead of jangly guitars and 80s synthesizers dominating the sound-scape, acoustic guitars take a front seat in this set. The wry character studies are still present, and the dopy dreamers still grace the stage throughout. I just bought the CD, so I am becoming familiar with the songs. The great thing is that AmazonMP3 has the album available for download for just $3.99. I'm sure that deal will go away in a hurry.

For the average guy, this band has a knack for uncovering the bottled-up emotions that many of us bury and ignore as we get older. Unlike Springsteen, I can get lost in a crowd like the Fountains of Wayne guys. I prefer it that way.