TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA

One of the most formative artists of my music education, IMO a very progressive and gifted songwriter, instrumentalist, stylist, imitator and innovator. Between this album, "Todd," "A Wizard a True Star," and "Initiation" Todd had quite a string of progressive/experimental albums. I think some people begrudge him the "progressive" mantle due to the fact that he was popular--had AM hits--crossed-over and came from the pop world. The guy just happened to have a genius for sublimely catchy melodies! And this band had three keyboard players!

"Utopia" (10/10) sublime; nearly perfect emotional ride. "Click" Todd turns off the mic and begins his solo.

"Freak Parade" (9/10) is a technical show, kind of his ZAPPA, GG, YES tribute.

"Freedom Fighters" (7/10) is one of Todd's syrupy, magical hit wonders--sorry! Even on a prog album the guy just can't help himself! (You gotta admit: it's a pretty, catchy, memorable [though you're loath to admit it] song.)

"The Ikon" (10/10) has so many memorable themes, melodies, and sections--all woven together at the end!--that you forget about them because the song is a monstrous 30 minutes long! Not a bit of wasted space or fluff. One of the stellar LP masterpieces of prog. (And there are three--count 'em--three keyboard players! And the lead guitarist is none too shabby, either!)

5 stars: This album rates in my personal all-time top 20!