Utopia Parkway - Fountains Of Wayne

Utopia Parkway by Fountains of Wayne (1999) Sophomore record from the curiously named New Jersey power-pop band, led by songwriters Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger. As ever their compositions are dripping with sunny harmonies and the lyrics have a knowingly detached bite that belies the playful juvenility that masks many an artful turn of phrase. The production is crisp and spacious throughout and Collingwood's voice has a distinctively wry but wistful inflection. Chris Collingwood: lead vocals, guitar, keyboards Adam Schlesinger: vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards Jody Porter: guitars, vocals Brian Young: drums, ...  Read the complete review

This is the second long-player from the American quartet. Hailing from New York and confessing to being 'the kings of this goddamn town', Fountains of Wayne sound like summer. No really. Their lush harmonies, and laid back sounds make you feel like its July all year round. Into a blender throw some Beach Boys harmonies, a bit of Lemonheads, and a brand new Stratocaster with an effects peddle, and you've got yourself a FOW smoothie. And believe me - it'll go down a treat! FOW are another criminally unknown band in UK. They have made it pretty big in their homeland, but have yet to kick off over hear. Their debut, eponymous album spawned some ...  Read the complete review