The Fountains
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The Fountains was a progressive, alternative, anti-establishment, folk-pop-punk band based out of Athens, GA that released five albums during its nine year career. Beginning with Welcome in 1994, twin brothers Gary and Jeffrey Andrews created music that borrowed from such diverse influences as Woody Guthrie, The Clash, The Mills Brothers, and Neil Diamond. That first release saw the brothers cut eleven beautifly simple and engaging acoustic songs. The entire album was recorded and mixed in a few hours at the cost of $150. The printing of 500 sold out in a matter of weeks. Joined in 1995 by longtime friend and drummer, Jeremy Allen, The Fountains spent a summer sequestered in Aiken, S.C. There, they wrote songs for their 2nd album, Stamp. Andrew Robinson, bass, and John Cohen, keys, came down from New York City to join in, and the album was recorded in 10 hours and mixed in a day. The band became a staple in the vibrant Athens,Ga. music scene, playing with the likes of John Mayer, The Drive-By Truckers, Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), among many others. Respected as much for their work ethic as their music, The Fountains toured the country, playing over 500 shows all over the U.S. and Canada. Their 3rd release, Ideal Amusement 1997, was recorded at Chase Park Studios in Athens with Dave Barbie (sugar, et al) Rob Easterday, and Andy Lemaster (Now it's Overhead). Talks American, a song poking fun at Christian End-Timers, became an underground cult favorite after getting air play on NPR, for it's Monty Python-esque biting wit. In 2000, The band recorded Diamond Wheel, taking its name from a chapter in John Irving's, A Prayer for Owen Meany, this album was done in true Fountain's style. They recorded the entire album in their home on Ruth St.in Athens. The title track was recorded as it was being written. Finally, in the summer of 2001 the band recorded its final record, Roadsigns For Astronauts. Certainly, the most accomplished effort in the band's history, Roadsigns captures the bands strengths of melody, harmony, and songwriting. The album seems to chronical the bands career ending with the beautiful and timeless tune, Who Hung The Moon?.
The Fountain's catalogue can be accessed at www.Athensmusic.net
