Comments for Rundgren, Todd, Todd Rundgrens Utopia

In almost every way the polar opposite of Something/Anything, TR's Utopia was sure to alienate Todd's then-installed fan base but also attract some who wouldn't be caught dead listening to "Hello Its Me". With banks of synthesized keyboards and 3 of the 4 cuts clocking in at over 10 minutes, the style here is progressive rock with a dash of jazz fusion and lots of instrumental interplay. After all these years, it still sounds good turned up loud when I'm in the mood for it, which isn't all that often. Perhaps one of the most telling facts about this music is that this progressive-instrumental style is one that Rundgren would soon abandon and *never* return to, at least as of 1996. ;-) Another observation: Todd's progressive music is the only example that I know of in that genre that does not display a distinct Anglo/Euro-centric flavor (Yes, Genesis, Kansas, etc etc).

This was one of the first albums I ever owned. I was 11 when I got it. To this day it holds it''s place as one of my favorite albums ever. It is a musical masterpiece. I have never heard anything that compares to the Utopia theme, or to the 30 minute "Ikon". The whole concept behind the Ikon is amazing in itself, but the music that Rudgren comes up with to express it is amazing. It seems to me that a lot of people overlook this album, maybe because of the length of the songs. I just wonder if history may find this album and recognuize it for the masterpiece it is. Please feel free to send me E-mail regaurding this album, and thanks for your time.