TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA

Utopia

Eclectic Prog

4.15 | 324 ratings

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erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer

When I had bought the album "Ra" I went on a quest to find more excellent material from Todd Rundgren's Utopia. This one is still one of my favorite records from Utopia.

1. Utopia theme (14:18)

In general this track (live recorded in the USA) delivers a lot of excitement: great interplay and a dynamic rhythm-section, lush keyboards (three keyboardplayers including a certain Moogy Klingman) featuring dazzling synthesizer flights, some sensational breaks and of course Mr. Rundgren himself with his distinctive fiery and often biting electric guitar sound. Unfortunately at some moments my attention slips away because it sounds too longwinded.

2. Freak parade (10:14)

The atmosphere (with jazzy hints) on this composition often reminds me of FRANK ZAPPA featuring splendid interplay and a varied and alternating sound with many great musical ideas like a break with a catchy bass riff and sensational Moog runs or a final part with spectacular synthesizer sounds, followed by a swinging rhythm and sparkling piano.

3. Freedom fighters (4:01)

This is progressive pop, the rhythm is catchy and we hear the typcial 'Todd Rundgren' vocal harmonies and fiery electric guitar.

4. The Ikon (30:22)

This is perhaps Utopia their finest moment including many changing climates, breaks and accellarations, sensational keyboard work (Moog, clavinet, piano) and Todd Rundgren with lots of inspired fiery and biting guitar soli. Despite the long running time of 30 minutes this composition hardly contains weak moments, GREAT!

RECOMMENDED!

erik neuteboom | 4/5 | 2005-8-15

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