TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA

I just can't get past the fact that this sounds like a pop singer getting a band together and doing a paint by the numbers Prog album. It's not fair to say that perhaps, but to my ears that's what this sounds like. I am a fan of Todd Rundgren and i'm not sure if he did a Prog record just because it was "in" at the time, or maybe he liked this style of music ? Motives aside I just think this album comes off a little messy, but the main thing for me is that I just don't enjoy it very much.

"Utopia Theme" is fairly bombastic to start. Lots of synths and drums 3 1/2 minutes in. It settles and the crowd cheers. Vocals follow. Some nice guitar before 9 1/2 minutes. I like the way it ends too with the drums and guitar leading the way. Great tune. "Freak Parade" has a good intro. Mellow guitar a minute in. Not a fan of this though. Piano joins in. A change after 3 minutes and vocals come in late. "Freedom Fighters" is a short vocal track that reminds me of Steve Hillage for some reason.

"The Ikon" is the over 30 minute closer. It's energetic and bombastic to start. Keyboards lead 3 1/2 minutes in and the vocals join in again reminding me of Hillage. Not a fan of the vocals 9 minutes in where they sound different. Lots of synths before 14 minutes, then it settles as synths continue. Vocals are back after 17 minutes. It picks back up with guitar 23 1/2 minutes in then settles again as contrasts continue.

Most Prog fans rate this highly, and while I respect the love that is out there for this album, it does little for me. A low 3 stars.