Todd Rundgren's Utopia- The Ikon (REACTION//DISCUSSION)
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- Опубликовано: 24 авг 2024
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Song Link: • Utopia - The Ikon [Ful...
Someday, world will catch up to Todd Rundgren (Solo and Utopia). He is a true and unsung genius. IMO one of the most underrated composers ever (I'm 19 and i love his music)
This album is a cinematic journey that left my 18 year old mind spellbound. It still is transfixing! At 65, it remains my favorite piece of genius.
...and the way the various melodies interweave to cap it off.
I could truthfully write the very same comment. That transcendental section in the middle of the piece stirs emotions that four and a half decades later I still have no name for.
At 63 it remains my favorite 🤩
The ikon is my favourite from this album
At 15 "Someone knows who you are. Someone watches over you. Someone knows how you feel, and someone feels the same." "We live and we die. You don't have to be afraid to know why." Changed my life.
melanieshannon122: Pretty profound for a rock and roll lyric, isn't it ??
Incredible lyrics. I was 10 when I first heard this.
Never gets old. Will only grow on you as it has for me for 50 yrs ! PROG genius
I remember the first time I listened to this I was a bit overwhelmed, drained and ambivalent. There is a lot of wailing, big time jamming and continual transitions. Once I started using this as my commute music it became one of my most essential music tracks and actually gave me the strength to face another work day rather than wearying me. Over the years it has taken on a deep personal meaning for me and has saved me from depression on many occasions. It is a strange phenomena that music that is not that catchy on first listen can become some of the most important music in your life. Another long progressive track that had this effect for me was Terrapin Station by The Grateful Dead.
What a coincidence. Yesterday morning I listened to this album for the first time (it’s been on my list for years now and I finally got around to it). I fell in love with it and listened to it 4 times that day. I really, really liked the Ikon and I wanted to hear someone talk about it, so I went to your channel to see if you had a vid, but you only had the first 3 songs of the album. I thought “damn. Well he’ll probably do it soon.” And then I go on RUclips this morning and I see this haha. Anyway, amazing song and album. Rundgren was a genius.
He still IS a genius and still touring!
"Treaties On Cosmic Fire" Do you want to take a unique journey?? This piece of music has everything you like about the "Ikon" and then some. I do believe Todd Rundgren performs all the instruments on this 30+ minute piece of music from 1975. And it's mostly electronic music. Super stoked you are listening to more Todd and Utopia!!!
You know, Initiation was the first album I ever bought, i was maybe 15, took me probably another twenty years to appreciate Treatise, it really is a brilliant piece.
damonramirez: Treatise IS all Todd and thanks for reminding us of this masterpiece.
It is definitely a tough listen, and maybe, at 70 years old, I'll go back and revisit it.
I'll make sure I have an empty bladder first.
Perhaps the most under-appreciated and least celebrated masterpiece of the 1970s! Utopia performed this oeuvre in many, many concerts. I was fortunate to be there at many of them. Todd and Utopia left indelible memories and joy ever since. I'll be ever grateful. 😊
I've listened to very little by Todd Rundgren. This sounds amazing.
If you dig further into his HUGE catalog (solo, Nazz and Utopia) you wiill be glad you did!
Fair Warning!
ruclips.net/video/figodviffHY/видео.html&ab_channel=MysteryVinyl
;)
every song he’s ever written is amazing I swear
I actually saw Utopia live right after the release of this album. Those were the days!
claywalnum3143 : Likewise, in 1974 at Pine Knob, Clarkston, MI.
Great show, but a lousy date.
I love this piece. It is a first listen for me and I love it. I like jazz fusion and this delivers in spades but it avoids the pitfalls some artists don't. Sometimes a piece feels like it is being complicated/difficult just for the sake of being difficult/complicated but this fits together so well. Ah, Justin explains it so much better. This will require another listen. What a wonderful start to the day.
It’s not that I had this album….in my neighborhood in Cleveland….everyone had this album.
I used to have this but never gave it enough attention . This is fantastic !
I really enjoy you and your channel. Your sense of humor, smiling and good attitude. In particular, your reactions are insightful and informative. I've been a longtime subscriber. Thank you for all you do to enhance the viewers experience.
Masterpiece by an underrated artist
Todd lover here...this tune IS BAD ASS!!! Utopia is our/"American" Genesis and Yes...you can hear it...we play 70's prog just in a totally different way!
This and the gates of delirium as a double whammy. Both released in the same year , and have helped to shape my musical pleasure ever since. Great songs never age , and this is a great song.
Thank you JP
Watching your reactions to a piece I've been listening to for decades made my Saturday.
Never would I expect you to absorb all that at once, I sure didn't.
It's like music from the year 3000
Your post song analysis was great
Thanks for bringing attention to an incredible album that's so far ahead of It's time!
Keep up the great channel!
Thanks Dean!
@@JustJP
Yes JP. There's much richness of spirit in this song. I was 16 when I first heard this in the dark with headphones on. I was on my 5th instrument and 10th year of music lessons. This song, needless to say blew my mind, rocked my world.
But there was another song that lead me to this point; it's "Music of the Spheres" by Argent.
I've been trying for months and written thousands of words about Ikon and Music of the Spheres to many reactors and was stunned to see you do this.
For me it's not just the music, but the vibe, the lyrics and the potential inspiration that the whole package could result in.
These songs and artists amoung many others inspired me to co-found a Progrock band in 1980, as one example.
They gave me as a young musician the permission to Dream.
For some reason I think in might be inspirational for others to hear songs like this.
Since I'm here, I'll also mention another inspirational song: "A Moment in Time" by The Zombies from 2008. (it's very proggy)
No one has reacted to a song by The Zombies from the 21st century either.
Thanks again for everything you do. 🙏
Loving Kevin Ellman's drumming!
What a masterpiece!! Still so fresh after 45 years.Thanks JP!!
Justin you are right, "The Ikon" is a feel good track ! Very progressive-jazz-fusion but still groovy all the way.
You are absolutely right, "Still we are here, We are still..." actually reminds Yes for both the instrumentation and the vocals !
Other few passages, including "So you don't have to be afraid Never fear, for you are living in eternal mind" reminds me of The Beach Boys vocally (maybe it was them you were thinking of...).
This debut album by Todd Rundgren's Utopia is really great (one of my favorites) but the only criticism I could make of it would be its messy and somewhat dirty saturated sound, due to Rundgren's desire to put 30 minutes of music on one side of vinyl, which consequently reduced its sound quality. For the writing aspect, the musical part and musicians' playing (including Todd's magic voice) it's 20/20.
Todd liked to push lots of music on an LP like Wizard a true star, it would be interesting if they re-released this and wizard as two lp sets from the original recordings.
@@TheGB1950 Friday Music did put out a two lp version of Wizard, but ironically if you can find an OG Bob Ludwig mastered pressing the sound quality is superior due to the lower generation tapes used. Also, the quality of the artwork on the Friday Music version is not too good. Real smudgy and indistinct. They didn't replicate the die cut edges either. Don't let me stop you from picking up a copy though, it's pretty good for what it is and if you can't find a first pressing it's the one to own.
FYI: While there are often prog elements in his music, this is the only pure prog album Todd ever made. The rest are either pop, R&B or Avant Garde. I would, however, definitely recommend a full album reaction for "Something/Anything?", which is one of the GREAT pop/rock albums of all time.
Sub goal worthy but prefer long song Saturdays.
Todd's solo album "Initiation" is also prog, and is the better album, IMO!
@@MissAstorDancer
Hmm… I have to love them equally because of sentimental reasons, first (in my head) girlfriend song, I Saw The Light, she was real though. Something Anything was my real entry point to Rundgrenville but I respect your point, it is an underrated album for sure. I would love for Justin to do the whole shebang.
@@-davidolivares Me, too! There are quite a few Todd/Utopia albums/songs I'd love for him to do reactions to!
I understand about the "sentimental reasons" thing. With Todd, for me, that would be "Healing"!
Todd deserves credit for releasing some of the longest single Rock LPs of its time. Up to 1974, the only other Rock LP that ran close to an hour long (that I know of) was Led Zeppelin Live at the BBC (largely unavailable for sale at the time), close to 60 minutes long (same as 1974's Utopia). Rock music does not lend well to long LPs, because music by groups such as Led Zeppelin tend to be very loud, and to cut that on vinyl requires some extra horizontal space on the disc to produce that sound. When Todd started recording albums over 45 minutes in length (starting with A Wizard A True Star), he put a note on the cover stating that the vinyl record was cut with microgrooves, and it needs to be turned up louder than normal Rock albums. This experience will play out on his solo Initiation (1975), one of my favorites Todd albums, with its 35 minute "Treatise On Cosmic Fire". I can still remember seeing Todd live with Utopia, playing the solo from "Treatise" on his cast aluminum Onc guitar, as he climbed the steps of the pyramid over the stage.
Genesis albums were quite long for that time.
I saw Todd perform the song live where he climbed the pyramid for the solo,then fell from the top at it's climax.I have seen so many greats live and Todd ranks highly.He is truly amazing in all facets of music.
@@kevmac1230 I saw that show too, at the Fox in St. Louis. One of the best stage sets I ever saw. And Todd climbed up that pyramid, step by step while playing his guitar!
@@bobholtzmann As I noted I've attended numerous shows by some of the best.I also worked as a union stage hand for years so that led to even more.I've seen Todd many times and he's always great,but he took it to another level on that tour.Saw him last year.He still delivers.
@@kevmac1230 That tour with the full Todd album was really something. The crowds really got into the 1984 song.
Incredible song. Listened to it for the first time when I went out for a 2am snack run in college. Started the song when I stepped out my apartment door, literally ended the second I got back and opened the door. Made the otherwise tedious walk much more enjoyable!
It's a long while since I have sat down with a Rundgren album, and it's a pleasure to be here with this one, JP. I have found his work rather over-elaborate at times, but his expertise as an arranger and producer is almost certain 'to sell' a track to you. When I have misgivings about something of his, I recall 'Something/Anything?' or 'Faithful'; his rendering of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta song 'The Lord Chancellor's Nightmare' from 'Todd' is a triumph of his eclecticism, which I always enjoy.
About 10 years ago, Todd did a tour and played the entire Todd album! Wish I went to that show!
ruclips.net/video/F8NvG-bYjts/видео.html
Wow 👏 I though I was the only one requesting this song. I'd almost given up. No one would do it.
Thanks so much!
Happy to! :D
@@JustJP
Please react to "Music of the Spheres" by Argent. Be the first one. It's Very Proggy. About 7 minutes long. Epic arrangement, time signature changes, written by Rod Argent's cousin; Jim Rodford, co-founder of Argent, bassist for The Kinks, The Zombies.
I would love your thoughts on this song's meaning, especially the lyrics.
Your Subscribers would enjoy it too. Most of the Argent catalog is very Progressive and worthy of exploration.
Thanks again 🙏
Amazing songs on that album!, check out no 1 lowest common denominator by Todd Rundgren
One of my favorites! SO HOT!
;)
LOL can't believe someone has finally started looking into Todd and/or Utopia. Whole treasure trove of great music.
Thanks for this one, JP.
And that concludes the album, right?
An exciting adventure wasn't it?
Greetings from Holland 🇱🇺 Keep it up Justin!
I'm looking forward to this one Thank you
It's been years since I heard this I forgot how beautiful it was
I bought this album when it came out, mostly due to the album cover and the articles on Rundgren in the rock magazines with pics of his face makeup and glitter. I really liked it back then and find parts of it still interesting today. I really think the best parts are his vocals parts. I could live without his pseudo-prog/fusion instrumental parts. They're trying a bit too hard. I remember reading an interview with him back then where he was quoted as saying he could play guitar as fast as John McLaughlin. I found that strange as no one was really talking much about his guitar playing at the time. His absolute strength was writing a nice melody and singing it.
This made me smile. I'm a huge Todd fan but The Ikon is special. You liked it too! 😘
Been a long time... This still works for me.... We are still...
I couldn't believe the keyboard sounds, the first time I heard this.
I was a "Royal Conservatory of Music" piano student with Jerry Lee Lewis aspirations till I met Todd on this album and then devoured A Wizard A Star. This led to the dark side and many years of overindulgence of progressive rock, jazz fusion, and various smokable substances and copious "barley sandwiches" at lunchtime.
It was all Todd's fault....
but thanks to him, " I am not afraid", to listen to things outside of my classical and folk upbringing.
It is a loonngg track that gives us touches of just about every genre, but the last section of this piece gives a wink and a nod to the hottest sounds of the moment, ELP, Genesis, Santana, et el.
The Santana bulb went off for a bit, I liked it.
Damn, it’s still going on in my head. Make it stop. Kidding, turn it up.
I’m so glad you beaded in on Todd’s guitar playing, beside his terrific singing, is to me, very melodic and beautiful, up there with Gilmour. Totally unique.
I know, big words.
If you do Treatise from the platter I sent you, Initiation, you will dig it. I guaranteeeee. (Another Justin reference)
Peace and really long song Saturday Music
To me, "Initiation" is what "TR's Utopia" wanted to be, and "Treatise" is what "The Ikon" wanted to be!
@@MissAstorDancer
That says it all.
The babies grew up, sniff sniff. :)
@@-davidolivares LOL!
Such a good experience listening and watching you react to this classic opus
It is truly a supreme album.... one of my all time favourite albums....
In the coda you get some eight musical theme's at once, that's composing!
Thanks for the count Jos. The multiple thematic reprises in the final section is one of the things (among many)about this piece that impressed me but even after several hearings I’ve still not been able to keep track of them all. It is an indication of the fit between all the different elements of the piece.
I saw Utopia perform this EPIC during this tour, in St. Louis. At some point, in the middle of this piece, the band stopped playing and the roadies came out with a birthday cake for the drummer, Kevin Ellman.
I think some of that soul influence you're hearing comes from Todd's Philly upbringing; and also during this time period he had been working with Hall and Oates on their somewhat un-Hall and Oates-like album 'War Babies'.
What a musical life changing performance this band executed flawlessly live.Eventually the band morphed into the four piece that was popular but not nearly as musically interesting as this original lineup.I still haven't seen a better concert in my 50 years of seeing concerts.
My first time hearing, and I must say you were in depth with your analysis 🤯👂
Thanks for checking out "The iKon". Truly a great example of 70s prog rock. Utopia was an underated, tight band.
JustJP is doing The Ikon?! Gonna be a good day Tater! As for the music itself, it reminds me of Emerson, Lake and Palmer with less nihilism. Major keys as opposed to minor ones.
I always wished that the geniuses Prince or Stevie Wonder dabbled in a bit of prog, luckily I don't have to with the genius that is Todd and I'm grateful to him!
I think both dabbled a bit, Mark. Prince's Live 4 Love off Diamonds and Pearls is fairly proggy, for example. Then what about some of Stevie's Secret Life of Plants (not a favourite of mine, admittedly)?
Check out Alexa de Paris!
Secret Life Of Plants is pretty out there as Stevie got. I love that under appreciated album. Prince’s Vault could have something yet to come.
@@Katehowe3010 Not all prog is ELP and Genesis, I mentioned those 2 because they did things that were very close to prog and it isn't a stretch to imagine something more.
@@HippoYnYGlaw Yeah, I like that and some of the stuff on LotusFlow3r and The Rainbow Children (except for the God voice).
Nothing better than Prog Todd.
I was at work by myself one night with the stereo blasting and "A Treatise on Cosmic Fire"
from the album "Initiation" came on and I am like, what the hell is this! When I found out it was Todd, he gained a bit more of my respect
Wow.. Thanks man.. This is my favorite song since hearing it in the womb 😂 still sounds so good....
Probably a bit clearer…
womb for me?
Your in for a treat. Great 👍🏻 song!
YES! FINALLY! I can only hope that this gives you a slight glimpse into Todd’s genius. His music is so eclectic. And Utopia definitely has a unique flavor from Todd solo stuff, though their stuff is eclectic as well. Still hoping you jump down the rabbit hole!
I love this song and album so much, glad you also enjoyed it
Ah, one of those musical touchstones that taught me about ' phones, good medicine por la cabeza, and surfing on fantastic tunes.
If you enjoyed that you might be interested to learn that Todd took John Siegler with him when he was invited to produce and play on the Hall & Oates album 'War Babies', released the same year. To say that Todd left his mark on the duo's sound is an understatement.
I went to his 1980 Utopia Tour concert. Great show. The drum solo was wild - in a good way.
Hey, I'm here and enjoying your take on Todd while staining my deck. When people discuss what are some of the great live LPs, his "Back to the Bars" needs to be included in that conversation.
Wow! I have not heard Ikon in about 45 years! The first time I heard it it was just too busy and I hated it, but a musician friend of mine loved it so I heard it a lot, and was finally able to wrap my head around it. I missed the Yes similarity, glad you pointed that out. I picked up some Gentle Giant and ELP in Ikon too, although Todd Rundgren is always unique. I kind of backed into fusion jazz from prog rock as a result of albums like Utopia. I'm sure Frank Zappa had some influence. You also reminded me about Mahavishnu Orchestra but I forgot about them and will have to find some and give it a listen. Regarding fusion I strangely never heard Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" until a jazz enthusiast friend brought it over in the 1990's. I enjoyed Passport, Weather Report, Stanley Clarke, and so on but somehow I missed "Bitches Brew" which blew my mind when I finally heard it. Miles Davis kind of invented fusion, got it right the first time, and then moved on.
I was just getting out of my buddy's car at 16yo in 1974, as we were about to enter a bar (yes - fake ID:) The Ikon came on and I heard it for the first time. I told them to go in without me - i just had to wait until the song was over to find out who played this song and what the song was titled. 30 minutes later it ended and they said it was Utopia, but didn't say the title :( After many Utopia album purchases I finally struck gold. I've loved it ever since.
Thank you - I love the album and Todd Rundgren.
That was great. Now it would be a pleasure if we could move on to what I consider Todd's most significant solo indulgence. The album TODD stretched the boundaries of his musical construct to a new level. What the randomness of W.A.T.S. established, TODD brought to complete fruition. A wonder of production, writing, and performance. I like the cover art as well ( lol ).
Yes, boys & girls, this is actually real humans playing real instruments, as it should be.
It's good to see somebody reacting to this amazing adventure in listening.
This opus kind of reminds me of Michigan weather, if you don't like it, wait 5 minutes, it will change.
Thick as a Brick is actually the longest song you've listened to. It just had to be split up because of the record limitation. :)
In fact it's A Passion Play ! (almost 2 minutes longer than Thick As a Brick).
@@a.k.1740 Ahh yes! I suppose I dismiss that one because 'Hare who lost his Spectacles' butts in.
@@Wilss I suspected that was the reason for your omission but anyway, "The Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectacles" is an integral part of the APP concept so... .-)
I bought this album in 1974 and it's a tremendous album. In fact, I think it's probably utopia's best. Todd's guitar playing is tremendous as always. This definitely was the best utopia Album
28:45
This part right here
Pure magic, man
I agree 100%! Todd’s soaring guitar during the part, just WOW!!!
Who would have guessed that "Hello It's Me" would eventually lead to this? Rundgren is just amazing. I don't know about putting this entire song on one side of a vinyl album, cuz of the compromises made with sound quality, but still this is one hell of a ride. Utopia goes on to less jazzy but still excellent songs. I can't wait till you get to the album Ra with the song Singring and the Glass Guitar. Most excellent it is, yes.
Hi JP. DP from UK. Congrats on your longest long song Saturday! Just One Victory for your channel - one of many. More than anything, what this track does for me is showcases the many sides of Todd's talent. From catchy pop and soul songs to his lush harmonies and anthemic choruses; his rocking guitar; his atmospheric, spiritual side (check out his Healing album); and of course the ensemble prog and jazz fusion workouts. It's all great, and I share your enthusiasm, but I've always felt it's a little too long and OTT at times. I prefer his next Utopia album, Ra, with the mark 2 line-up (that also got to work on Meatloaf's Bat Out of Hell album). My song ref, the excellent Just One Victory, is from Todd's solo album A Wizard, A True Star. Sums him up, doesn't it!
Actually Another Live is the next Utopia album, but great comments
This track is just so rich with good melodies. A bit like what Mike Oldfield can do.
The first few minutes up to the vocals sounds a lot like early Mahavishnu Orchestra. After that, it's pure, unadulterated Todd. Maybe with a little Return to Forever thrown in with a dash of Yes
Hi JP ,the IKON is a little hard to digest especially on a first listen .But one of those songs that sounds better with every listen . I recommend just popping it on at home or in the car & as your going on with your day . I saw them perform it live when it came out at Radio city music hall with the full band....Mind blowing 🤯
J.P. Utopia's live album from 1975 saw a change in personnel. Keven Ellman on drums by Willie Wilcox, and Frog Labatt on keys Roger Powell. This live album is worth a listen if you get a chance.
Looking at the comments, a lot of people just about hated this song. I think that it is the one epic song he held onto until the time was right. Heck, he recreated himself into being Utopia because he needed outside help with this. He may have went on to make albums all by himself, but Utopia gave him the chance to be one quarter of a band. Love this album!!
He produced performed and mixed from his start. His head was in his music in the production of other bands, a pioneer in software development (windows 3.1) his understanding of the music industry and in composition and performance sets him apart. He is a musicians musician.
42:55 The band you might be thinking of is Chick Corea's Elektric Band.
Rundgren is a genius but he gets bored easily and never sticks with the same style for very long.
He streamlined Utopia to a 4 piece rock/power pop band a couple years after this album.
He didn't want to be the frontman in this band.
Roger, Kaz and Willie had their own amazing contributions, but anyone who was a Utopia fan was a Todd fan first.
One of my favorite tracks is The Marriage Of Heaven and Hell. It rocks pretty hard...has Kaz having his moment and features the 4 part harmony that makes Utopia instantly recognizable.
Thanks Justin for your insightful review. Long time subscriber and infrequent commenter. Todd has so many facets to his career so thank you for diving into this prog masterpiece. With such a vast body of work, there are so many choices in the Todd cannon. I hope you continue to explore his works wether it is Utopia, Nazz, solo or his vast production portfolio. I would echo another comment that his next record “Todd” would be an amazing place to jump off. If a more “pop” sounding record suites your fancy, then Something/Anything (50 years old this year btw) would be a great choice.
Thanks again for your hard work and dedication to this music. I appreciate you!
The late great Neil Peart (of Rush) has commented about the influence that Kevin Ellman's drumming on this album had on him. all of the band were top notch session musicians in their own right and they (unlike todd) were very into jazz. Todd has often stated that they had seen a lot of Mahavishu Orchestra live and they were into Yes as well.
I first came to Todd's music in 1978 when I listened to a copy of his 1976 album 'Faithful' that belonged to my then girlfriend's older sister. Living in a small north of England coastal town and being long before the internet etc and with Todd not being a 'big name' in the UK (i've since discovered he had a fan base!) I had not heard of him or his music before and I managed to pick up his previous albums from the local second hand record store when they were available (and a couple on a trip to London). Each one was a surprise and a gem. I remember playing this album many many times just laying on my ben with my eyes closed.
I used to see them perform this live in the 1970's when Utopia always did 3 hour concerts. What makes it breathe is having three different keyboardists playing around each other instead of one person overdubing. They are very good at allowing each other room to shine, this and Another Live are unique for that reason and you won't hear this structure in any other band. And their styles are distinctly different. That was also Kevin Ellman on a Moog drum when they traded riffs near the end. Notice how each time they go around, they play shorter and shorter solos till it was down to one note each.
Great stuff. Have this album for 45 years or so and it still fascinates me. The Ikon is a masterpiece.
Todd during the time of Fusion JazzRock
The prog-disco in this track kinda reminds me of Nektar's Remember the Future. Sometimes you need a little four on the floor action.
Oh yeah, highly recommend M. Frog Labat's "M. Frog" record from the same time. Crazy-ass synth album!
I haven't heard this in years. I listened to it quite often on the 70s and 80s. Great stuff, you should listen to one of those next two (or both) soon!
I still have my vinyl copies of this album and their next two, " Another Live" and "Ra", along with about 50 other vinyls from the 70s (about another 50 were lost during a move in the 80s). Unfortunately, I haven't had a turntable and amplifier setup to play them on for years. I'll have to do something about that someday.
Such a good album!
you were asking about Captain Beefheart, perhaps you should start with "Big Eyed Beans from Venus" from "Clear Spot", but i think that "The Mirror Man Sessions" is the best album.
Indeed, a huge amount to take in. But definitely best thing on the album, for the most part. I hated those forays into 'country' near the end, horribly incongruous. Otherwise, quite impressive. Don't think they left a genre untouched. And the list of other bands I picked up here was as long as my arm. Still, a good track, better than I expected based on what i heard of the previous two tracks.
I just love reading little morons reviews who could not even comprehend nor play the composition that this man has written….and certainly not capable of composing it themselves…but still spew shit out of their mouths to put their 2 cents in….way to go boob.
@@joelhoulette3244 Glad you like it :)
I think I would return to this music more often had it been broken down into shorter songs but it's still pretty darn good. Always loved Todd.
Wasn’t Passion Play longer?
This was so well constructed as a song. And Todd had to push those grooves on the LP real close together to put a half hour of music on one side of an album.
And Todd really did draw from soooo many different styles. You were cracking up went they went into the "hoedown" part. You said "circus" but that's boots kickin' up dust at a barn dance.
Rundgren did what he wanted, always. And his work covers decades. You have yet to listen to some of his quirkier stuff. Todd can be pretty funny with his songs.
The Ikon. Always charges me up. Never fear for you are living in eternal mind.
Blessings.
Listen to the second incarnation of Utopia 's debut album, RA.
Hey man I just listened to The Ikon from the original album I purchased when it was first released. I never realized until now that the part you describe as "circus" music is a quote from Aaron Copland, Hoedown/Rodeo. I was looking for some discussion about this and found your page. What do you think? Anybody else?
Moving on the Utopia's RA, I hope? You won't be disappointed!
This is pure progressive…jazz fusion is in there…but it’s still pure progressive.
Not my cup of tea, but really appreciate the introduction and your analysis.
Another amazing over the top album is Brian wilson's "Brian Wilson Presents Smile" (from 2004, not the beach boys album "Smiley Smileit's up there with "Todd Rundgrens Utopia"!
Sorry,i meant to say. Another amazing over the top album is Brian wilson's "Brian Wilson Presents Smile" (from 2004, not the beach boys album "Smiley Smile) it's up there with "Todd Rundgrens Utopia"!
Beach Boys in the harmonies for sure
I did NOT think of Yes ;-)
Todd, you mad genius, you. XD
I agree that Something/Anything would be a solid solo-Rundgren dive - but not *only* that one. Runt, Hermit of Mink Hollow, Nearly Human and 2nd Wind are all fantastic as well, and showcase different aspects of his tremendous body of work.
Todd is not redundant for sure. If you don't immediately get it hold tight, it'll probably change it's motif soon.
1st time I heard this was at a live show, so I was a little disappointed when the album was released, & they left out the chorus of 'We Gotta Get You A Woman" that suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
That would have been cool.
Or Open My Eyes.
@@-davidolivares There's a live version on youtube recorded 11-9-1974 that includes that bit. It occurs @ about the 22 minute mark.
@@alexstewart6125
Ahhh… I knew it. Thx.
I think "too much" is like "not enough". That's too long ! Have you ever heard "Fingertips" by "They Might Be Giants" ? I think they do 20 songs in 6 minutes... and I like it a lot !!!
Yay drugs!!!
Todd Rundgren is one of the most under appreciated artists ever! but you are not highlighting the best of him.
Yes!!! One of the best Prog epics ever!!!
Hello, It's Me, after a long Saturday morning braving the elements, I ran like a Bat Out of Hell to catch you and Todd! No Skylarking here, it's Straight Up Oblivion here for this Hermit of Mink Hollow ( ferrets the same genus). I would give Something/Anything to hop on my Disco Jets and have an Adventure In Utopia. But alas I'm only a Runt, Nearly Human with no World Order, but I'm Healing. Oop's Wrong Planet, I'll have to drop my Love Bomb and say Peace.
Surely a golden goose of a treatise.
Well done sir or is it served medium?
@@-davidolivares It's most definitely, Hot Toddie's tonight! Brrr.
This is a very good, very long song. Repeated listens are probably necessary to get the full picture. It's not my favourite on the album (Freak Parade is) for a very specific reason.
The part I just call "Someone knows who you are", I don't particulary care for. I find it a bit boring and uninventive compared to the rest. Every time I listen to this song and that line pops up, it makes my skin crawl ever so slightly. That's the only reason I like, not love this song.
If I were to recommend 3 albums to someone completely new to 70's prog, this would be one of them. The other 2 would probably be Yes - Going For The One and Happy The Man - Happy The Man. It gives some diffrent flavours of prog, while not being as complicated as prog can be (King Crimson, ELP, VdGG, Gentle Giant and others).
Hope your weekend's going great! 😃
Maybe this song should have been called "The Kitchen Sink". A little editing to a prime 20 minutes or so would make it perfect.
Picked a bad day to give up mushies
Lol!
Lyrics will be misunderstood with the evolved definition of icon.