Welcome Interstate Managers
by Fountains of Wayne
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 91
  3. Negative: 12 out of 91

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  1. LazarusGravity
    Jun 1, 2012
    9
    Still laugh like a drain every time I hear this! And in Hackensack they've written one of the great plaintive songs of impossible yearning. Wonderful stuff! Off to check out their other releases.
  2. vscoott345
    Apr 26, 2012
    9
    Wow this is a great album. "Mexican Wine" is a great opening tune, other notable songs include "Hey Julie" "Stacy's Mom" "Hackensack" "Bright Future In Sales". The songwriting here is brilliant. Catchy tunes and nothing too light and fluffy. It's really a damn shame this band didn't get more popular in the airwaves. A true gem.
  3. nyynut2798
    Sep 24, 2010
    10
    Great! This is one of the best albums of the last decade. If you don't own it buy it now. Every song is well written and performed. It says a lot for an album when you know the next song is really good, but you can't hit the skip button because the one playing is just as good.
  4. ChadS
    Apr 14, 2007
    9
    After watching "Music and Lyrics", it dawned on me that I somehow skipped "Welcome Interstate Managers". Why? Because I was unemployed in 2003. "Stacy's Mom" brilliantly recalls The Cars' "Just What I Needed" and then finds its own bliss. "Hackensack" is equally catchy and unbelievably sad.
  5. mit
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    Well thank you for the compliment Richard Roeper but I don't even remember when Shit's Poo Squaro came out. That's how forgettable the record was. Why is I always turn into the asshole when all I wanted was to compliment how good this record was. Of course I'm no Rodney Bingenheimer or even a Nic Hartcort when it comes to music. But I do know anyone who passes up a Well thank you for the compliment Richard Roeper but I don't even remember when Shit's Poo Squaro came out. That's how forgettable the record was. Why is I always turn into the asshole when all I wanted was to compliment how good this record was. Of course I'm no Rodney Bingenheimer or even a Nic Hartcort when it comes to music. But I do know anyone who passes up a great album like this and Franz Ferdinand for a mediorce records like Flutes Blue Arrow is out of their cotton picken mind.… Expand
  6. ErikH
    Mar 20, 2007
    7
    Tim, it's difficult to believe you really know "more about music" than anyone will ever know when you don't even know the name of the Shins' album ("Chutes Too Narrow"). Also your entire comment came across as an arrogant asshole who lacks the intelligence of a sixth grader. As for this album, while it has quite a few catchy numbers, it is overall not the kind of album Tim, it's difficult to believe you really know "more about music" than anyone will ever know when you don't even know the name of the Shins' album ("Chutes Too Narrow"). Also your entire comment came across as an arrogant asshole who lacks the intelligence of a sixth grader. As for this album, while it has quite a few catchy numbers, it is overall not the kind of album you'll listen to again and again and find yourself returning too. It's an enjoyable but forgettable quickie, similar to Franz Ferdinand.… Expand
  7. JoeyJoJoShabadoo
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    Did I say anything about the Shins being bad? They're just not on the same level as this album. At least I don't pull stupid comments out my arse. This album is sensational.
  8. tim
    Feb 22, 2007
    10
    Did I say the Shins were bad you idiot!!!!!!!!!!!! This is just on another level that their overrated Shutes Too Narrow. I know more about music than you'll ever know. Blow it out your ass.
  9. TheCritic
    Jul 10, 2006
    9
    tim E, you obviously know nothing of rock music or anything of the sort, to say that the Shins are bad. You know where to shove that comment...
  10. HenreyD
    Jul 4, 2006
    10
    Awsome
  11. LukeB
    May 27, 2006
    10
    Stacy's Mom 4 eva!
  12. Sharons
    Nov 29, 2005
    10
    Loved the album. It's great fun, each and every song.
  13. Dillynd
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    this is the best cd ever made they rock the party and will rock on forever!ROCK ON
  14. RicoA.
    Aug 12, 2005
    10
    The best album of the year, and their personal best. Different musical styles on each song, all catchey and all infused with wit & knowledge.
  15. timE
    Jan 13, 2005
    9
    the Shins who? Don't believe the hype about that overrated band. This is the record that lives up to the hype and more. Get it fast! Get it now!
  16. BrodyK
    May 29, 2004
    10
    This is great!
  17. manu...
    May 7, 2004
    10
    perfect pop.
  18. ryanf
    Mar 23, 2004
    10
    you should all listen to it
  19. vikkip
    Mar 16, 2004
    10
    This is the best CD i eva purchased anyone who says otherwise obviously doesn't have any taste in music!
  20. AdamS.
    Feb 25, 2004
    9
    Aside from that stupid country song, this CD is my favorite all time.
  21. Jessy(jessica)A
    Jan 7, 2004
    10
    I Like it alot
  22. Snoopy
    Dec 10, 2003
    7
    IT's great but casually overated. If there was a little more excitment i could fall 4 it! Don't trust media comments just cuz they're 10 4 10! listen 2 it yourself b4 u go outta your way get it! it's a great record and original if like different music u gotta get it!
  23. ChrisS
    Dec 1, 2003
    9
    Hey, at least it's round. I mean if they made a square one who the hell could play it?
  24. BStabile
    Nov 13, 2003
    10
    These versatile, talented, able musicians have produced a collection that my little boy (3 and a half) and I can't wait to hear whenever we're in the car. He calls Little Red Light "Oh no" and "Stacy's Mom" "Stacy's Mommy". Being a 48-year old fan of rock'n roll, I hear echos of Simon & Garfunkel, Smithereens, Beatles, Kinks. This is one that will have the These versatile, talented, able musicians have produced a collection that my little boy (3 and a half) and I can't wait to hear whenever we're in the car. He calls Little Red Light "Oh no" and "Stacy's Mom" "Stacy's Mommy". Being a 48-year old fan of rock'n roll, I hear echos of Simon & Garfunkel, Smithereens, Beatles, Kinks. This is one that will have the longevity of "Can't Buy a Thrill". … Expand
  25. PaulW
    Nov 6, 2003
    8
    As a person bought up on a diet of Brit Pop/Rock (Genesis, Peter Gabriel/Human League), American Pop/Rock (Bruce Hornsby/Huey Lewis/Springsteen/Brian Wilson) the "Fountains of Wayne" in "Welcome Interstate Managers" cover all these bases at once!!! Totally infectious lyrics, incredible harmonies and skilled musicianship make for a wonderful album. As a keyboard player in a Gold Coast As a person bought up on a diet of Brit Pop/Rock (Genesis, Peter Gabriel/Human League), American Pop/Rock (Bruce Hornsby/Huey Lewis/Springsteen/Brian Wilson) the "Fountains of Wayne" in "Welcome Interstate Managers" cover all these bases at once!!! Totally infectious lyrics, incredible harmonies and skilled musicianship make for a wonderful album. As a keyboard player in a Gold Coast (Australia) 7 piece band we already covering "Stacy's Mom" (with or without the towel on). I played "Stacey's Mom" to the band members and they said "lets do it". In summary, great album. Hopefully it wont be three more years for another. Paul Whelan Keyboard Player "Three Quarter Jack" Gold Coast Australia … Expand
  26. grahamjd
    Nov 5, 2003
    8
    the difinitive sound of the summer. one of the best kept secrets in the entire music industry. a shame as they are one of the most rewarding bands in the history of bands who write the greatest, most catchiest songs.
  27. ScottW
    Oct 2, 2003
    10
    A pop masterpiece! "Managers" saves our generation from the sludge of spears, Timberlake, Eminem, and any Creed-esque mistake for music that we have driven ourselves into. The lead duo's obvious ear for real music (of any genre) reminds one of Brian wilson, Roger Waters, or even Thom Yorke. If the sound does not please, then surely we have sunk to a new low in modern music.
  28. bobbym
    Sep 22, 2003
    10
    I like it yes !
  29. SkipB
    Sep 22, 2003
    10
    Fantastic collection of power pop. This is a disc full of hits that are extremely infectious with more hooks than your Dad's tackle box. Great writing, melodic harmonies, you'll find yourself singing along with a smile. It turned me on to their earlier work that also contains some real gems. They deliver in person as well giving a knock-out performance that leaves your head reeling.
  30. AndrewT
    Sep 21, 2003
    8
    Reminds me very much of Squeeze. Direct to the point, you do not have to play this one too many times to get it. Makes you wonder who did the "Uncut" review "They're diminished by trying to touch too many bases, often lapsing into sub-Oasis stodge."
  31. ScottF.K.
    Sep 5, 2003
    10
    Insanely great songwriting, perfectly executed. Funny, sweet, ironic and edgy. The best pop rock LP in years. A masterpiece.
  32. WillN
    Aug 25, 2003
    10
    can't stop listening to it!
  33. DaveP
    Aug 22, 2003
    10
    A great piece of powe pop extraordinaire. If you loved Ben Folds' "Rockin The Suburbs", "Welcome Interstate Managers" is a fantastic companion piece.
  34. MikeM
    Aug 9, 2003
    10
    How could you not like this? These guys are destined to break through. Bright Future in Sales is hysterical. Great album, turn it up loud - you'll love it.
  35. FilazaferX
    Aug 5, 2003
    7
    This cd is pretty good, but not a masterpiece. Trying to decide if you should buy this cd? I will make it easy with this list of bands. If you like most of them, buy it. If you hate most of them, don't buy it: The Cars, Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, The Rugburns, Rick Springfield (hear song #3), and the Super Furry Animals
  36. AlB
    Aug 2, 2003
    10
    A friend of mine tried to turn me on to Fountains Of Wayne a long time ago. I never "got it" - that 80's-ish new wave/pop sound was never much too my liking (save for The Cars), and FOW quickly faded from my musical landscape and was almost forgotten. Sometime later, the same friend lent me Ivy's Apartment Life CD. Stunningly infectious stuff, and thus when Schlesinger's A friend of mine tried to turn me on to Fountains Of Wayne a long time ago. I never "got it" - that 80's-ish new wave/pop sound was never much too my liking (save for The Cars), and FOW quickly faded from my musical landscape and was almost forgotten. Sometime later, the same friend lent me Ivy's Apartment Life CD. Stunningly infectious stuff, and thus when Schlesinger's "other" band released Welcome Interstate Managers, I felt I owed it to him (both my co-worker and Adam) to give the CD a listen. Wow! This is a remarkable record from so many angles... Similar to another artist my friend DID successfully turn me on to - Freedy Johnston - the lyrics are anything but typical sugary-pop throw away lines. Each song feels like a novel unto itself, despite the mere three to four minutes given to tell the story. That, to me, is a sure sign of genius. But without catchy music, those lyrics never stand a chance of catching on. But catch on they do here, because the musicianship is superb. A lot of pop CD's make me feel like I've listened to the same song ten times in a row. Not here. Each song is a world unto itself, and the versatility of the songwriting is impressive, from country to The Cars to 60s-ish fuzzy, chorused guitars and Beatles-esque psychedelia... For whatever reason, the bottom line is this album DID click, and I now "get it" - Fountains Of Wayne is sheer musical genius, and my respect for Adam Schelsinger's skills has grown immensely. Not one hit band, but two? Man... Tell me this guy doesn't have it goin' on! Whatever type of music you prefer, you owe it to yourself to at least give this CD a listen. Not everyone will like it, of course, but for the rest of us, it will most likely make our lists of the top albums of 2003. It is THAT good, without a doubt - light years ahead of the morass the rest of the musical world seems mired in. Refreshing stuff...… Expand
  37. BillH
    Jul 21, 2003
    10
    Terrible title - wonderful music. Amazing lyrics - amazing music. Three hours till they play Stacy's Mom on Letterman and I am so excited for them. These guys deserve mass adulation and if Stacy's Mom doesn't do the trick what could. That song has the catchiest chorus I have EVER heard. This is their best CD, which considering that their previous one was darn close to Terrible title - wonderful music. Amazing lyrics - amazing music. Three hours till they play Stacy's Mom on Letterman and I am so excited for them. These guys deserve mass adulation and if Stacy's Mom doesn't do the trick what could. That song has the catchiest chorus I have EVER heard. This is their best CD, which considering that their previous one was darn close to perfect is quite a statement. Bill… Expand
  38. williamc
    Jul 20, 2003
    9
    wonderful lyrics.... they gave a great interview on npr
  39. MaxM
    Jul 9, 2003
    8
    Each album has had its strengths and this one is equal to its predecessors in every aspect. One of the year's ten best so far!
  40. RachelG
    Jul 7, 2003
    9
    Infectious - as all others that came before. The best thing you can do at a desk job is listen to FOW singing about how lame that job you're doing is.
  41. JamesL
    Jul 3, 2003
    8
    The cd's very fun......not too edgy or too challenging....but when in the mood for some good pop, definitely fits the bill. I haven't read any mention of the song Supercollider....it's my personal favorite.
  42. Stacy
    Jul 2, 2003
    9
    Im not really commenting on the CD... I just wanted to tell a true story... My name is Stacy. For a few years I have been close friends with this guy, who has always had a "crush" on my mom. Recently a friend of ours hears "Stacy's Mom" on the radio and made us listen to it. We were laughing SO hard, we were crying. I am NOT shi*ing you... I played it today for my mom, and she Im not really commenting on the CD... I just wanted to tell a true story... My name is Stacy. For a few years I have been close friends with this guy, who has always had a "crush" on my mom. Recently a friend of ours hears "Stacy's Mom" on the radio and made us listen to it. We were laughing SO hard, we were crying. I am NOT shi*ing you... I played it today for my mom, and she offered to be in the video ;) Thanks for a great song!!!… Collapse
  43. ButtLicket
    Jun 23, 2003
    10
    Good
  44. FabrizioL
    Jun 23, 2003
    9
    I'm sorry for my bad english...don't you think that AMG four and half stars are not a "poor" 60?!
  45. BrianM
    Jun 21, 2003
    9
    This is FOW's best album to date. Extremely catchy, polished pop-rock.
  46. JerryB
    Jun 19, 2003
    9
    This is simply the best pop record of the year. It's more consistent than their previous two releases and it simply must be picked up by anyone slaves away in a corporate office park and longs for something more.
  47. MusicMaven
    Jun 19, 2003
    9
    I've been a fan of FoW since the beginning, and I'm amused at the critical flip-flopping. The debut was well-received, their 2nd album was trashed, and now they're great again. The truth is they haven't changed a whole lot. Maybe they have gotten a bit more laid back with all the ballads. But they can still write catchy rock songs. "Stacy's Mom", in particular, is I've been a fan of FoW since the beginning, and I'm amused at the critical flip-flopping. The debut was well-received, their 2nd album was trashed, and now they're great again. The truth is they haven't changed a whole lot. Maybe they have gotten a bit more laid back with all the ballads. But they can still write catchy rock songs. "Stacy's Mom", in particular, is on par with any of the Cars' greatest hits. If you like any of their previous work or power-pop in general, you must pick this up.… Expand
  48. PeterS
    Jun 16, 2003
    9
    Fine record

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2003
25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2003
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Their tunes have always seemed too facile, but seven years divided by three albums doesn't equal glib, especially with those years deepening their lyricism rather than their cynicism.
    Read full review
  2. ShakingThrough.net
    96
    Not only their crowning achievement to date but also one of the year's finest albums, period.
    Read full review
  3. Austin Chronicle
    78
    The secret to Fountains of Wayne's genius is the ability to infuse personality into a typically personalityless segment of America, making sadness and mundanity both interesting and deceptively fun.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »