Hey all, it’s me again with another pack – and this time get ready for some fun and super catchy power pop from Fountains of Wayne!

Fountains of Wayne were much more than a one-hit wonder defined by a MILF-themed novelty song; they a phenomenal power-pop band with loads of great. Led by the songwriting duo of Chris Collingwood and the late Adam Schlesinger, the band specialized in three-minute short stories that treated mundane middle-class life with both biting wit and genuine heart. They were the masters of the character study, writing about office drones, high school losers, and the quiet desperation of the New Jersey suburbs. Their music blended the jangly melodies of the 1960s British Invasion with the fuzzy, distorted crunch of 90s alternative rock.

The band’s early years are captured by “Radiation Vibe” and “Denise,” tracks that helped define the late-90s “slacker-rock” aesthetic. Both super catch, fun infectious songs pairing melancholic themes with choruses that were impossible not to sing along to. These songs aren’t particularly difficult in game, but are perfect warmup that are great to sing along to.

In 2003 the released their masterpiece Welcome Interstate Managers, represented here by three songs. “Mexican Wine” serves as a quintessential opener, weaving together a series of tragic and random death stories with a catchy melody (and a phenomenal key change!). “Hackensack” tells the story of a man who stays in his hometown talking to the TV at his old friend who became a Hollywood star. “Fire Island” – a personal favorite – is a gorgeous melodic song about suburban teenagers trashing their parents’ house while the adults are away on vacation, while being adamant they’re old enough to take care of each other.

The pack concludes with “Someone to Love” from 2007’s Traffic and Weather, a track that showcases their later, more polished production style. It’s a cynical yet catchy look at the isolation of New York City life, following two workaholics who are perfect for each other but will likely never meet. With yet another gorgeous catchy melody, it’s a great party song.

Download:

Radiation Vibe
Denise
Mexican Wine
Hackensack
Fire Island
Someone to Love

And that’s it! Hope you enjoy the songs.