This album was light years ahead of it's time when if first came out back in 1974 but "still we are here" 38 years later and, it's still ahead of it's time. Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking himself would need his wheelchair computer to keep track of all the different time signatures that Todd goes through on the 30 minute long closing track and stunning high point of the album, The Ikon. The almost 15 minute long opening track, Utopia's Theme, was recorded live in Atlanta, Ga. and is absolutely flawless in execution and musical suspense. The Zappa-esque Freak Parade and the short but poignant Freedom Fighters make this a slam dunk as my favorite Utopia album. A good set of headphones will only enhance the experience.
Todd wrote and recorded this music around his experiments with organic mescaline back in the mid 70's. In retrospect now that seems so obvious, even right down to the design of the album cover graphics. But this album is not just some hippy, trippy nostalgic artifact. Rather, it's filled with timeless optimism, hope and the possibility of personal transformation. Not unlike the rest of Todd's music.
CONDITION: Used
VINYL: VG+
JACKET. VG. Some ringwear. No splits
TRACK LISTING:
A1 Utopia
Written-By – Mason*, Rundgren*
14:18
A2 Freak Parade
Written-By – Siegler*, Klingman*, Rundgren*
10:14
A3 Freedom Fighters
Written-By – Rundgren*
4:01
B The Ikon
Arranged By – Utopia (5)
Written-By – Siegler*, Klingman*, Schuckett*, Rundgren*
30:22
EBET-JPHBX8-2MM-BEARSVILLE-BR 6954