Welcome Interstate Managers

Last updated

Welcome Interstate Managers
FOW-Welcome Interstate Managers.jpg
Studio album by
Fountains of Wayne
ReleasedJune 10, 2003
Recorded2001–2002
Studio
  • Stratosphere Sound, New York City, New York
  • Q Division, Somerville, Massachusetts
  • The Clubhouse, Rhinebeck, New York
Genre
Length55:08
Label
Producer
Fountains of Wayne chronology
Utopia Parkway
(1999)		Welcome Interstate Managers
(2003)		 Out-of-State Plates
(2005)
Singles from Welcome Interstate Managers
  1. "Stacy's Mom"
    Released: May 19, 2003
  2. "Mexican Wine"
    Released: 2004
  3. "Hey Julie"
    Released: 2004

Welcome Interstate Managers is the third studio album by the American rock band Fountains of Wayne. It was released by S-Curve Records on June 10, 2003. The album contains the power pop single "Stacy's Mom," which reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's highest-charting hit in the United States.

Contents

Background

Fountains of Wayne was at a low point following the under-performance of 1999's Utopia Parkway , which led to them getting dropped by their then-label, Atlantic Records. The period when they were without a label was particularly hard on lead singer and co-songwriter Chris Collingwood. According to bassist and co-songwriter Adam Schlesinger in 2005, "I think Chris felt especially bummed during that whole period. He just sort of felt that we worked for a really long time and it didn't really add up to anything. And it didn't seem like the future had much in the way of promise. Chris wasn't writing a lot. I don't know if it was the whole thing of being in between labels but more just the whole thing of putting all that time into it and feeling it tapering off." [1]

Eventually Schlesinger convinced Collingwood to start writing and recording "because it was the only way that I could get Chris to want to be a part of it. I was just like, 'Hey look, let's just go in and do like we have always done when we were 18. If we have a song we like, we'll just record it and eventually we'll see if we have an album'." [1] By mid-2001, Fountains of Wayne had discussed plans for a new album. [2]

Meanwhile, the band got in touch with several prospective labels, but balked at their insistence that the band record demos for consideration to be signed. According to Schlesinger, "We talked to a bunch of record companies before we had anything recorded. And everybody was like, 'Well we really like your band but we need to hear what you're working on. Do you have any demos or anything?' And we didn't want to make demos. We just found that kind of demeaning. But we were sort of at the point where we could have gone and made demos. And it was like, you know, for God's sake we've been doing this so long, we're not going to make a demo tape. We're just gonna go make a record and that's what we did." [3]

Recording

Fountains of Wayne commenced recording their new album without any label support. According to drummer Brian Young, "Adam put up the money to do the recording, we converged in a studio in upstate New York, and we didn’t know what to expect. We all showed up with basically nothing. I had a stick bag, and the engineer mentioned to me, 'You know, it would’ve been a lot cooler if you showed up with nothing at all.' We were kind of going through the studio basement, looking for gear and taping stands together. It was funny." [4]

Once the album was finished, Fountains of Wayne signed to S-Curve Records, whose executive vice president, Steve Yegelwel, had first signed the band when he was working as an A&R at Atlantic Records. [5] Prior to the album's release, the band went on tour in November 2002 to road test the new material and build up fan anticipation for the new record. [1]

Release and reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 86/100 [6]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Blender Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [8]
Entertainment Weekly A− [9]
Mojo Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Pitchfork 7.5/10 [11]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Spin A [15]
The Village Voice A− [16]

The album was met with commercial success and favorable reviews, citing the album's catchy song structures and well-crafted lyrics reflecting struggles of the middle class lifestyle in the American East Coast. The album is widely regarded as the band's best effort and a prime example of early 2000s power pop. [17] Review aggregating website Metacritic reports a weighted average score of 86 out of 100 based on 24 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim". [6]

The lead single "Stacy's Mom" was released on May 20, 2003 to popular and critical success. [18]

"Valley Winter Song" was used in a 2008 L.L. Bean Commercial. [19] [20]

The album was first pressed to vinyl for Record Store Day Black Friday in a limited run in 2020. [21]

Covers

In 2009, Katy Perry performed a cover of "Hackensack" on MTV Unplugged , which was later released digitally. [22]

In 2011, the band The Wonder Years performed a cover of "Hey Julie" for the charity compilation album, Vs. the Earthquake. [23]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger

No.TitleLength
1."Mexican Wine"3:23
2."Bright Future in Sales"3:06
3."Stacy's Mom"3:18
4."Hackensack"3:00
5."No Better Place"4:06
6."Valley Winter Song"3:35
7."All Kinds of Time"4:22
8."Little Red Light"3:35
9."Hey Julie"2:36
10."Halley's Waitress"3:35
11."Hung Up on You"4:00
12."Fire Island"2:56
13."Peace and Love"3:26
14."Bought for a Song"4:02
15."Supercollider"5:06
16."Yours and Mine"1:04
17."Elevator Up" (Japan/Digital/Vinyl Bonus Track)4:02

Personnel

Fountains of Wayne

Additional musicians

Technical personnel

Charts

Chart performance for Welcome Interstate Managers
Chart (2003)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [24] 115
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [25] 1

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fountains of Wayne</span> American rock band

Fountains of Wayne was an American rock band that formed in New York City in 1995. The band included founding members Chris Collingwood, Adam Schlesinger, Jody Porter, and Brian Young. They released six albums from 1996 to 2011 before effectively disbanding in 2013. They are best known for the Grammy-nominated song "Stacy's Mom".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Iha</span> American rock musician

James Yoshinobu Iha is an American rock musician. He is best known as a guitarist and co-founder of the alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins. He was a member until the band's initial breakup in 2000 and rejoined in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stacy's Mom</span> 2003 single by Fountains of Wayne

"Stacy's Mom" is a song by American rock band Fountains of Wayne. It is the third track on their third studio album, Welcome Interstate Managers, and was released to radio as the album's first single on May 19, 2003, through S-Curve Records and Virgin Records. "Stacy's Mom" was written by bassist Adam Schlesinger and vocalist Chris Collingwood, both of whom produced the song alongside Mike Denneen. Its subject matter was inspired by a friend of Schlesinger's when he was young who was attracted to Schlesinger's grandmother. It is a power pop song with which the group hoped to emulate the sound of American rock band the Cars.

<i>Utopia Parkway</i> 1999 studio album by Fountains of Wayne

Utopia Parkway is the second studio album by the American rock band Fountains of Wayne. It was released by Atlantic Records in April 1999.

<i>Fountains of Wayne</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Fountains of Wayne

Fountains of Wayne is the debut studio album by the American rock band Fountains of Wayne. It was released on TAG Recordings, Scratchie Records, and Atlantic Records in 1996. A reissue of the vinyl was released on Yep Roc Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Schlesinger</span> American musician (1967–2020)

Adam Lyons Schlesinger was an American musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer. He was a founding member of the bands Fountains of Wayne, Ivy, and Tinted Windows, and was also a member of the band Fever High. He also wrote songs for television and film, for which he won three Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and the ASCAP Pop Music Award, and was nominated for Academy, Tony, and Golden Globe Awards. He died at the age of 52.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Young (drummer)</span> American drummer

Brian Young is an American drummer and music producer. He is best known as the drummer of the New York–based, Grammy-nominated power pop band Fountains of Wayne and Seattle-based alternative rock band The Posies. From 2012 to 2021 Young was the drummer for the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jody Porter</span> American musician (born 1969)

Jody Porter is an American musician. He was the lead guitarist of Grammy Award-nominated power pop band Fountains of Wayne. The band released four major label albums, including Welcome Interstate Managers on Virgin Records in 2003, an RIAA-certified Gold LP. The album spawned the hugely popular U.S. Top 40 hit and number 1 music video "Stacy's Mom".

<i>Out-of-State Plates</i> 2005 compilation album by Fountains of Wayne

Out-of-State Plates is a double compilation album by the American rock band Fountains of Wayne. It was released on Virgin Records on June 28, 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Click Five</span> American rock band

The Click Five was an American rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. The original members, most of them students at Berklee College of Music, started on January 1, 2004, and played in various local venues. They then quickly got the attention of talent scout Wayne Sharp. The Click Five made their first recording, a two-song demo session, in early 2004 after successful local touring. They released their debut album Greetings from Imrie House in 2005. After vocalist Eric Dill left the group, he was replaced by Kyle Patrick who debuted on their second album Modern Minds and Pastimes in 2007. Their third album, TCV, was released in Asia in 2010 and to the rest of the world in early 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just the Girl</span> 2005 single by the Click Five

"Just the Girl" is a song by American rock band the Click Five. It was released on June 13, 2005, as the first single from their debut studio album, Greetings from Imrie House (2005). The band formed in Boston and were managed by talent scout Wayne Sharp, who assisted in signing the band to Lava Records. "Just the Girl" was composed by songwriter Adam Schlesinger, best-known for his work with Fountains of Wayne, as well as his career in film and television.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Collingwood</span> American musician (born 1967)

Chris Collingwood is an American singer, songwriter, and artist. He is best known as the former lead vocalist and founding member of the power pop band Fountains of Wayne.

Andy Chase is an American musician, record producer, and label owner. He formed the band Ivy with Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and Dominique Durand, now his wife. Chase owns Unfiltered Records and co-owned Stratosphere Sound studio with Schlesinger and James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins.

<i>Traffic and Weather</i> 2007 studio album by Fountains of Wayne

Traffic and Weather is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Fountains of Wayne. It was released on Virgin Records in April 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fountains of Wayne discography</span>

The discography of Fountains of Wayne contains five studio albums, one compilation album, 16 singles, one DVD, six music videos and seven other appearances.

<i>Sky Full of Holes</i> 2011 studio album by Fountains of Wayne

Sky Full of Holes is the fifth and final studio album by the American rock band Fountains of Wayne. It was released on July 20, 2011, in Japan, on August 1, 2011, in Europe, and on August 2, 2011, in North America. It debuted at number 37 on the US Billboard 200, giving Fountains of Wayne their first Top 40 album on that chart, and debuted at number 16 on the UK independent chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radiation Vibe</span> 1996 single by Fountains of Wayne

"Radiation Vibe" is the debut single by Fountains of Wayne, from their eponymous debut album. It was released in 1996 on Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sink to the Bottom</span> 1997 single by Fountains of Wayne

"Sink to the Bottom" is the second single by Fountains of Wayne, from their eponymous debut album. It was released in 1997 and charted in the UK at No. 42 on May 10, 1997. It also reached No. 7 in Norway in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Survival Car</span> 1997 single by Fountains of Wayne

"Survival Car" is the third single by Fountains of Wayne, from their eponymous debut album. It was released in 1997 and charted in the UK at No. 53 on July 26, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fever High</span>

Fever High is a Brooklyn-based duo composed of singer/instrumentalists Anna Nordeen and Reni Lane. The original formation of Fever High was composed of Nordeen and model/actress Leah Cary. Their five-track debut EP, All Work, was re-released in 2016 by Sire Records after being released independently in 2015. The band also included producer Adam Schlesinger. The group independently released their debut full-length FHNY on November 10, 2017. Pop culture blog The Nerdist called their debut single, "Tantalized", "ideal dance music for the summer." In 2020, former member Adam Schlesinger died of complications related to COVID-19.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Luerssen, John D. (July 1, 2007). "Fountains of Wayne: Bright Future in Sales". American Songwriter. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  2. ↑ Thompson, Stephen (June 6, 2001). "Fountains of Wayne". AV Club. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  3. ↑ Amy R. (September 25, 2003). "PG Interview: Adam Schlesinger". PopGurls. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  4. ↑ Rashidi, Waleed (April 2007). "Brian Young of Fountains of Wayne". Modern Drummer. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  5. ↑ Nygaard, Sandra (July 14, 2003). "Mapping out a mainstream move". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  6. 1 2 "Reviews for Welcome Interstate Managers by Fountains of Wayne". Metacritic . Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  7. ↑ Vanderhoff, Mark. "Welcome Interstate Managers – Fountains of Wayne". AllMusic . Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  8. ↑ Tannenbaum, Rob (June–July 2003). "Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers". Blender (17): 138. Archived from the original on August 20, 2004. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  9. ↑ Johnson, Beth (June 13, 2003). "Welcome Interstate Managers". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on February 25, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers". Mojo (116): 108. July 2003.
  11. ↑ Martelli, Mark (June 17, 2003). "Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers". Pitchfork . Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers". Q (207): 104. October 2003.
  13. ↑ Hoard, Christian (June 12, 2003). "Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers". Rolling Stone . No. 924. Archived from the original on December 30, 2003. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  14. ↑ Pearlman, Nina (2004). "Fountains of Wayne". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. pp.  307–08. ISBN   0-7432-0169-8.
  15. ↑ Greenwald, Andy (July 2003). "Fountains of Wayne, Welcome Interstate Managers (S-Curve/EMI)". Spin . 19 (7): 109. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  16. ↑ Christgau, Robert (August 5, 2003). "Consumer Guide: Shadows in the Cave". The Village Voice . Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  17. ↑ "On the Young Adult Sorrow and Undeniable Bops of Fountains of Wayne's "Welcome Interstate Managers"". FLOOD. June 1, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  18. ↑ "FMQB Airplay Archive: Modern Rock". Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, Incorporated. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  19. ↑ Robertson, Lindsay. "The Fountains Of Wayne Sing An L.L. Bean Commercial". Stereogum.
  20. ↑ Carradini, Stephen. ""Valley Winter Song" gets tapped by L.L. Bean". Independent Clauses.
  21. ↑ Pearis, Bill (October 7, 2020). "Record Store Day announces 2020 RSD Black Friday titles". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  22. ↑ Peter Gerstenzang (June 17, 2011). "Fountains of Wayne Talk Dark New Disc | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  23. ↑ "The Blog • The Wonder Years - Hey Julie (Fountains Of Wayne". Makeup For The Silence. March 20, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Fountains of Wayne Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  25. ↑ "Fountains of Wayne Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.