Not since Ray Davies has a songwriter been able to craft such sharply observed vignettes in the space of a three-minute pop song like the late Adam Schlesinger. And on 2007’s Traffic and Weather, Fountains of Wayne’s fourth album, Schlesinger took his art to a new level, singing short stories as varied as crushing on a DMV clerk (Yolanda Hayes), celebrating the sexiness of a car not generally considered sporting (92 Subaru), being broke (Strapped for Cash) and having luggage lost by an airline (Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim). And while it lacks a radio-friendly hit like Stacy’s Mom—it should be mentioned that Chris Collingwood only contributed three songs to this record—there are still earworms aplenty, particularly on I-95, Collingwood’s Seatbacks and Traytables, and the title tune.
Tracklisting
- Someone To Love
- '92 Subaru
- Yolanda Hayes
- Traffic And Weather
- Fire In The Canyon
- This Better Be Good
- Revolving Dora
- Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim
- Strapped For Cash
- I-95
- The Hotel Majestic
- Planet Of Weed
- New Routine
- Seatbacks And Traytables