"I have all the albums, and make no mistake they are all top-of-the-line, but this one still keeps itself ahead of the others as my favorite.FIDO, I think, has the best mix of the ranging aspects of EFO's music...from the gut-wrenching "Oh My Brother" to the fun "Moons of Jupiter" to the inspiring "Jerusalem" this album has the range of stuff that makes this band so intoxicating to listen to.Robbie Schaefer and Mike Clem are truly under-recognized for their song writing and listening to this album never fails to bring to light a new lyric that I never recognized before.I highly recommend this album for anyone who has heard of EFO and wants to buy their first album, but isn't sure where to begin."
My EFO Starter Album
mibenedict@hotmail.com | 09/15/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you like college radio, or folky chicks, or wacky bands like BARENAKED LADIES, or people who cover 60's music, or chicks with really great voices, or bizarre lyrics -- try EFO.This is a great cd -- check it out: I RODE FIDO HOME is an anagram for EDDIE FROM OHIO -- dig their wacky sensibility."The Bridge" and "This My Town" are classics; my favorites also include "You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio."Altogether a happy album, with real style, fun to listen to -- and that Julie Murphy has a killer voice.Go go go."
One of their best...
M. Acosta | Virginia, USA | 11/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the EFO CDs that epitomizes the group for me. The lyrics are clever, the fast songs have a great beat (This My Town, Rolling Pin, Rowboat to Rio), the slow songs, are BEAUTIFUL (Oh My Brother, Jerusalem)... All the songs are intelligent, some funny, some moving. It's just a really great mix. A couple of readers said that they preferred Looking Through the Fishbowl, but for money, this CD feels more... substantial somehow. It just gets better with time."
Okay so maybe it's 4.99999999...
'Nonymous | California | 08/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this CD. It's the only Eddie CD I own so I can't in any way compare it to their other stuff. As good as it is though, Eddie sounds much better in concert. I would definitely recommend seeing them.It starts off with the bouncy "This My Town" that nearly always gets me singing along. Other highlights are "The Bridge" which has incredible drums. "Bookends" is beautiful in a simple true kind of way. "Mistress Snow and Mary Jane Green" and "Soup Comes Cheap" have some great lyrics. "Jerusalem" nearly always gets me in tears, especially now with the depressing situation in Israel. "You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio" is what originally got me to make this purchase. It's impossible NOT to fall in love with it. The melody is the most gorgeous thing. It's perfect in all regards, the way it starts off slow and pretty, and then gradually evolves into the happy upbeat tune that it will keep thereafter. I just looove this song. "When the Last Page is Turned" is the best possible way to finish off a CD like this. Breath-takingly amazing in an understated, unpretentious way. Like this CD."
Clever, witty lyrics and amazingly talented musicians!
mibenedict@hotmail.com | New York, New York | 12/04/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eddie's first all-studio recording, and the album that got me hooked. I must say that even though they are uncomparably fantastic live, this album demonstrates the range and diversity of Eddie from Ohio. "Oh My Brother" is a particular favorite with Julie Murphy Wells displaying her amazing range and beautiful voice, and Robbie Schaffer's talent for emoting the absolute best of a heartwrenching situation. If this song doesn't touch your heart, you have no appreciation for music. A particular plus on this album is a beautiful violin solo of "Yerushalyim Shel Zahav" by guest musician Pete Wilson on "Jerusalem," another song by Robbie, this time also performed by him. As always, the amazing prowess of this group is displayed magnificently."