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12 by Fountains Of Wayne


12 by... aims to summarize an artist's career in 12 songs. This one features...

The trick with a Fountains of Wayne complication is balancing their rocking songs and their ballads, while also representing their variety of styles. I believe this list covers those bases pretty well.


1. "Radiation Vibe" (Fountains Of Wayne, 1996) 
The first song on their first album is still one of their best. 

2. "She's Got A Problem" (Fountains Of Wayne, 1996) 
This was the first inkling of FOW as songwriters in the Billy Joel-character-sketch vein. 

3. "Red Dragon Tattoo" (Utopia Parkway, 1999) 
Maybe the most memorable of their many self-deluded, well-intentioned narrators. 

4. "Troubled Times" (Utopia Parkway, 1999) 
The poster child for all of those "why wasn't that a hit?" songs. 

5. "Stacey's Mom" (Welcome Interstate Managers, 2003) 
And then the actual hit!

6. "Hackensack" (Welcome Interstate Managers, 2003) 
The best song containing a reference to Christopher Walken ever written. 

7. "Bright Future in Sales" (Welcome Interstate Managers, 2003) 
Comes just after "Red Dragon Tattoo" on the self-deluded narrator continuum.  

8. "I Know You Well" (Out-Of-State Plates, 2005) 
I picked this sweet ditty mostly for the bridge, which sticks in my craw. 

9. "Yolanda Hayes" (Traffic & Weather, 2007) 
In its own way, as scintillating a come on as Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On. Plus, horns! 

10."Someone to Love" (Traffic & Weather, 2007)
The twist ending gets me every single time.

11. "Richie and Ruben" (Sky Full of Holes, 2011)
More fine character work, and a melody so good that it makes you want to consider making some bad investments.

12. "A Road Song" (Sky Full of Holes, 2011)
The mix of sweet and acerbic with a sprinkling of pop culture references on top encapsulate the Fountains of Wayne worldview. And bonus points for being a parody that's also and a fine example of what it's parodying.

*

The above was revised in 2021. Here is the original 2008 entry:

1. Radiation Vibe (Fountains Of Wayne, 1996)
Their opening song is still one of their best.

2. She's Got A Problem (Fountains Of Wayne, 1996)
This was the first inkling of FOW as songwriters in the Billy Joel-character-sketch vein.

3. I've Got A Flair (Fountains Of Wayne, 1996)
A rare narrator of unabashed confidence.

4. Red Dragon Tattoo (Utopia Parkway, 1999)
On the other hand, the first of many self-deluded, well-meaning narrators.

5. Troubled Times (Utopia Parkway, 1999)
The poster child for all of those "why wasn't that a hit?" songs.

6. Stacey's Mom (Welcome Interstate Managers, 2003)
And then the actual hit.

7. Hackensack (Welcome Interstate Managers, 2003)
The best song containing a reference to Christopher Walken ever written.

8. Hey Julie (Welcome Interstate Managers, 2003)
Ever had a crappy job and a happy home life? This sparkling song is about that.

9. Maureen (Out-Of-State Plates, 2005)
An ode to that self-involved female friend who knows you have a crush on her but will never give it up.

10. I Know You Well (Out-Of-State Plates, 2005)
I picked this sweet ditty mostly for the bridge, which sticks in my craw.

11. Yolanda Hayes (Traffic & Weather, 2007)
In its own way, as scintillating a come on as Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On. Plus, horns!

12. Fire In The Canyon (Traffic & Weather, 2007)
Eagles eat your heart out.

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