ABOUT JOHN RODERICK


My name is John Roderick, and I'm the guitarist and singer of the Seattle rock band The Long Winters. I'm excited to be going to Bonnaroo this year as correspondent for MSNBC. I'm going to check out all the big acts, The Police, Tool, Widespread Panic, The White Stripes, etc., but I'll also be seeking out the smaller and up and coming acts to get a wide-angle picture of the whole, three-day festival. I spend a number of months on tour every year myself, so I have a good idea what the bands themselves are experiencing, and I'll be able to report from backstage as well as from the crowd for a unique view of the music, the atmosphere, and the shenanigans.

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(Photo: Gregory A. Perez)


An absolutely perfect rock band

Posted: Sunday, June 17, 2007 1:45 AM by John Roderick

Fountains of Wayne
This band gets saddled with the “power pop” label (which has a slightly disparaging undertone to my ear), but they are an absolutely perfect American rock band.

In the interest of full disclosure I should note that their drummer, Brian Young, played on my band’s first record, but to mitigate that fact I can say that I hated the video for “Stacy’s Mom,” making me again an impartial judge.

I can’t imagine any music fan not enjoying the combination of three-part harmonies, hooky guitar playing, wry lyricism, and fat-free songwriting that characterize the Fountains of Wayne. 

DESPITE the fact that their band name is guilty of the worst excesses of mid-'90s irony. DESPITE the fact that their biggest single was beyond corny, they play honest rock music that is intensely well-written, well-played, and fun.  

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