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Fountains of Wayne - No Better Place: Live in Chicago

by Dawn Marie Fichera

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If you are looking for Fountains of Wayne first DVD, No Better Place- Live in Chicago to give you a glimpse into the band's shenanigans, backstage banter, or road life, I am sorry to disappoint.

The music by Chris Collingwood (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Adam Schlesinger (Bass, Vocals), Jody Porter (Guitar, Vocals) and Brian Young (Drums, Percussion) isn't mind-blowing, isn't complex - it's just simple power pop.

The DVD unapologetically grants rabid fans insight into the on-stage set. That's it. Period. No outtakes, no videos, no drunken bus tours with the groupies and hangers-on. Just the windy city and a bunch of breezy, easy songs. Too bad, I kinda like the shadow side portrayal of rock stars on rock DVD's.

The DVD footage was taken from a concert in Chicago and includes the infectious track, "Stacy's Mom". You know the one, the video starred Rachael Hunter as every teenaged boys' M.I.L.F. dream. In addition, poppy FoW standards, "Sink to the Bottom" and "Radiation Vibe" get the crowd singing along in a cheerful manner. There is a reason why the case claims FoW to be the "Champions of Power Pop"; they embrace who and what They are without trying to make amends or please the critics. How refreshing.

The widescreen format and 5.1 Surround Sound makes watching this DVD enjoyable. You don't get bored, the DVD is fairly short by the epic four hour standard. It's like watching a string of videos with the same backdrop for about an hour.

PERFORMANCES
"I've Got a Flair"
"Mexican Wine"
"Janice's Party"
"No Better Place"
"Denise"
"Hackensack"
"Hey Julie"
"Valley Winter Song"
"Sick Day"
"Red Dragon Tattoo"
"Stacy's Mom"
"Bright Future in Sales"
"Maureen"
"Radiation Vibe"
"Survival Car"
"Sink to the Bottom"

There is a never-before-seen acoustic performance that includes tracks, "It Must Be Summer", "Someone to Love", "I-95", "Joe Ray", and "Fire in the Canyon".

Overall, it is a light, fun, enjoyable hour of entertainment. After all, isn't that what we all like to enjoy every now and again? Mindless melodies that we can sing along to without breaking down the complexities or hidden meanings?

The DVD just hit stores, if you are a fan, pick it up; it's a good time.


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