Fountains of Wayne - Welcome Interstate Managers

Welcome Interstate Managers is exactly what you'd expect from the third Fountains of Wayne disc. The band proves that they are the reigning kings of power pop. They have the ability to write incredibly catchy pop songs with big hooks, lush harmonies, and fun keyboards. For the most part the album sticks to the same formula as the previous two releases from the band. A handful of very rocking pop songs intermixed with the slower laid back pop numbers, and the occasional very off-kilter style song or extremely laid back track. You've got "Mexican Wine", "Bright Future In Sales", "Stacys Mom", "Bought For A Song", and "No Better Place" cover the rockin pop rock ground. "Hung Up On You" fills the slot for mildly awkward off-kilter style song with it's slide guitar country ways. "Halley's Waitress" has the market cornered on slowest song on the album. Pretty much the rest of the disc consists of the slower laid back pop style. Which wouldn't be a problem if the album wasn't 16 tracks long. The pop rock presence is just a bit lacking overall, but that's the only complaint that could be made. The pop structure is just as it's always been - very successfully pulled off. The lyrics are hit and miss, "Stacy's Mom" is just a wee-bit too juvenile for me.. yes, pop can get too juvenile, but this isn't a disc you're hoping to find life introspection from. Welcome Interstate Managers is a fun listen. Expect more from Fountains of Wayne and you'll find yourself disappointed. [www.fountainsofwayne.com]