IFLTS: 'Troubled Times,' Fountains of Wayne

Posted on Dec 18th 2007 4:00PM by Reg Gonzales
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'Troubled Times,' Fountains of Wayne
From 1999's 'Utopia Parkway'

I have to admit -- I was never really a fan of Fountains of Wayne's hit single 'Stacy's Mom.' Yeah, it catapulted the power-pop band into mainstream success, but I have to say it's probably one of the most annoying songs I've heard (over and over) during the past five years. Thankfully, I was a Fountains of Wayne fan before the M.I.L.F. anthem infected every pop station.

The band's 1999 sophomore album, 'Utopia Parkway,' contains a solid set of nearly perfect pop rock tunes. 'Troubled Times' is a song meant to be taken for what it exactly is -- a simple, optimistic, alt-pop love song. Without overdosing on the sweetness, the song manages to blend the right amount of sugary guitars with a slight touch of tambourine jangle. And singer Chris Collingwood's harmonies seem to hit the chorus at exactly the right moments.

Songs with clean, catchy melody lines usually have the biggest impact on me, which is why I've always been drawn to this song in particular. After one listen, I can almost guarantee that 'Troubled Times' will be stuck in your head -- but not in that obnoxious 'Stacy's Mom' sort of way.

What song do you freakin' love? Write our next IFLTS. Send it to us at spinnereditor@aim.com

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