Album of the Day

Named after a Wayne, NJ, lawn ornament store, Fountains of Wayne carried the power-pop torch higher than almost any other band of the 1990s. Built around the talents of singer-songwriters Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger, the group signed to Atlantic Records and their eponymous debut followed in 1996. Its dozen originals offer sly looks at modern life buoyed by hook-filled alt-rock arrangements; singles “Radiation Vibe” and “Sink to the Bottom” qualify as highlights, but you'll find yourself singing along to “Sick Day,” “Leave The Biker” and others just as enthusiastically. While its kid superhero cover image was used by another band right around the time of release, it's entirely appropriate for this exhilarating album – FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE will rescue you from musical doldrums.