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)
So Nice
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And how I'd love to
Like no one who would ever before
You got me found
And lost whenever
Memories come back of someone
Never have I met a girl who could make it all so nice
So
A paradise (Only you and I)
We throw together
(Live in love) Unlike the ones
Who've thrown them before
The tides of love will wash whatever
Memories come back to haunt us
Never have I met a girl who could make it all so nice
I know there is no one else like her, oh
Why tell me why?
I needed you so much it hurts to know
The time has come
And gone forever
Memories go back to someone
So very nice
So nice
The lyrics to Wondermints's song "So Nice" are an expression of the singer's longing and admiration for a particular girl. He wants her now and would love to be with her like no one else ever before. She holds a special place in his heart and he cannot help being lost whenever memories of her come back to him. The singer has never met anyone who could make everything so nice, making it evident that this girl is unique and irreplaceable.
The song continues and becomes a depiction of a paradise that the singer and the girl have created together. They have thrown their hopes and dreams together, unlike others who have been unsuccessful in their attempts. However, the tides of love are unpredictable and can easily wash away everything they have built together. Despite this, the singer still expresses the certainty that he has never met a girl who could make it all so nice, and that there is no one else like her.
The last stanza of the song becomes a question to the girl. The singer asks, "Why tell me why? I needed you so much it hurts to know." This implies that the girl has either left or is no longer interested, leaving the singer in great emotional pain. The final line of the song shows that the memories of the girl are still very nice and that he will never forget her. Overall, the song expresses deep emotions of love, desire, and longing for a girl who has left a lasting impression on the singer's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
I want you now
I desire your presence at this moment
And how I'd love to
I would really love to do what's on my mind right now
Like no one who would ever before
In a unique way that no one has ever done before
You got me found
You have my attention and affection
And lost whenever
But I feel lost without you at times
Memories come back of someone
I am reminded of someone from my past
Never have I met a girl who could make it all so nice
I have never met someone who could make everything feel so good
I know there is no one else like her
I am certain that there is no one else like you
A paradise (Only you and I)
In our company, there is only happiness
We throw together
We can create this paradise together
(Live in love) Unlike the ones
Our love is different from the ones we have seen
Who've thrown them before
Those who have tried before us
The tides of love will wash whatever
Our love is strong and will overcome any obstacle
Memories come back to haunt us
Memories can be bittersweet at times
Why tell me why?
I don't understand why
I needed you so much it hurts to know
I needed you badly that it pains me to think about it
The time has come
It is now the time
And gone forever
And it is never coming back
Memories go back to someone
I am reminded of someone from my past
So very nice
Everything felt really pleasing
So nice
It was really enjoyable
Contributed by Brody T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Larry Van Meter
Perhaps the best Wondermints song--just magnificent.
R.U. Kiddingme
This should have 10 million hits.
Pekka Ahdesmäki
Great song, Great Band, Great Nicky Wonder!!!
Jay Dee
Mr Wilson arranged the vocals as well.
鎌倉克行
SO NICE!!
Denise McCabe
Excelsior, Nick 💔
MIKELIN8
How about if next tour, Brian bills the act as Wondermints w/Brian Wilson?
Will Harris
I like this one. Thanks for posting.. -feelsflow (the other Will Harris)
Allison Mears
Anyone else hear that "Surfs Up" tribute in there?
Robert ELLIS
Yep All the Right influences FAB!