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)
Sweetness
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I like your style
I like the way you like me
Like a child
You've seen a future
You've seen a fire
You've seen a scene of beauty
Taking me higher, taking me higher
Taking me higher, taken me high
I drew a circle
You drew a line
We drew a bad card maybe
Two of a kind
Can't tell a future
Can't televise
Can't tell nobody tell me why
Taking me higher, taking me higher
Taking me higher, taken me high
I saw the future
I saw delight
I saw somebody, baby
Taking me higher, taking me higher
Taking me higher, taken me high
The lyrics of Wondermints' "Sweetness" express affection and admiration for the person being addressed. The singer expresses their fondness for the subject's sweetness, style and the way they like the singer like a child, which could imply a sense of comfort and security. The subject is praised for having visions of the future, a fire, and a scene of beauty that take the singer higher. The singer reciprocates by saying they also saw the future, delight, and somebody that takes them higher.
The second verse seems to suggest a bond or a connection between the singer and the subject through the image of drawing shapes. The singer drew a circle, and the subject drew a line, and they may have drawn a bad card, yet they are two of a kind. The lines "can't tell a future, can't televise, can't tell nobody tell me why" suggest a sense of unpredictability or uncertainty in the future or relationship. Despite this uncertainty, the singer seems to anticipate something positive happening by saying "taking me higher" repeatedly.
Overall, the lyrics of "Sweetness" depict an admiration and fondness for someone who is perceived as sweet, with whom the singer has a strong connection, that takes them higher.
Line by Line Meaning
I like your sweetness
I am fond of your kind and compassionate nature
I like your style
I appreciate your ways and mannerisms
I like the way you like me
I enjoy the love and admiration you give me, like a caring parent
Like a child
As though I am a vulnerable and innocent child who is loved and nurtured by you
You've seen a future
You have envisioned a better tomorrow
You've seen a fire
You have witnessed something passionate and intense
You've seen a scene of beauty
You have beheld an image of something captivating and delightful
Taking me higher, taking me higher
Raising me to a greater level of happiness and fulfillment
Taking me higher, taken me high
Lifting me up and making me feel elated and joyous
I drew a circle
I created a boundary or limitation for myself
You drew a line
You established a boundary for me or for yourself
We drew a bad card maybe
Together we experienced an unfortunate situation, possibly by chance
Two of a kind
We are similar or alike in nature
Can't tell a future
I cannot predict what will happen next
Can't televise
The events or emotions cannot be broadcast or communicated easily
Can't tell nobody tell me why
I am uncertain of the reasons behind the events or feelings
I saw the future
I glimpsed a better tomorrow
I saw delight
I witnessed something that brought immense joy and pleasure
I saw somebody, baby
I saw someone who is special and dear to me
Contributed by Mason B. 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....'