10 Greatest Forgotten Songs Of The 2000s
1. Fountains Of Wayne - Mexican Wine
By virtue of being incredibly catchy, childishly charming, and one of a scant few genuinely funny comedy songs, Stacy’s Mom will forever be the tune by which Fountains of Wayne are remembered. We shouldn’t feel too sorry for them - it no doubt made them plenty of money - but it does keep songs like the beautiful Mexican Wine somewhat in the shadows.
Like their albatross smash hit, Mexican Wine is classic power pop, but with a wry, melancholic air instead of the teen movie sheen. It’s a collection of vignettes about life’s losers, with a gently despairing chorus.
It’s not depressing stuff in the least, though. It starts delicate and quiet then brings in the sparkling rock guitars and faux-harpsichord riffing. It’s heart on the sleeve stuff for a band unfairly best remembered for a novelty hit - this is much more in keeping with the gently profound style preferred by the late Adam Schlesinger.
The song never takes itself too seriously - there’s a showy key change midway through - but it’s no less heartbreaking for its gently goofy spirit. It even ends on a lovely note of hope. All in all, it’s got it going on.