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."
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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.
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