O.K. I so don't "get" Fountains of Wayne...

[vi5]

I am a music fanatic and love all genres, particularly indie rock, punk, power pop, alternative, whatever. And I keep reading about how great this band is and how good they are as songwriters.

I finally heard that Stacy's Mom song and it's really not good. First off I don't like novelty songs and second of all the lyrics are horribly trite (..."got it going on"? Are they serious?..who even says that any more?) and the song itself musically is no better or worse than your average pop punk band of 19-20 year olds.

Is that indicative of their overall work? If so what is the hubub about?

[JohnKleeb]

1. believe it or not my dad bought that CD

no opinion

[tedoll78]

2. Don't worry.

Neither do I.

Maybe I'm becoming an old fogie - hell, I'm only 24 - but most new music seems to really suck these days.

[phishhead]

3. I've only heard "Stacy's Mom" a couple times

and each time I despise it more.

[mvd]

4. I love catchy songs like that, and..

the whole cd is brilliant, IMO.

[mvd]

6. But there is variety on the CD

I'm in total disagreement on "Stacy's Mom" (also a cute story song,) but you MAY like some of the others.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

5. I HATE THAT SONG

I like punk music and rock music, alternative music, and that song gets on my nerves.

All it does is repeat "Stacy's mom has got it goin' on" about 500 times. Good songwriters... are bands like the Goo Goo Dolls. Not Fountains of Wayne. At least not judging by that song.

[mvd]

7. The lyrics are great, IMO

Never have heard it said quite thay way, either.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

8. I don't think the lyrics are anything special...

"Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on

Stacy, can i come over after school? (after school)
We can hang around by the pool (hang by the pool)
Did your mom get back from her business trip? (business trip)
Is she there, or is she trying to give me the slip? (give me the slip)

You know, I'm not the little boy that I used to be
I'm all grown up now, baby can't you see

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I;ve waited for so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong but I'm in love with Stacy's mom

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on

Stacy, do you remember when I mowed your lawn? (mowed your lawn)
Your mom came out with just a towel on (towel on)
I could tell she liked me from the way she stared
And the way she said, "You missed a spot over there"

And I know that you think it's just a fantasy
But since your dad walked out, your mom could use a guy like me

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want, and I've waited so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong,
but I'm in love with Stacy's mom"

That does not constitute great lyrics, IMO. :eyes:

[mvd]

9. Well, it's great to me

The repetition is just to keep the hook going.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

10. That's fine

But I don't think the verses are that spectacular. Maybe I will download some of their other stuff. Is it any better?

[mvd]

13. It also comes down to what different people can relate to

Sometimes I am attracted to older women. And I haven't seen this perspective, as I said. Guess we can differ. :)

As for the other songs, they have different subjects - so I'd try the others. See if you like the style in "Hackensack" more.

I think the Goo Goo Dolls are very good, though - close to Fountains Of Wayne for me.

[MediumBrownDog]

16. How about

"Bright Future in Sales"? That song is hysterical.

[mvd]

11. To me, if you look past that one line,

there is definite wit there. Like when he describes the mom's actions.

[phishhead]

12. Holy hell!! Move over Dylan!

Fountains of Wayne are coming through and they aren't taking any shit!











Ok.. so I'm being an ass.. I'll stop now. :)

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

15. oh my god

you weren't serious. i think. :scared:

[phishhead]

18. Serious? I just play one on TV.

Sarcasm must be a foreign object to you, eh?

Of course I wasn't being serious, but its alright.

Some people just don't grasp things too quickly.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

21. I knew you were kidding,

thus the funny shaky icon. ;)

No need to get all snippity! :D

[phishhead]

24. Sorry if I did get "snippity."

Its all good either way.:)

[MediumBrownDog]

14. I adore Fountains of Wayne

Try to take it in the "tongue in cheek" manner in which it is meant. I also think it helps to listen to the entire "Welcome Interstate Managers" cd before judging them by that song. I am also a huge fan of their previous disc, "Utopia Parkway." I can see how, in a vacuum, "Stacy's Mom" could be very annoying. As a fan, it cracks me up.

[mvd]

17. You can't get better for tongue and cheek, IMO

Lyrics all have different functions, and I called them great because I think they are great for their type.

[mac56]

19. I too am a big FoW fan.

All three albums are excellent. I like the first one best (with "Survival Car" and "Radiation Vibe").

Edited typo in subject line. Thanks, admins!

[StrongBad]

20. Big FOW fan here

If you're looking for deep, insightful lyrics, this band is not for you.

Their specialty is writing catchy melodies and hooks that you can't get out of your head. I don't think Stacy's Mom is the best example of this. When I first heard the new album I didn't think that was "single" material. There are better tracks on the cd.

I mean, c'mon, one of the members wrote the song "That Thing You Do" for the movie of the same name. Now that is catchy!

[robertarctor]

22. A weak song from a brilliant band

I love Fountains of Wayne. That said, I'm not that enthralled with "Stacy's Mom." But there are some really cool tunes on the new album, including one called "Winter Song." And the two preceding albums are excellent, too.

I can't believe the person who dissed FoW and then gave the Goo Goo Dolls as an example of a brilliant rock band. Bassackwards, you've got it, buddy.

[theemu]

23. An overrated band

Now, don't get me wrong. I love underappreciated bands just as much as the next guy, but I've heard Fountains of Wayne put out exactly one song I don't hate in their career ("Radiation Vibe", off their debut album).

And what I don't understand is why they get such a free pass from critics. People who listen to them for power pop glory are better served by buying a Matthew Sweet album or hell, fucking NADA SURF (yes, Nada Surf is better than Fountains of Wayne). And people who like them for their pseudo-Beach Boys harmonies need to buy a Shins or Thrills album and realize that just because you're 'influenced by Brian Wilson' doesn't mean you have to sound like a poor man's Everclear.