Q: What is THE hot ride of summer, 2007?

Fountains of Wayne's Chris Collingwood, in Chicago last July

A: Over the weekend, T.A.M.S.Y. took a test drive of Traffic and Weather, the new album from top nerd rockers Fountains of Wayne. We're pleased to report it's a very smooth ride: its guitar-powered giddyup, polished retro frame and comfy hooks make for the Fountains' finest model since 1999's Utopia Parkway.

I had trouble choosing a favorite track to share, but in the end, I just couldn't resist "'92 Subaru," which seems like a good bet to follow in the footsteps of "Stacy's Mom" onto a towel aside this summer's MTV Beach House.

The song is lyricist Adam Schlesinger's contribution to the great rock tradition of automotive come-ons; where Springsteen had his pink Cadillac, Prince his red Corvette, and Brian Wilson his little deuce Coupe, it seems somehow appropriate that Schlesinger would end up behind the wheel of a suped-up secondhand sedan.

Fountains of Wayne
'92 Subaru
Traffic and Weather, 2007

Wanna hear more? Scott Stereogum is streaming the first single, "Someone to Love." Traffic and Weather rolls into record shops April 3rd; or pre-order it from Amazon today.

MEANWHILE: Gorilla vs. Bear is calling it right now: Muscle's "Ice Cream" will be THE jam of summer, 2007. And I'm totally willing to go with that.