TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA

Although initially started as Rundgren's foray into progressive rock territory, Utopia would quickly become a straight pop-rock outfit as the 1970's wore one. However, both this 1974 debut, it's stylish follow-up 'Ra' and the concert album 'Another Live' would, albeit briefly, feature fully-blown prog-rock pyrotechnics, showcasing Rundgren's at times awesome musical versatility. Best described as the USA's very own version of David Bowie, Rundgren has enjoyed a long and colourful career hat began with his late-sixties Beatles-inspired pop- psych outfit The Nazz. After a self-titled album and the modestly-successful single 'Open My Eyes'(which features on the seminal 'Nuggets' compilation) Rundgren went solo, producing a series of elaborate double- albums which took in a range of different styles - psychedelia, blues, folk and pop - in the process turning Rundgren into a successful solo act. He would also enjoy success as a producer, overseeing Meat Loaf's first 'Bat Out Of Hell' album, whilst his studio 'Bearsville', would feature state-of-the-art production facilities, bequeathing Rundgren a degree of independence rarely enjoyed by other musicians. With progressive rock at it's peal throughout North America thanks to the likes of ELP, Pink Floyd and Yes, Rundgren decided to dip his toe into more esoteric forms of music, putting together his group Utopia in 1973. Coming on the back of a series of well-received live shows, the group issued their debut album 'Todd Rundgren's Utopia' on Rundgren's own Bearsville imprint. The album featured just four cuts, with opening piece 'Utopia Theme' recorded live at the Fox theatre, Atlanta during April of 1974. However, the album's major highlight is the fourth-and-final entry 'The Ikon', a thirty-minute symphonic prog extravaganza of the highest order. Featuring a multi-coloured blitz of keyboards, synthesizers and lightning-quick guitars, 'The Ikon' is an astounding piece of music, showing yet again Rundgren's impressive ability to work in a any number of genre's. One of the epic songs that demands multiple listens, 'The Ikon' is an essential prog-rock number, just as relevant to the prog canon as any of the multi-part epics produced by Yes, Genesis or Pink Floyd. It makes for a spectacular climax to an excellent album, which also features the snazzy 'Freak Parade' and the slick synth-rock sound of 'Freedom Fighters', tracks that also represent Utopia at their instrumentally- impressive best. Rundgren is an eclectic figure, and whilst his addition to the progressive rock genre maybe small, its well worth investigating. Excellent stuff. STEFAN TURNER, STOKE NEWINGTON, 2012