This song coincided with my own life journey as a brave adventurer. In 1982, I began experiencing mental illness. I listened to this song incessantly at that time. I had spiritual experiences showing me I would heal, and I did. Towards the end of this healing journey, I began to integrate. I re-found this song and again, I listened to it, over and over, with emphasis on the integration of harmony and the basic elements water/wind/fire/earth. Todd is a true mystic. This song is brilliant!
This band is fast becoming a band that I really like and the stuff I have heard from you tube is living proof of how much I love tham. A real class act.
Todd is incredible. In 1972, he put out Something/Anything -- 1972, mind you -- and played every instrument on three of the four sides of the 2-disc set. Then, in 1973, he put 68 minutes of music on a single two-sided album, "A Wizard A True Star" which is the most ever, accoridng to Guiness Book. Then, in 1985, he put oout "A cappella," which is 14 tracks of nothign but vocals. You hear the songs, and you SWEAR you'd hear instruments ... but there are none. ENJOY; there's nobody else like him.
I saw todd at the Philadelphia Civic Center in the late 70's with Starcastle opening. Todd came out in jeans and a tshirt. little drum kit, played three songs and went off... i thought dag. Then the curtain opened and there was pyramid and a Sphinx. he climbed the pyramid and jumped off only to be slowly lowered to the stage where he took out the glass guitar and smashed it.... What a showman.
Can I really say this? This is best rock song to incorporate all classic parts of a great band into an a real rock opera. Yea ... I said it! I love Queen, so it's hard to say this.
These was the first guitar "bits" learned as a musician. That guitar tone pulled me right in! I loved this album from the second I brought it home from "musicland".
I don't think there is a musician/artist out there in this day and age that could even come close to writing a song even remotely close to something like this. It's like classic movies of the past. It's like an era that cannot be duplicated. I am convinced that it has something to do with the character and class of the artist of then and the typical artist or musicianship of artists now. Really no comparison.
I remember when I was cool listening to this song. Driving around Attica,NY in my dad's 1979 Ford Fairmont. The windows down so everyone in the neighborhood would be impressed with my song selection and the uniqueness thereof. How much cooler can you get? I mean the Fairmont alone destined me to be a chick magnet.
When I saw this tour live in a small (1200 folks) theater, I was just so blown away...plus they did so many other great tunes. Always the master. Thank You Todd, and thanks for posting.
I saw Utopia perform the Electrified Fairytale-FABULOUS performance piece. Stage production ahead of it's time. Listen to the story - realize that each musician was a hero finding the keys to save harmony...swimming the deepest ocean...fighting the fire breathing dragon...All performed while playing. When Todd "climbed the highest mountain" up the wrungs of a pyrimad and played his guitar solo while suspended by wires that brought him back to the stage...WOW!!! Truly the best SHOW I ever saw.
Totally agree, Larry. I was about 16 when this came out. I think the only reason I bought this record was because the album cover was so cool! Loved the music immediately and it one of my faves to this day...
Such fond memories are captured within this magical album that my elder sister used to play for me. I think Todd opened my ears and prepared me for Steve Vai. I love this album,this song and Mr. Rundgrens talent xx
We use to cruise around with this blasting in our car back in high school. Smoke a couple bongs and listen, especially when they smash the glass guitar. Used to play it with my band back then. Should bring it back. The studio version was fantastic. Live it good but they did a lot of effects on the drum solo. Sounded like the drums were under water. On the RA album. Excelent musicianship.
To those who pooh at this album, I get it. I get you. I was right there with you, feeling ripped off, as I bought every Todd & Utopia unseen. But after numerous listenings over the years I'm beginning to question whether this may be one of his 3 greatest works. Forget the first 33 seconds (esPECially since it's not Todd), and listen to the tunes. It's really flocking beautiful melodies. For context my order would read AWATS, Utopia,S/A,Todd,Initiation "and the rest." BION this may be my new #3
This was definitley my favorite Utopia album. This sounds very true to the original harmonies and all. I never thought I would see this. A most cool clip indeed.
This is the type of music my older brother was really into , I was about 4 to 6 yrs old when I first heard it , and to this day brings back alot of memories. Wish they had the kind of technoligy they have today would have probably made it much like I invisioned it in my head when I was little. But still cool
What memories, saw this tour in 1978. The whole floor of our dorm (Peet Hall) drove to Rochester, NY to see them in the Dome Arena! We all had a great time and there might have been a controlled substance or two involved!
1977, Todd and Utopia create "Singring and the Glass Guitar." How creative, imaginative and Todd-like! So, what were the "real" hits, as Todd and Utopia forged new musical paths with RA and Singring? 1) Tonight's The Night, Rod Stewart. 2)I Want to Be Your Everything, Andy Gibb. 3) Best Of My Love, The Emotions. What CRAP!!! So, just how light years ahead of his time was Todd? The world may never know!!! Todd IS Godd!!!
I saw this live in San Jose, Ca. when the drummer was on some kind of motocycle what span around. One of the best shows I'd ever saw...Dean Gumas Fremont, Ca,
Yep! I saw the same tour, in Toledo, Ohio .... they opened with Trapped, Marriage of Heaven and Hell, and then Abandon City .... Gawd that was EXCELLENT!!!!
most popular bands were pumping out bullshit at this time...Todd Rundgren was light years ahead of everyone...Todd soared into the stratosphere...and beyond
I once actually played in a band (Ruff Midget) that covered this song. Had to concentrate so damn hard and that was hard to do in the environment of the mid-80s.
@MERCURHILLMANIAC Holy shit! You know I am 20 now right? I completely forgot I made that comment. Are you necroing like a troll? Or was it just random? Because I see you replying to the glassgirll. I don't know.
@@alexhicks5889 idk my band maybe terrible but this is embarrassing. Just TERRIBLE lyrics, uninspired shitty corny singing, really weak arrangement. Pretty much just like making prog for the sake of making prog, not even a remotely effective artistic statement. I read a wizard a true star, im a rundgren fan, but I'm not gonna pretend this isn't hilariously bad prog dogshit, the dude has consistently made excellent and awful artistic decisions his whole life. Ima be real, I've made art that's infinitely better than this dogshit, and so has Todd.
This song coincided with my own life journey as a brave adventurer. In 1982, I began experiencing mental illness. I listened to this song incessantly at that time. I had spiritual experiences showing me I would heal, and I did. Towards the end of this healing journey, I began to integrate. I re-found this song and again, I listened to it, over and over, with emphasis on the integration of harmony and the basic elements water/wind/fire/earth. Todd is a true mystic. This song is brilliant!
This band is fast becoming a band that I really like and the stuff I have heard from you tube is living proof of how much I love tham. A real class act.
Todd is incredible. In 1972, he put out Something/Anything -- 1972, mind you -- and played every instrument on three of the four sides of the 2-disc set. Then, in 1973, he put 68 minutes of music on a single two-sided album, "A Wizard A True Star" which is the most ever, accoridng to Guiness Book. Then, in 1985, he put oout "A cappella," which is 14 tracks of nothign but vocals. You hear the songs, and you SWEAR you'd hear instruments ... but there are none. ENJOY; there's nobody else like him.
im 17 and this is one of the few songs i like that my mom likes.. she says i dont have good taste in music i think i do
Fantastic. The only way it could be more classic is if they had the pyramid for Todd to climb. That was my favorite concert ever. Thanks so much!
I saw todd at the Philadelphia Civic Center in the late 70's with Starcastle opening. Todd came out in jeans and a tshirt. little drum kit, played three songs and went off... i thought dag. Then the curtain opened and there was pyramid and a Sphinx. he climbed the pyramid and jumped off only to be slowly lowered to the stage where he took out the glass guitar and smashed it.... What a showman.
Can I really say this? This is best rock song to incorporate all classic parts of a great band into an a real rock opera. Yea ... I said it! I love Queen, so it's hard to say this.
These was the first guitar "bits" learned as a musician. That guitar tone pulled me right in! I loved this album from the second I brought it home from "musicland".
I don't think there is a musician/artist out there in this day and age that could even come close to writing a song even remotely close to something like this. It's like classic movies of the past. It's like an era that cannot be duplicated. I am convinced that it has something to do with the character and class of the artist of then and the typical artist or musicianship of artists now. Really no comparison.
I remember when I was cool listening to this song. Driving around Attica,NY in my dad's 1979 Ford Fairmont. The windows down so everyone in the neighborhood would be impressed with my song selection and the uniqueness thereof. How much cooler can you get? I mean the Fairmont alone destined me to be a chick magnet.
When I saw this tour live in a small (1200 folks) theater, I was just so blown away...plus they did so many other great tunes. Always the master. Thank You Todd, and thanks for posting.
I saw Utopia perform the Electrified Fairytale-FABULOUS performance piece. Stage production ahead of it's time. Listen to the story - realize that each musician was a hero finding the keys to save harmony...swimming the deepest ocean...fighting the fire breathing dragon...All performed while playing. When Todd "climbed the highest mountain" up the wrungs of a pyrimad and played his guitar solo while suspended by wires that brought him back to the stage...WOW!!! Truly the best SHOW I ever saw.
Totally agree, Larry. I was about 16 when this came out. I think the only reason I bought this record was because the album cover was so cool! Loved the music immediately and it one of my faves to this day...
Such fond memories are captured within this magical album that my elder sister used to play for me. I think Todd opened my ears and prepared me for Steve Vai. I love this album,this song and Mr. Rundgrens talent xx
UNBELIEVABLE!!! I saw this live in concert. Thank you so much!! I have seen Todd live 22 times! He is amazing !
Absolutely amazing!!! ThankYou you tube!!
We use to cruise around with this blasting in our car back in high school. Smoke a couple bongs and listen, especially when they smash the glass guitar. Used to play it with my band back then. Should bring it back. The studio version was fantastic. Live it good but they did a lot of effects on the drum solo. Sounded like the drums were under water. On the RA album. Excelent musicianship.
This could very well be the most
brilliant tune ever penned
To those who pooh at this album, I get it. I get you. I was right there with you, feeling ripped off, as I bought every Todd & Utopia unseen.
But after numerous listenings over the years I'm beginning to question whether this may be one of his 3 greatest works. Forget the first 33 seconds (esPECially since it's not Todd), and listen to the tunes. It's really flocking beautiful melodies.
For context my order would read AWATS, Utopia,S/A,Todd,Initiation "and the rest." BION this may be my new #3
Love this song!!!!!!!!
This was definitley my favorite Utopia album. This sounds very true to the original harmonies and all. I never thought I would see this. A most cool clip indeed.
This is the type of music my older brother was really into , I was about 4 to 6 yrs old when I first heard it , and to this day brings back alot of memories. Wish they had the kind of technoligy they have today would have probably made it much like I invisioned it in my head when I was little. But still cool
This is the epic prog track to end all epic prog tracks!!!
What memories, saw this tour in 1978. The whole floor of our dorm (Peet Hall) drove to Rochester, NY to see them in the Dome Arena! We all had a great time and there might have been a controlled substance or two involved!
1977, Todd and Utopia create "Singring and the Glass Guitar." How creative, imaginative and Todd-like! So, what were the "real" hits, as Todd and Utopia forged new musical paths with RA and Singring?
1) Tonight's The Night, Rod Stewart.
2)I Want to Be Your Everything, Andy Gibb.
3) Best Of My Love, The Emotions.
What CRAP!!!
So, just how light years ahead of his time was Todd? The world may never know!!! Todd IS Godd!!!
Wow! I am happiness! Thanx! On to part 2 . . .
My friend gave me this link and I fell in love with it!
OOOHHH the Glass Guitar!!!!
EXCELLENT!!!
Great post all parts of it, Thanks!
hioly shit! I forgot how these guys just harmonize so well. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
I saw this live in San Jose, Ca. when the drummer was on some kind of motocycle what span around. One of the best shows I'd ever saw...Dean Gumas Fremont, Ca,
Yep! I saw the same tour, in Toledo, Ohio .... they opened with Trapped, Marriage of Heaven and Hell, and then Abandon City .... Gawd that was EXCELLENT!!!!
Very,very,very great song.
thank you for posting this!!!!! What an epic tune. :-D
most popular bands were pumping out bullshit at this time...Todd Rundgren was light years ahead of everyone...Todd soared into the stratosphere...and beyond
First time I've heard this song in a live concert! Pretty cool, and it wouldn't be complete without an extended drum solo!
Great band and great tale/song.
Producing Steve Hillage had a huge impact on Rundgren.
I once actually played in a band (Ruff Midget) that covered this song. Had to concentrate so damn hard and that was hard to do in the environment of the mid-80s.
amen,,,this is classic
LOVE IT!!!
This is GREAT!
Thanks rundgrenfan! : )
Great Vid, as usual!
this is classic stuff
Unparalleled!
I think you can buy the album on iTunes, but I'm not sure, I know that they have a few of thier albums on there.
Oh, I really agree.
believe that's on tull's passion play album.
They should make a cartoon now with this Oratorio. It's so PG.Like sgt. Pepper. Today it is affordable.
Take of the nostalgia glasses grandpa
They should make a cartoon now with this Oratorio. It's so PG.Like sgt. Pepper.
Todd being God again.
They should make a cartoon now with this Oratorio. It's so PG.Like sgt. Pepper. Today it is affordable. Ask the guys at South Park.
@larry1955 WELL PUT !
HALL Of FAME PEOPLE!!!?? VOTE!!!
Way back when,didn't Utopia do a song called"The hare who lost his specticles."?
No
this is the best utopia song, although its good, it kinda makes todd rundgrun less famous
i never hear this mentioned (maybe i'm not listening)
but were they influenced by pink floyd at all? like, big time?
Todd is god
Great vid..but Pleeeease fix the audio/video Sync!
sounds like early yes until the singing then jethro tull sorta kicks in its just me?
guitar time better than Yes !
@remlap48. Or maybe a brand new adventure RPG game. Something like Zelda. What do you think of that eh?
Umkay, so where's the pyramid?!
does anyone know where i can get this mp3? for free -_- or if you could send me the mp3 or something
who is the drummer? w. wilcox?
Yep
what was that dude doing
@MERCURHILLMANIAC Holy shit! You know I am 20 now right? I completely forgot I made that comment. Are you necroing like a troll? Or was it just random? Because I see you replying to the glassgirll. I don't know.
Man that metal guitar sounds like crap - lol! looks cool though.
Wrong drummer in a right band
Eero V , Rubbish , Willie is wicked !
lmao this is terrible
Like your band?
@@alexhicks5889 idk my band maybe terrible but this is embarrassing. Just TERRIBLE lyrics, uninspired shitty corny singing, really weak arrangement. Pretty much just like making prog for the sake of making prog, not even a remotely effective artistic statement. I read a wizard a true star, im a rundgren fan, but I'm not gonna pretend this isn't hilariously bad prog dogshit, the dude has consistently made excellent and awful artistic decisions his whole life. Ima be real, I've made art that's infinitely better than this dogshit, and so has Todd.
LOVE IT!!!
this is classic stuff