 | | Fountains Of Wayne |
Tune is the operative word here because the Fountains are effortlessly melodic with a pop sensibility that is almost unequalled in Americana. It’s amazing they remain such optimists when they’ve been dropped by their label, split up and been reduced to playing relatively small venues after their freak hit single, Stacy’s Mom, suggested for a moment they might go supernova. This tour may be promoting their more world weary new album, Traffic and Weather, but there is a smattering of their ‘greatest non-hits’. Oh Julie is a masterclass in powerpop that wipes the floor with the new British bands and Mexican Wine is a splendid ode to boozing complete with full sing-along. Stacy’s Mom does rear her not-so-ugly head and, as every man in the room knows the feeling of fancying your best mate’s mum, it really hits home with the greying crowd. But in a way, the more hard edged new stuff suggests The Fountains have a real future as a cult touring act. The eerie drone of Traffic and Weather is perhaps the most hard-edged thing they’re ever done, as is Strapped For Cash, which reflects the concerns of middle aged men with families and money worries. If there as any justice in the world then Fountains of Wayne would be packing out the Arena, but they’re too subtle to win enough fans to play the aircraft hanger circuit. That said, intelligent pop will always find a cult niche and it’s a real pleasure to watch craftsmen up close and personal, so you can fully appreciate a fantastic live act at the height of their powers. | 
