FofW/PW Soundtrack Songs

Here are two shiny new tunes from Fountains of Wayne and Paul Westerberg – both from recent films. FofW weigh in with a goofily great theme song for Monster House, while PW contributes a disappointingly dull track to Open Season.

Which brings me to the point of this post: What the %&*$@# has happened to Paul Westerberg? Since the dissolution of the Replacements many moons ago, he’s written what – maybe five great songs at best? I know that some attribute his demise to the sobering up of his life and softening up of his music. Me – I don’t have a problem with either. My beef is with his lyrics. The guy who once wielded a wicked wit and poignant emotional power now pens lyrics that make Hall & Oates seem mind-expanding.

Now, I realize the song that has prompted this diatribe is from a soundtrack to a family film. But so is the Fountain of Wayne’s track. And the Waynes manage to make theirs witty and entertaining. Westerberg’s, on the other hand, is insipid and dull.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think maybe it’s time to run the closing credits on the music of PW.

[MP3] Fountains of Wayne – “Monster House” (highly recommended) EXPIRED
[MP3] Paul Westerberg – “Love You in the Fall” (highly disappointing) EXPIRED

Buy the Monster House soundtrack
Buy the Open Season soundtrack