Power pop – it's a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what's it really all about? Think ripping guitar riffs and catchy hooks that stick in your head for days. We're talking the kind of tunes that Cheap Trick and Matthew Sweet are famous for. And in this episode, we're exploring how Fountains of Wayne, with Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood at the helm, totally nailed this vibe on their second album.
Now, when these guys brought in Jody Porter and Brian Young, they weren't just adding some new faces. They were cranking up their sound to a whole new level. "Utopia Parkway" isn't just your run-of-the-mill power pop album. It's a blend of 70s, 80s, and 90s influences, with a sprinkle of Britpop, a hint of psychedelia, and even a dash of Queen's grandeur.
DMO Union member, Mike Bankhead is joining us today, and he's got some great insights into the album. He's been jamming to it for years, especially on those long drives. We're also chatting about how the track order can make or break your listening experience. It's the kind of stuff you don't always think about, but it really matters.
Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Fountains of Wayne. We're getting into the nitty-gritty of their time with Atlantic Records and what went down after "Utopia Parkway" dropped.
And hey, we've got some cool feedback from our Dig Me Out community. Was this album a hit with our patrons?
So, whether you're a long-time fan of Fountains of Wayne or just looking for some solid tunes, this episode's got something for everyone. It's all about great music, great stories, and just having a good time.
Songs In This Episode
Intro - Red Dragon Tattoo
13:00 - Utopia Parkway
17:48 - Lost In Space
25:45 - Denise
Outro - A Fine Day For A Parade
Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.
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