Utopia Parkway

This isn't a good record, it's an amazing one. The songs are written and performed almost perfectly. Most of these songs are a harmonious marraige of music and lyrics, and they will take you to a different place than you may be used to. The person who wrote this review didn't give FOW the proper credit for crafting uniquely written songs, and he/she chose to discredit FOW for having a sense of humor, which is curious to say the least. Entertainment Weekly chose this album as its record of the year in 1990, and you would be wise to add it to your collection.

Not quite as good as their other work, but still a fantastic record. Some songs are a little boring, but overall still very good

I myself am a musician, and I must say that these guys have really influenced me, this album is a great record that is seconded only by there follow-up to it 'Welcome Interstate Managers'. Now, this album isn't 100% perfect, the last few songs drag on a bit but that might just be due to a mistake in track placement, either way some songs certainly are better than others. Having that said, the first half or more of the album is solid, it has really well written everything. So my reccomendation is to buy this right away, if you must get only one song however, do get either Amity Gardens (Very catchy song, nice lyrics) or Hat and Feet (If TMBG and JoCO had a baby, it would've written this).

i maybe comfused by the review above but this is fow first one, and my nostalgic favorite valley winter song is still my favorite song, it killed me when they used it for a comercial, well since radio only plays staci's mom i guess they have to do what they can, not that i would turn the money down either. anyway this is a good one, if you havent lisened much to fow give em try they are great for a sunny afternoon cleaning your house, keeps you in a good mood. great stuff

The main reviewer here seems to think that this is the music equivalent to Revenge Of The Nerds?No,it's not quite as good as their debut recording,but then,there is very little out there that is.Lots of great tunes,and a couple that are only average,but absolutely no dogs here!A few samples:"Red Dragon Tattoo",my personal favorite,mocks out the whole"body art"culture with hilarious lyrics."A Fine Day For A Parade"is a quiet ballad,FOW's answer to "Don't Worry,Be Happy.""It Must Be Summer" is an infectious,catchy,feel-good number."Valley Of Malls" takes us on a journey thru suburbia with a nice guitar hook."Troubled Times" is about relationship problems,replete with a bridge and chorus that really stays with you afterwards.All in all,a quality effort by the best power pop band around!