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)
Proto-Pretty
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I thought I could feel you pulling me through.
The DNA is pretty - you know it makes me smile.
The oxygen is plenty - don't touch that dial.
I thought I could make it, but only with you.
I wished I could bake it - if only I could.
The DNA is pretty - you know it makes her smile.
The jellyhead is singing - don't ask her why.
From a river flow,
Forever slip away...
I wanted to give my soul to you.
I thought I could feel you pulling me through.
The DNA is pretty - you know it made me smile.
The oxygen is plenty - don't touch that dial.
The DNA is pretty - you know it made her smile.
The jellyhead is singing - don't ask her why.
The DNA is pretty - you know it made us smile.
The trilobite is swimming inside our mind.
Proto-pretty
insects - you know they make me smile.
The lyrics to Wondermints' song Proto-Pretty contain a mix of abstract concepts and sensory experiences. The singer expresses his desire to give himself over to someone, believing that this person can guide him through life's challenges. The mention of DNA and oxygen suggests a scientific or medical context, but it's not clear if these images are meant to be taken literally or metaphorically. The repeated phrase "the DNA is pretty" implies a sense of awe or wonder at the complexity and beauty of the natural world, while the mention of a "jellyhead" singing and a trilobite swimming inside the mind adds a surreal, dreamlike quality to the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanted to give my soul to you.
I desired to fully commit myself to you.
I thought I could feel you pulling me through.
I believed your love and support would lead me to success.
The DNA is pretty - you know it makes me smile.
The genetic makeup of us or our surroundings is beautiful to behold.
The oxygen is plenty - don't touch that dial.
Our environment is favorable, and we shouldn't disrupt it.
I thought I could make it, but only with you.
I realized I couldn't succeed alone, and needed your help.
I wished I could bake it - if only I could.
I desired to perfect a task, but was unable to do so.
The DNA is pretty - you know it makes her smile.
Someone else appreciates the beauty of genetic makeup.
The jellyhead is singing - don't ask her why.
A nonsensical, unpredictable situation is occurring.
Oceans old, from a river flow, forever slip away...
Time keeps moving forward, and we can never get it back.
I wanted to give my soul to you.
The desire to fully commit oneself to another persists.
I thought I could feel you pulling me through.
The belief in someone else's guidance toward success persists.
The DNA is pretty - you know it made me smile.
The beauty of genetic makeup continues to be appreciated.
The oxygen is plenty - don't touch that dial.
The importance of maintaining a favorable environment persists.
The DNA is pretty - you know it made her smile.
Another person continues to appreciate the beauty of genetic makeup.
The jellyhead is singing - don't ask her why.
The nonsensical situation continues, without explanation.
The DNA is pretty - you know it made us smile.
The appreciation of the beauty of genetic makeup is shared.
The trilobite is swimming inside our mind.
An ancient creature is metaphorically swimming in our thoughts.
Proto-pretty
Raw, primitive beauty.
Contributed by Jackson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hip Hop Hoodios
So glad to finally find "Proto Pretty" on Spotify. I discovered this song years ago on a Rhino Records power pop compilation and was blown away....
cancel couple
Yo! That Children Of Nuggets compilation changed my life too. The Dream Syndicate was my favorite band for years after it!
david penna
Wow amazing song, thanks for posting
Landlines and Percolators
They were great even before Brian Wilson joined.
Lori Sherman
Pop Perfection!
bellinghammond
not perfect. good, but the lyrics (and lack of vocal lyric hook) keep it from "the cigar" of perfection
Little King Trashmouth
Good enough for Brian Wilson, good enough for me!
Blend42
Gives me REM vibes, which is not a bad thing
inklake
The Feelies should cover this.
Di V.
I'm looking for the name of the song that was the flip side of this 7 inch record. Please help a L.A. pop fan out. Thank you!