The group formed in 1992, and released a vinyl single, "Proto Pretty", which was later compiled on Rhino Records' "Poptopia" series of power pop compilations. They followed this with the albums Wondermints (1995), Wonderful World of the Wondermints (an album of cover versions from 1996), Bali (1998) and Mind If We Make Love to You (2002). Most of these albums were released in Japan prior to release in the United States. The group also contributed to the soundtrack of the first Austin Powers movie at the request of Mike Myers.
In 1999, the group signed on to be part of Brian Wilson's touring band. Walusko and Gregory have played with him continuously ever since, with D'Amico only having toured with Wilson in 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003. When D'Amico left to spend time with his family, he was replaced in 2001 and early 2002 by Andy Paley, and in 2004 by Nelson Bragg. However, D'Amico rejoined Wilson's band in the summer of 2008, replacing Jim Hines on drums after relieving fellow multi-instrumentalist Scott Bennett of his temporary drumming duties. Sahanaja also missed a few shows in 2003 and 2008, being replaced by Gary Griffin, and in 2016, when Billy Hinsche took his place.
All Wondermints can be heard on Wilson's CDs and DVDs Live at the Roxy Theatre, Brian Wilson on Tour, Pet Sounds Live, and Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, with Sahanaja, Walusko, and Gregory also appearing on the Pet Sounds Live in London album and the studio albums Gettin' in Over My Head and Brian Wilson Presents Smile.
The band is part of a power pop scene in Los Angeles, many of whose members play on each other's records. All of the members of Wondermints, especially Gregory, have made frequent guest appearances and have several side projects, some of the more notable of which are Love, The Eels, Baby Lemonade, The Negro Problem, Stew and Kim Fox.
Albums
Wondermints (1995)
Wonderful World of the Wondermints (1996)
Bali (1998)
Mind If We Make Love to You (2002)
Kaleidoscopin': Exploring Prisms of the Past (2009)
Cellophane
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sunshine kept you wide awake
Now that you're blind
Hindsight, technicolor fade
Roll over, is it over, why?
Every shoulder- every shoulder you cry
Safe cellophane, hide your face
You're blue and you're colder
Tell me when it's over
Roped and tied
I'll find something kind to say
Well, hello, goodbye
It's time to walk away
Roll over, is it over, why?
Every shoulder- every shoulder you cry
Safe cellophane, hide your face
You're blue and you're colder
Wait for tonight of pain
Tell me when it's over
Safe cellophane, hide your face
You're blue and you're colder
Wait for tonight of pain
Tell me when it's over
Roll over, is it over, why?
Every shoulder- every shoulder you cry
Safe cellophane, hide your face
You're blue and you're colder
Wait for tonight of pain
Tell me when it's over...
The lyrics of Wondermints' "Cellophane" suggest a sense of loss and regret. The song seems to be addressing someone who is suffering from the consequences of something they have done, perhaps a decision they regret or a mistake they wish they could undo. The line "now that you're blind" could suggest that this person is unable to see the situation clearly, or that they have lost something important to them. The mention of "safe cellophane" could be an allusion to hiding or protecting oneself from emotional pain. The lyrics also carry a sense of resignation and acceptance of the situation, with lines like "wait for tonight of pain" and "it's time to walk away." Overall, the song seems to be expressing sympathy for someone who is going through a difficult time, but it also acknowledges that there comes a point where we must let go and move on.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time
In the past, a certain period when things were better
Sunshine kept you wide awake
Optimism and positivity made it easy to stay alert
Now that you're blind
Now that you can't see the truth
Hindsight, technicolor fade
The memories of the past are now distant and vague
Roll over, is it over, why?
Feeling unsure about the outcome of a situation
Every shoulder- every shoulder you cry
Seeking comfort, but it seems like there's no one to turn to
Safe cellophane, hide your face
Trying to shield oneself from reality by putting up a facade
You're blue and you're colder
Feeling sad and alone
Wait for tonight of pain
Anticipating more sadness and pain in the future
Tell me when it's over
Wanting closure and the end of the pain
Roped and tied
Feeling trapped and powerless
I'll find something kind to say
Trying to be positive despite feeling down
Well, hello, goodbye
Saying farewell to something or someone
It's time to walk away
Realizing it's time to leave behind something that's causing pain
Safe cellophane, hide your face
Continuing to shield oneself from reality
Wait for tonight of pain
Bracing oneself for more sadness and pain
Tell me when it's over
Asking for closure once again
Roll over, is it over, why?
Still feeling unsure about the future
Every shoulder- every shoulder you cry
Still seeking comfort, but it still feels like there's no one to turn to
Safe cellophane, hide your face
Continuing to put up a facade and shield oneself from reality
You're blue and you're colder
Still feeling sad and alone
Wait for tonight of pain
Bracing oneself for more sadness and pain
Tell me when it's over...
The song ends with the repeated plea for closure
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL D'AMICO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrBashpop
A most talented gentleman named Mike D'Amico!
Mark Lancaster
RIP Nick Waluso.
Christian Hilmer
great song! makes me dance! Such a song makes your day! `just bought the album due to this song.
I did not know the Wondermints before. I saw a clip here on youtube with Darian singing "Darlin" with the beach boys, Royal Albert Hall 2012. Just great, i watched it about 10 times.
ogam5
The greatest hit Rundgren never made......
Nicole K.
These guys were criminally underrated. And now they’re no more. 😢
Chris Metzler
Found out about Nick Walusko's death over the weekend. Now I'm just binging Mints songs. I never met the man and I am sad.
Michael Brown
thanks for posting. I'm enjoying this record this morning.
SamsonCrosswood
Retro. Without trying too hard. Very cool.
BillboardPenguin
This reminds me of Stevie Wonder.
Budi Rahardjo
RIP Nick Walusko