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)
Out of Mind
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Outta sight, out of mind
Unto the stars our destinations lie
I'm in t-t-t-t-t-t-t-tune
Like an astronaut in a cave
Unnamed and unenlightened
And out of mind
Now wait a minute, do I know you?
"Well, I think you do..."
Do-do-do do-do-do-do-do
I'm a prisoner, inner space
The spiral arms so cold
Phantom limbo
Another cloudy morning sunshine day
Other thoughts, other times
Inside a daydream that you slip away
Do-do-do do-do-do-do-do
And you can't explain the way
You play, so outta sight
And out of mind
The Wondermints song "Out of Mind" is a poetic exploration of the themes of isolation, disconnection, and inner space. The song opens with the singer describing a dream that he had where he had left and was out of sight and out of mind. He likens his destination to the stars, suggesting that this is a journey that takes him far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The repetition of the stuttering "t-t-t-t-t-t-t-tune" creates a sense of unease and confusion, as if the singer is lost in a state of limbo or uncertainty.
Further on in the song, the singer encounters someone who addresses him with the phrase "Hey baby", but he is unsure whether he knows this person or not. This moment of hesitation and lack of recognition adds to the sense of disconnection and otherness that permeates the song. The singer describes himself as a prisoner of inner space, suggesting that he is locked in his own thoughts and fears. The reference to the "spiral arms" adds to the sense of otherworldliness and distance from reality.
Overall, "Out of Mind" is a dreamy, atmospheric song that speaks to the complexities of the human mind and the struggle to find one's place in a world that can often feel confusing and isolating. The repetition of certain phrases and the dreamlike quality of the lyrics and music add to the sense of disorientation that the singer is feeling.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a dream that I had left last night
The singer had a dream about leaving something behind
Outta sight, out of mind
When something is out of sight, it's easy to forget about it
Unto the stars our destinations lie
Our goals and aspirations are as far away as the stars in the sky
I'm in t-t-t-t-t-t-t-tune
I'm in tune and feeling good
Like an astronaut in a cave
The singer feels confined and isolated despite feeling good
Unnamed and unenlightened
The singer feels lost and lacking direction
And out of mind
The singer is forgotten or overlooked by others
"Hey baby"
Someone is trying to get the singer's attention
Now wait a minute, do I know you?
The singer doesn't recognize the person trying to get their attention
Do-do-do do-do-do-do-do
Nonsensical filler lyrics
I'm a prisoner, inner space
The singer feels trapped and confined inside their own mind
The spiral arms so cold
The vast emptiness of space is frightening and isolating
Phantom limbo
The feeling of being stuck in limbo, unable to move forward
Another cloudy morning sunshine day
Another day that seems bright and promising but is marred by sadness or uncertainty
Other thoughts, other times
The singer is preoccupied with memories of the past or worries about the future
Inside a daydream that you slip away
The singer gets lost in a dream or fantasy, escaping reality for a little bit
And you can't explain the way
The singer feels unable to describe or convey their emotions
You play, so outta sight
The singer feels unappreciated or unnoticed
And out of mind
The singer is forgotten by others
Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
dgarve
RIP Nicky Wonder. Amazing tune smith and connoisseur of power pop. Those Wondermints albums are four of the finest records you’ll ever hear. Thanks for all of the eargasms.
Mike Halpern
Well said sir
yameruss
Another killer song by the brilliant Nick Walusko and the Wondermints. I couldn't help but notice that Nick also had the strongest tune on the preceding 'Bali" album. I'm talking of course about 'My Id/entity', a pop rock masterpiece if there ever was one. I really wish these guys would record again !
Tiny Dancer
Me too.
My Music Videos
RIP Nick. Such a sweet, kind soul. His music and spirit live on. ⚘❤
James Taggart
Pure pop deliciousness...
Mike Halpern
Who's the gal on the record?..
'Hey Baby....'