NEW YORK (Virgin Records)- On June 28th, Virgin Records will release Fountains Of Wayne's long-awaited "Out-Of-State Plates," a specially priced 2-CD collection of non-album tracks recorded over the span of the band's career. Fountains fans have clamored for an official compilation for years and, up until now, most of these recordings have only been available as bonus tracks on rare and expensive import singles, or through less legal means. Also included are several previously unreleased songs, as well as two brand new ones, "The Girl I Can't Forget" and the album's first single, "Maureen."
"Out-Of-State Plates" shows the broad palette of pop styles the band has explored since its inception nearly 10 years ago. The recordings vary from full-blown studio productions to home demos, from elaborate arrangements to one-take acoustic performances; but throughout, songwriters Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger demonstrate their trademark melodic gifts, as well as their lyrical and musical range. Liner notes written by Schlesinger and Collingwood, providing a bit of backstory for each of the cuts, are also included in the package.
In addition to the plethora of rare Fountains tunes, there are also cover versions of songs by the likes of ELO, Gene Pitney, Jackson Browne, Bacharach/David and Aztec Camera, as well as the first official release of FOW's version of the Britney Spears hit "...Baby, One More Time." Although recorded in 1999, it was pulled from release at the last minute and has since only circulated as a mono bootleg. The recording originally gained notoriety when Howard Stern got ahold of it and repeatedly played it on the air, which led to unauthorized copies receiving airplay around the country for months afterwards.
Fountains Of Wayne's third and most recent album, "Welcome Interstate Managers," was released in 2003 and received two Grammy nominations and contained the smash single "Stacy's Mom." It was named No 3 Album Of The Year in the prestigious Village Voice "Pazz and Jop" poll, and led Entertainment Weekly to dub FOW "America's greatest extant rock and roll band." The band checked and discovered that "extant" was, in fact, a real word.
The group, which in addition to Collingwood and Schlesinger includes guitarist Jody Porter and drummer Brian Young, will play select dates throughout the year in support of "Out-Of-State Plates." A benefit for homeless children in New York's Central Park on May 22 will mark the start of FOW's schedule. See www.fountainsofwayne.com for details.
The complete track listing for "Out-Of-State Plates" is as follows:
Disc One
Number 45 Sunblock
Maureen
California Sex Lawyer
Janice's Party
Karpet King
Baby I've Changed
I Know You Well
You're Just never Satisfied
I'll Do The Driving
Nightlight
I Want You Around
Trains And Boats And Planes
Places
Can't Get it Out Of My Head (Live)
Disc Two
City Folk Morning
The Girl I Can't Forget
...Baby One More Time
Elevator Up
Comedienne
Kid Gloves
Today's Teardrops
She's Got A Problem (Live)
These Days
I Want An Alien For Christmas
The Man In The Santa Suit
Chanukah Under The Stars
Killermont Street
Half A Woman
Small Favors
Imperia