Top 10 Songs of 2011: #6 Fountains of Wayne - The Summer Place 

This song could have easily come out on Fountains of Wayne's self-titled debut album, on its follow up Utopia Parkway, or (with a bit more sheen) on Welcome, Interstate Managers. Which is to say, it would have fit in perfectly on three of the shiniest, most perfect pop albums of the last 15 years.

There are a few keys to a great Fountains of Wayne song:

• Some pretty specific details (think "Radiation Vibe", "Stacy's Mom", "Red Dragon Tattoo")
• A super hummable hook (everybody can still sing "Stacy's Mom", and I bet if you heard "Denise" once you'd know it for life)
• Shiny guitars

"The Summer Place" has all three elements in spades.

Details

She's been afraid of the Cuisinart since 1977
Now when she opens up the house
Well, she won't set foot in the kitchen

Hummable Hook

M-i-i-ind

Shiny Guitars
The song starts out with about 20 seconds of danceable guitar riffs. What more do you want?

Sky Full of Holes was a really great return to form by Fountains of Wayne. There are probably 3 or 4 more songs I could have chosen off the album. It's worth the listen.