I was Extremely Blessed to see this Live Show, in all places, Little Rock, AR; And let me tell you it was BETTER LIVE than on record!!!!! I was totally Blown Away!!! It was right up there with ELP, which I also was Blessed to see in the same Venue, in '74; Utopia was in '75; Todd came back the next year with his HEALING/BORN TO SYNTHESIZE TOUR, with UTOPIA his backing band, and they interspersed some of this material. It was in the Round!!
The thing with Todd's music is that he doesn't do it for us to like; he does it for the reason any real artist should, which is to express his own creativity. I've never listened to Utopia because what I heard wasn't my idea of what Todd was about, though having just read the (very excellent) book, 'A Wizzard a True Star - Todd Rundgren in the Studio' it is apparent that at the time, Todd felt Utopia was the more perfect outlet for his creativity. I must say, dated sounds aside. Ikon is cool.
This masterpiece is yet another reason why Todd Rundgren is one of the most dynamic and creative musicians of all time. He should without a doubt be in the Hall of Fame just like Chicago should.
@ragingriccor9999 and RUSH as well. TR and Chicago two of my favorite artists since early 70's. (shit, how old am I?). What goes through the minds of the trolls who vote for hall induction is beyond me...
@1957thack Kind of fitting that Rush's debut album came out in '74 as well. Both bands went in entirely different directions of course, but I always thought Rush's concept albums of the 70's were similar to Utopia's first two albums. Albeit on the heavier side.
I have seen Todd live so many times, can't remember them all. But I will always remember a gift, from a friend. Todd tickets at the Ford theater. Solo. Hmmm..I'm thinking bout 79. I got amazing pics~! Such a great venue. Such a GREAT show~ Luv you Todd~!! Oppp's! Showing my age~! Lol~ Oh, and the friend was Jacques St. Pierre~! ♥
I Saw this Show in its Entirety in Little Rock, AR during their peak! Man was it Smoking Hot LIVE! And they totally nailed it all! Then a year or so later Todd came back and did his Born to Synthesize tour in the Round, or whatever the title was, but I think that was it, that was one of the hallmark songs! Awesome!
I look forward to seeing this bands reunion Sunday 1/30/11 at the Highline Ballroom in NYC to honor the ill Moogy Klingman. This should be performed in its entirety. Todd doing what he did best!
This music is insane. When I first experienced this record I was in the seventh grade and it was one of two records that we could listen to in the gym after lunch. I dont remember the how or why but it was there and i am greatful to have learned of Todd R! And if I would have won that last mega millions drawing of $355 Million I would have bought my own radio station and we would play music like this all the time!
the song "utopia" off this album I heard 2 or 3 times back in 1979, a pot-head friend of mine lent it to me. i remember i was only 15 but the song blew me the f&%^ away, away, away.....like to another planet, another world. i remember thinking back then that there are parts of utopia that sound like parts of songs or anthems that i heard before i was born or from another life. many many many years later i found the cd and what a welcome return to mindblowing music.
I saw Todd Rundgren and Utopia at the Poplar Creek Music Ampheatre in Hoffman Estates, Il in 1985-86 as a 5th or 6th grader. At the time Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, & Van Halen were about all that I could digest, at the time. I do remember thinking that they were very unique and innovative as a kid. Little did I know that as I got older, THIS kind of music would be my favorite; prog-rock, jazz-rock/fusion, art-rock, etc.
I do remember thinking there was completely unique & interesting about them. Perhaps, it was a contact high from the sweet smells in the audience! L.O.L.
This has, once again, instilled some peace within me. Thank you for posting it. Thank you, Todd Rundgren, for composing and performing this. What a wonderful, wonderful artist, true genius, transcending the poor existence called reality.
Balcacer - Yes, he is on FaceBook. Search Todd Harry Rundgren. (No, I never knew his middle name till I saw it!) First heard this in college and love it still! City in my head - Utopia
I did my job , but i could not find master Todd in Facebook. In any case thanks, we leave him, we do not disturb the Master. He has more time to make excelent music. So Kudos 4 you TODD, keep the good work.
Todd is such a MASTER & GENIUS.Overlooked Ignored, and Misunderstood.
Todd Rundgren needs our support RIGHT NOW More Than Ever! Not finacially secure after all he has accomplished in the Music World and Computer World. Please support shows buy merchandise & spread the word.
Also please click periodically on his myspace music page. Help HIM RISE 2 this OCCASION !!
ROCK LOVE,
CHERRY XOXO
I am on Twitter too supporting TODD using same Username Just Loving Fan
@chelababy1 Are you sure about the financial need? Todd produced Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" - one of the biggest selling albums of all time. I wish I had THOSE residuals in MY retirement account!
This was highly influenced by the jazz rock going on at the time. And I hear some Frank Zappa touches here and there ... but still its own animal. This is my favorite Todd album by far. It's got that spacey edge.
This song was the 4th song from a recorded live performance at the Atlanta Fox Theater circa 1972/3. Anyhow, the entire work "Todd Rundren's Utopia" was performed live and recorded. I was at the performance, and I think
Toddheads, can anyone definitively answer as to whether "Utopia band" played on anything besides the Theme? The album jacket leaves the question open. I thought that the rest was Todd doing what he does in the studio, playing every one of the instruments, editing and engineering the greatness.
Some have shared that opinion, while others say duh, the album name asserts that everyone played on everything. Anyone know for sure?
FWIW,per wikipedia the longest LP is by Judy Garland-90 minutes!
Todd was wayyyyy ahead of his time....a true musician, great song writer...they don't make em like that anymore....I must be old...cause I have all his LPs right here next to my record player... All the girls I have dated love his music..as I do...thanks riversend21...
I heard this piece just once back in '75, and I didn't catch the name or artist at the time. It took me years to find out that it was Todd Rundgren's Utopia and quite by accident too. One day I was at a friend's house. He said to pick out a tape to play, and I saw one that said "Todd Rundgren's Utopia". I thought, well I'm in the mood for Todd, so I put it on. Talk about a pleasant surprise! As soon as I heard the first few bars, I knew I had found it! Still a favorite today!
I think Todd was really in his element at that point in time. He's a born prog rocker. But he's also an artisteeest. He goes his own way, I can respect that. I have always thought he would have taken prog rock to the high heavens after I first listened to Todd R's Utopia, but it was not to be. Todd is an extraordinarily gifted man, and a very decent human being as well. One can only ask that of someone whom they deeply admire.
@MarxNutz i first heard todd in '76 and i think i liked him a whole lot better then. this is just too jazzy for me. oh i'm not saying it's not good, 'cause it is, and i used to own jeff beck's "wired" too, but i'm just saying, i guess i'm more of a bang on the drum kinda guy. oh, did i say "bang on the drum?" steve hillage! yes, i'm gunna go listen to "all too much" by steve hillage. yah, i like todd rungren to, but you know, so much music, so little time, i gotta go!
For the uninitiated, this "song" took up the whole of side one of the original 'elpee.' At the time, Todd was breaking ground that would only be seen on CD years later - The Ikon song was actually the longest pop song of it's time (could still be for all I know) at over 30 minutes. Again, this was so unheard of because most sides on vinyl were about 20, sometimes up to 23 or 24 minutes.
There were other groups who did long "pop" songs at that time. King Crimson, Yes, and Pink Floyd come to mind. I think Todd was probably influenced by such bands. I think he must have been listening to groups such as Hawkwind and Nektar. Personally, I think he was trying to better them. He did well.
Todd, in his solo career, actually did something even longer: an instrumental called "A Treatise on Cosmic Fire", which lasted exactly 36 minutes and took up the B-side of his 1975 album "Initiation"!
The compression of grooves on this album was very dense, as both sides were about a half hour long. 60 minutes on one 'elpee' was totally unheard of at that time, and a single song taking up over 30 minutes? Preposterous. But Todd was ever breaking new ground.
What a song! So Sick! The band unleashes their Beast within on this one! Their timing and delivery were flawless! Absolute stunning song!
1957thack 1 month ago
I was Extremely Blessed to see this Live Show, in all places, Little Rock, AR; And let me tell you it was BETTER LIVE than on record!!!!! I was totally Blown Away!!! It was right up there with ELP, which I also was Blessed to see in the same Venue, in '74; Utopia was in '75; Todd came back the next year with his HEALING/BORN TO SYNTHESIZE TOUR, with UTOPIA his backing band, and they interspersed some of this material. It was in the Round!!
StewardMann 1 month ago
RIP Moogy!
blitzebill 3 months ago
Ikron Ohio, Friday 11-11-11 Cant wait.... akron civic theatre...
micktheMaag 3 months ago
I'm so glad this is on youtube. :)
Musicdudeyoutub 4 months ago
Comment removed
strangecluesinfriday 4 months ago
The thing with Todd's music is that he doesn't do it for us to like; he does it for the reason any real artist should, which is to express his own creativity. I've never listened to Utopia because what I heard wasn't my idea of what Todd was about, though having just read the (very excellent) book, 'A Wizzard a True Star - Todd Rundgren in the Studio' it is apparent that at the time, Todd felt Utopia was the more perfect outlet for his creativity. I must say, dated sounds aside. Ikon is cool.
MrCherryJuice 6 months ago
This masterpiece is yet another reason why Todd Rundgren is one of the most dynamic and creative musicians of all time. He should without a doubt be in the Hall of Fame just like Chicago should.
ragingriccor9999 7 months ago 5
@ragingriccor9999 and RUSH as well. TR and Chicago two of my favorite artists since early 70's. (shit, how old am I?). What goes through the minds of the trolls who vote for hall induction is beyond me...
mystikrhythms61 1 month ago
Todd shucked and popped out as many hits with the best of then way back in the 70's Including this Album which was album of the year in 1974.
1957thack 7 months ago
@1957thack Kind of fitting that Rush's debut album came out in '74 as well. Both bands went in entirely different directions of course, but I always thought Rush's concept albums of the 70's were similar to Utopia's first two albums. Albeit on the heavier side.
mystikrhythms61 1 month ago
Todd was all up in this bother.
looking4thepast09 7 months ago
Amazing, I'm surprised people don't know about this album anymore. Ranks up with Yes, Genesis, PF, ELP...
cjgone2 7 months ago 3
Had this one a 8 track tape......in 1974.....still awesome....
Kaless134 9 months ago 2
Todd was right there during Prog's formation.
JonP1961 10 months ago
I have seen Todd live so many times, can't remember them all. But I will always remember a gift, from a friend. Todd tickets at the Ford theater. Solo. Hmmm..I'm thinking bout 79. I got amazing pics~! Such a great venue. Such a GREAT show~ Luv you Todd~!! Oppp's! Showing my age~! Lol~ Oh, and the friend was Jacques St. Pierre~! ♥
cindy85123 11 months ago
City in my head~
cindy85123 11 months ago
Superior stuff by an underated artist! I love this whole album!
1qaz2wsx3edc5753 11 months ago 2
omg i used to listen
TheCliz 11 months ago
@MERCURHILLMANIAC Listen to the other 21 minutes!
That's just part I of 4!
billybobjoebob1958 11 months ago
Wonder which part did Ralph write... guess the organ-heavy one.
NotOrdinaryInGames 1 year ago
man was this a killer album! Utopia really really rocked. The live album was unbelieveable :)
jazzynet1 1 year ago
I Saw this Show in its Entirety in Little Rock, AR during their peak! Man was it Smoking Hot LIVE! And they totally nailed it all! Then a year or so later Todd came back and did his Born to Synthesize tour in the Round, or whatever the title was, but I think that was it, that was one of the hallmark songs! Awesome!
StewardMann 1 year ago
this was the original spinal tap
iceaxe56 1 year ago
I look forward to seeing this bands reunion Sunday 1/30/11 at the Highline Ballroom in NYC to honor the ill Moogy Klingman. This should be performed in its entirety. Todd doing what he did best!
noisy1963 1 year ago
I just had to run into this vid just before leaving for work. Guess I'll have to be late...
furyofbongos 1 year ago
This music is insane. When I first experienced this record I was in the seventh grade and it was one of two records that we could listen to in the gym after lunch. I dont remember the how or why but it was there and i am greatful to have learned of Todd R! And if I would have won that last mega millions drawing of $355 Million I would have bought my own radio station and we would play music like this all the time!
TakeMeToTheVideos 1 year ago
It's awesome that this is still available for anyone to listen to. This is a dying breed of musicians.
dhmartial17 1 year ago
Todd was >checking watch< 35 years ahead of his time.
JonP1961 1 year ago 2
little masterpiece of composition and genuine thought
peterbelelius 1 year ago
one of Todds best!!
allankos 1 year ago 2
the song "utopia" off this album I heard 2 or 3 times back in 1979, a pot-head friend of mine lent it to me. i remember i was only 15 but the song blew me the f&%^ away, away, away.....like to another planet, another world. i remember thinking back then that there are parts of utopia that sound like parts of songs or anthems that i heard before i was born or from another life. many many many years later i found the cd and what a welcome return to mindblowing music.
3rdStoneObliterum 1 year ago
City in my head, Utopia ! Yeah!
mick50651 1 year ago 3
Keep your EYE (Pineal gland/ third eye) on the IKON.
Awesome song.
Like plugging into "THAT BIG GRID IN THE SKY"
LISTUNUP 1 year ago 2
I saw Todd Rundgren and Utopia at the Poplar Creek Music Ampheatre in Hoffman Estates, Il in 1985-86 as a 5th or 6th grader. At the time Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, & Van Halen were about all that I could digest, at the time. I do remember thinking that they were very unique and innovative as a kid. Little did I know that as I got older, THIS kind of music would be my favorite; prog-rock, jazz-rock/fusion, art-rock, etc.
TheArbiter74 1 year ago 3
I do remember thinking there was completely unique & interesting about them. Perhaps, it was a contact high from the sweet smells in the audience! L.O.L.
TheArbiter74 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
TheArbiter74 1 year ago
This has, once again, instilled some peace within me. Thank you for posting it. Thank you, Todd Rundgren, for composing and performing this. What a wonderful, wonderful artist, true genius, transcending the poor existence called reality.
24kGoldenRocket 1 year ago 2
Saw him in cleveland in like 75 with just him and a tape deck! it was a fabulos concert. The weed was especially good :)
jazzynet1 1 year ago
Balcacer - Yes, he is on FaceBook. Search Todd Harry Rundgren. (No, I never knew his middle name till I saw it!) First heard this in college and love it still! City in my head - Utopia
Tyrandosaurus 1 year ago 2
@Tyrandosaurus
THANKS BRO !!!!
BALCACER 1 year ago
@BALCACER
I did my job , but i could not find master Todd in Facebook. In any case thanks, we leave him, we do not disturb the Master. He has more time to make excelent music. So Kudos 4 you TODD, keep the good work.
BALCACER 1 year ago 2
GOOD MORNING MASTER TODD !!!
BALCACER 1 year ago
You never have to be afraid...
furakkueroru 1 year ago
I have this album on vinyl and it absolutely BLOWS MY MIND every time I listen to it! I'll upload the entire album on YouTube sometime soon.
OldMusicOnVinyl1 2 years ago
wow, fantastisch, einfach ohne worte !
omacor79 2 years ago
viva the todd
jayjamesmorgan1 2 years ago
Todd is such a MASTER & GENIUS.Overlooked Ignored, and Misunderstood.
Todd Rundgren needs our support RIGHT NOW More Than Ever! Not finacially secure after all he has accomplished in the Music World and Computer World. Please support shows buy merchandise & spread the word.
Also please click periodically on his myspace music page. Help HIM RISE 2 this OCCASION !!
ROCK LOVE,
CHERRY XOXO
I am on Twitter too supporting TODD using same Username Just Loving Fan
chelababy1 2 years ago
@chelababy1 Are you sure about the financial need? Todd produced Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" - one of the biggest selling albums of all time. I wish I had THOSE residuals in MY retirement account!
ricksd01 2 years ago
That's what I am wondering...Rundgren produced many albums for other artists....
I have done my part....I have bought at least a dozen Rundgren/Utopia albums/cassettes/Cds over the years.
truck2112yes 2 years ago
@ricksd01 i read an interview with TR a few years ago and he said he doesn't get any royalties from BOOH anymore.
originaltbyrd 1 year ago
Is he on facebook ???
Exelent song Top 10 of all R and R
BALCACER 2 years ago
Comment removed
jmus 2 years ago
Listen to the Ikon!
LastTree 2 years ago
Fabulous. Thanks for sharing!
alternativ50 2 years ago
Jeff Beck?
daneslav 2 years ago
This was highly influenced by the jazz rock going on at the time. And I hear some Frank Zappa touches here and there ... but still its own animal. This is my favorite Todd album by far. It's got that spacey edge.
bapyou 2 years ago
This song was the 4th song from a recorded live performance at the Atlanta Fox Theater circa 1972/3. Anyhow, the entire work "Todd Rundren's Utopia" was performed live and recorded. I was at the performance, and I think
that editing was very minimal.
kohlerwoorx 2 years ago
Toddheads, can anyone definitively answer as to whether "Utopia band" played on anything besides the Theme? The album jacket leaves the question open. I thought that the rest was Todd doing what he does in the studio, playing every one of the instruments, editing and engineering the greatness.
Some have shared that opinion, while others say duh, the album name asserts that everyone played on everything. Anyone know for sure?
FWIW,per wikipedia the longest LP is by Judy Garland-90 minutes!
decapitatespammers 2 years ago
The band played on and contributed to the entire album including some of the writing.
debbie523 2 years ago
to be honest idont know and i dont care too busy enjoying the brilliant music
mark374 2 years ago
I have forgotten how freak parade sounds.
This is very sad....perhaps the great Mr Riversend can top his munificence to date by patronising us lesser mortals and posting it soon?
teddingtontcu 2 years ago
My favorite Rundgren piece of them all...
scratchwhiplash 2 years ago
ringing with the sound of eternal mind
Fruktdemokrati 2 years ago
Todd at the exact time of the universe !!!!
BALCACER 2 years ago
Todd was wayyyyy ahead of his time....a true musician, great song writer...they don't make em like that anymore....I must be old...cause I have all his LPs right here next to my record player... All the girls I have dated love his music..as I do...thanks riversend21...
bigwhitebear1 2 years ago
This is structured jammin .. what a session ths must have been .... impossiibly difficult (for me ) ..... but sooo out there
peterm3964 2 years ago
I heard this piece just once back in '75, and I didn't catch the name or artist at the time. It took me years to find out that it was Todd Rundgren's Utopia and quite by accident too. One day I was at a friend's house. He said to pick out a tape to play, and I saw one that said "Todd Rundgren's Utopia". I thought, well I'm in the mood for Todd, so I put it on. Talk about a pleasant surprise! As soon as I heard the first few bars, I knew I had found it! Still a favorite today!
MarxNutz 3 years ago 14
I think Todd was really in his element at that point in time. He's a born prog rocker. But he's also an artisteeest. He goes his own way, I can respect that. I have always thought he would have taken prog rock to the high heavens after I first listened to Todd R's Utopia, but it was not to be. Todd is an extraordinarily gifted man, and a very decent human being as well. One can only ask that of someone whom they deeply admire.
knights325 3 years ago 10
Wow! doesn't this album really take you back!
It was the album of that year in 1974..
It get that ole imagination running wild..
Like DISNEYS' Fantasia without the visuals....
1957thack 1 year ago
Wow!! Doesn't this track really take you back!
It was rocks album of the year in 1974,
The whole album gets that imagination running wild..
Its like listening to Disney's Fantasia without the Visuals..
1957thack 1 year ago
@MarxNutz i had this on eight track... the best....saw him in concert in Philly in 77 0r78 Todd is god was the chant
jacob41995 10 months ago
@MarxNutz i first heard todd in '76 and i think i liked him a whole lot better then. this is just too jazzy for me. oh i'm not saying it's not good, 'cause it is, and i used to own jeff beck's "wired" too, but i'm just saying, i guess i'm more of a bang on the drum kinda guy. oh, did i say "bang on the drum?" steve hillage! yes, i'm gunna go listen to "all too much" by steve hillage. yah, i like todd rungren to, but you know, so much music, so little time, i gotta go!
m1kewithaone 8 months ago
For the uninitiated, this "song" took up the whole of side one of the original 'elpee.' At the time, Todd was breaking ground that would only be seen on CD years later - The Ikon song was actually the longest pop song of it's time (could still be for all I know) at over 30 minutes. Again, this was so unheard of because most sides on vinyl were about 20, sometimes up to 23 or 24 minutes.
dirkbag22 3 years ago 2
There were other groups who did long "pop" songs at that time. King Crimson, Yes, and Pink Floyd come to mind. I think Todd was probably influenced by such bands. I think he must have been listening to groups such as Hawkwind and Nektar. Personally, I think he was trying to better them. He did well.
knights325 3 years ago
Todd, in his solo career, actually did something even longer: an instrumental called "A Treatise on Cosmic Fire", which lasted exactly 36 minutes and took up the B-side of his 1975 album "Initiation"!
OldMusicOnVinyl1 2 years ago
The compression of grooves on this album was very dense, as both sides were about a half hour long. 60 minutes on one 'elpee' was totally unheard of at that time, and a single song taking up over 30 minutes? Preposterous. But Todd was ever breaking new ground.
dirkbag22 3 years ago
Todd did the exact same thing with "A Wizard, a True Star" and "Initiation". Those mastering engineers were pretty damn clever!
OldMusicOnVinyl1 2 years ago
Great classic Rundgren! This one filled the air of my teenage years. Thanks for putting it out there for all to enjoy!
blootnik 3 years ago 2
I love this song and Freak Parade
Wildraw 3 years ago 2