I saw him perform this album live around 10 years ago in Akron. I feel so fortunate to have seen that show and many of his others. Todd is an absolute legend and more young people should be familiar with his work. I'm 40 and so grateful my dad got me into him.
This was such a major departure from Todd’s earlier work. I love the segues, especially International Feel into Neverland. I’ve heard him say he lost 50% of his fan base when this was released. Even I, a huge fan, was disappointed at first, but the more I listened, the more I “got it.” Now, it’s one of my favorites. He was just doing what he does, experimenting… The man is a genius, still experimenting, writing, recording & touring at 74!! Last album, White Knight (released in 2017) was a collaboration with other artists. He’s working on another collaborative album called Space Force. Thanks for this!
Zen Archer is example of Todd’s knowledge of music of Kurt Weill. Check out a rare album produced by Hal Willer called “Lost in The Stars - A Tribute to Kurt Weill” featuring Todd, Sting, Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs, and a host of others! Brilliant stuff!
Todd revisited the whole Psychedelic “no break between songs” thing in his production work with The Tubes “Love Bomb” and XTC’s “Skylarking” Brilliant stuff!
i discovered this MOST EXCELLENT album when i was suffering a severe reaction to a medication . i went thru an acute anxiety event , which lasted about 4 months. it was really horrifically bad . i could not even begin to describe what i went thru . the fear of impending doom and vertigo where the worst but i couldnt sleep eat and i was in fight or flight for months . the docs yelled at me and wouldnt take my calls . the local mental health center saw me weekly and put me on paxil , lol . anway i ballooned from paxil , gained 75 lbs and then they are telling me i am type 2 diabetes . i wont tell you that i micro dosed dmt for a month to aid with paxil withdrawl which was hell . i went on a oleo citrate lemonade diet for a while and lost all the lbs . now i kind of ok , i mean i am allways on the verge of a panic attack , which i have went back to that place a half dozen times and its triggered by certain meds that i used to be able to take . the thing is when i listen to this i brust into tears , usually during never never land . ok time up , i dont want to cry tonight ,. i just wish i could listen to this with out turning into a fuckin puddle . you have good taste in music kiddo . keep making it , thats the best thing you can do with your life .
Back in 76, in high school, I blew this image up & did this in colored pencils. I still have it. This was done by an artist named Arthur Wood. In the bottom right, where it says “Bearsville”, I signed my name with’76.
@@usandthemakakelly2535 I wish I could add the photo here. I mounted on a 3’x3’ piece of lightly stained plywood & put a few layers of shellac over the whole thing.
I met Salvador Dali at the Russian Tea Room in 1977! He signed the Caviar menu for me. I gave him a rose. It was Easter. Gala glared at me across the table and my friends were dying at their table for me just walking over to his table❣️. Worth it♥️. St. Petersburg Floriduh has an incredible museum😁👍🏼👻🌻♥️
Disco Jets was a collection of instrumental tracks that were recorded in 1976, but never released at the time. Listen also to the album Initiation, which came out in 1975, between the Todd and Faithful albums. I guarantee the title track alone will blow you off your feet, but the rest of the side is also pretty astonishing. Then try to take in, in one sitting, the mindblowing 35½-minute B-side track A Treatise On Cosmic Fire, which will astonish, intrigue, bewilder and infuriate you in roughly equal measure. Approach with trepidation and a clear head!!
I took my Initiation album to Todd's book signing in Cleveland a few years ago. It's my favorite Todd Rundgren album because of Side 2. Have you heard the 45 Prana?
So cool to see young people discovering and appreciating Todd Rundgren. He was my jumping off point after the Beatles and Pop music in general in the 60s. Yeah, I was just lucky. Todd helped me learn about diversity, not cultural or religious, but in and of itself, diversity. The spice of life. One of the reasons I like this album was the instrumentals. Yes in the early 70s, synthesizers were expensive ($5k+), delicate and heavy, and they only played one or two notes.... You had to go to university "Music labs". Parliament/Funkadelic were the only black band that I knew, that used synthesizers (shout out to Bernie Worrell!). Walter Carlos (now Wendy) was when many people were exposed to "Switched on Bach". Tomita also did a great job of rendering Debussy in the synthesizer microworld "snowflakes are dancing". Early success allowed Todd to get into these expensive experiments in the prime of his life. "We stand on the shoulders of others", (whether we admit it or not).
Nice review. The main thing you are missing is that most of us who bought this album the year it came out a lot of us were listening while tripping on psychedelics, which inspired Todd to make this album. 😵💫
LSD is an indispensable ingredient for listening to this record. After the first psychedelic listening session, sober thought and reflection will still let you conclude that this album is a standout.
The meaning of Zen Archer is the Pursuit of self discovery and finding inter peace. The song encourages listeners to embark on an introspective journey reflecting on their choices and striving to live an authentic life The Archer- individual seeking enlightment and self realization The Bow- individual's potential and ability to set goals The Arrow- symbolizes the path you chose to follow
Great album to do because there aren't too many duds to gloss over during the descriptive parts. To answer one of your queries: the Zen Archer is the enemy to the people. His face saddens at the thought of killing another 'pretty bird' as he releases the arrow. He thought he might have seen a glint in her eye. Maybe next time he won't release the tension of the bow.
Broadsword is a gem and I was waiting for this one with such anticipation. It lived up to it. I would definitely enjoy an Under Wraps set. After that I would still get all of them beyond 1984 but those albums do not hold my interest as much.
@@davestevens4193 You know, I realized I had commented on the wrong thread because I had two windows open. An amazing feat, actually. I love Todd and was actually commenting on a Jethro Tull thread, so my apologies. Indeed, I made no sense in this context.
It would not surprise me in the least if Todd was highly influenced by Frank Zappa albums such as ' We're Only In It For The Money ' and ' Uncle Meat '. There are similarities such as studio wizardry, no gaps between tracks, short tracks, odd time signatures and the use of found sounds etc etc
Dali was the father of Dada-ism. The surreal meets the absurd. Kind of like the whole Ubu-ism thing was 50 years or so before. Onionheads, are a derogatory way of referring to Hare Krishna members with shaved heads except for single (often-braided) ponytails. Get it?
One of the best albums ever! Todd is a genius!
Been listening to this album for nearly fifty years, and I believe that AWATS was meant to be experienced rather than understood.
I saw him perform this album live around 10 years ago in Akron. I feel so fortunate to have seen that show and many of his others. Todd is an absolute legend and more young people should be familiar with his work. I'm 40 and so grateful my dad got me into him.
I saw that too! In DC. Great show!
You can't imagine how "sometimes I don't know what to feel" helped me survive 15.
@melanieshannon122 I can imagine because I was exactly 15 when AWATS came out. Damn I'm old! But so is Todd, and I'm going to see him in May. 😄😮
Have fun!
This was such a major departure from Todd’s earlier work. I love the segues, especially International Feel into Neverland. I’ve heard him say he lost 50% of his fan base when this was released. Even I, a huge fan, was disappointed at first, but the more I listened, the more I “got it.” Now, it’s one of my favorites. He was just doing what he does, experimenting… The man is a genius, still experimenting, writing, recording & touring at 74!! Last album, White Knight (released in 2017) was a collaboration with other artists. He’s working on another collaborative album called Space Force. Thanks for this!
I applaud you for choosing an album that is different than the usual reaction video.
Great job
Best LP ever. Thanks Todd.
Zen Archer is example of Todd’s knowledge of music of Kurt Weill. Check out a rare album produced by Hal Willer called “Lost in The Stars - A Tribute to Kurt Weill” featuring Todd, Sting, Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs, and a host of others! Brilliant stuff!
Todd revisited the whole Psychedelic “no break between songs” thing in his production work with The Tubes “Love Bomb” and XTC’s “Skylarking” Brilliant stuff!
i discovered this MOST EXCELLENT album when i was suffering a severe reaction to a medication . i went thru an acute anxiety event , which lasted about 4 months. it was really horrifically bad . i could not even begin to describe what i went thru . the fear of impending doom and vertigo where the worst but i couldnt sleep eat and i was in fight or flight for months . the docs yelled at me and wouldnt take my calls . the local mental health center saw me weekly and put me on paxil , lol . anway i ballooned from paxil , gained 75 lbs and then they are telling me i am type 2 diabetes . i wont tell you that i micro dosed dmt for a month to aid with paxil withdrawl which was hell . i went on a oleo citrate lemonade diet for a while and lost all the lbs . now i kind of ok , i mean i am allways on the verge of a panic attack , which i have went back to that place a half dozen times and its triggered by certain meds that i used to be able to take . the thing is when i listen to this i brust into tears , usually during never never land . ok time up , i dont want to cry tonight ,. i just wish i could listen to this with out turning into a fuckin puddle . you have good taste in music kiddo . keep making it , thats the best thing you can do with your life .
MASSIVE kudos for doing this full album.
♥️✌️🎶
The fact that you own TWO of these, kindred spirits, my brother.
Back in 76, in high school, I blew this image up & did this in colored pencils. I still have it.
This was done by an artist named Arthur Wood. In the bottom right, where it says “Bearsville”, I signed my name with’76.
You and I need to be friends. I am drawing this album cover now. I need to swe what you drew!
@@usandthemakakelly2535 I wish I could add the photo here. I mounted on a 3’x3’ piece of lightly stained plywood & put a few layers of shellac over the whole thing.
@@bungalowmo I wish I could see it!
I love this album and the double album set todd
You must listen to Nearly Human & Healing! More genius from the man!!
Liars
"Wait, another year, Utopia is here." When the first Utopia album was released, my friends and I finally understood that lyric.
Wow. Not fucking around, are you? Brilliant record!
I met Salvador Dali at the Russian Tea Room in 1977! He signed the Caviar menu for me. I gave him a rose. It was Easter. Gala glared at me across the table and my friends were dying at their table for me just walking over to his table❣️. Worth it♥️. St. Petersburg Floriduh has an incredible museum😁👍🏼👻🌻♥️
My favorite album of all time!
"Rock and Roll Pussy" was Todd's critique of John Lennon, whom he saw as a social justice poseur.
Disco Jets was a collection of instrumental tracks that were recorded in 1976, but never released at the time.
Listen also to the album Initiation, which came out in 1975, between the Todd and Faithful albums. I guarantee the title track alone will blow you off your feet, but the rest of the side is also pretty astonishing. Then try to take in, in one sitting, the mindblowing 35½-minute B-side track A Treatise On Cosmic Fire, which will astonish, intrigue, bewilder and infuriate you in roughly equal measure. Approach with trepidation and a clear head!!
Great album also init
I took my Initiation album to Todd's book signing in Cleveland a few years ago. It's my favorite Todd Rundgren album because of Side 2. Have you heard the 45 Prana?
So cool to see young people discovering and appreciating Todd Rundgren. He was my jumping off point after the Beatles and Pop music in general in the 60s. Yeah, I was just lucky. Todd helped me learn about diversity, not cultural or religious, but in and of itself, diversity. The spice of life. One of the reasons I like this album was the instrumentals. Yes in the early 70s, synthesizers were expensive ($5k+), delicate and heavy, and they only played one or two notes.... You had to go to university "Music labs". Parliament/Funkadelic were the only black band that I knew, that used synthesizers (shout out to Bernie Worrell!). Walter Carlos (now Wendy) was when many people were exposed to "Switched on Bach". Tomita also did a great job of rendering Debussy in the synthesizer microworld "snowflakes are dancing". Early success allowed Todd to get into these expensive experiments in the prime of his life. "We stand on the shoulders of others", (whether we admit it or not).
I’m watching you listin to Todd♥️. You’re so young! So nice to see!
Em Mersin Lake & Palmer with Moog and Moody Blues!
You have great taste😁👻
Not too shabby an album...for a yank! 🤪
Utopia ...album of the same name 😊 something/anything. And wizard/true star. . Flashbacks for about 50 yrs .😊😌😏✌
Nice review. The main thing you are missing is that most of us who bought this album the year it came out a lot of us were listening while tripping on psychedelics, which inspired Todd to make this album. 😵💫
You said it, the ZenArcher is the mindset Marvel of Production 🎯
LSD is an indispensable ingredient for listening to this record. After the first psychedelic listening session, sober thought and reflection will still let you conclude that this album is a standout.
The meaning of Zen Archer is the Pursuit of self discovery and finding inter peace.
The song encourages listeners to embark on an introspective journey reflecting on their choices and striving to live an authentic life
The Archer- individual seeking enlightment and self realization
The Bow- individual's potential and ability to set goals
The Arrow- symbolizes the path you chose to follow
Interesting, everyone seems to have a different take on what the meaning is. I like this perspective though.
Great job! I love the whole album. Just One Victory is the one that stays with me.
Great album to do because there aren't too many duds to gloss over during the descriptive parts. To answer one of your queries: the Zen Archer is the enemy to the people. His face saddens at the thought of killing another 'pretty bird' as he releases the arrow. He thought he might have seen a glint in her eye. Maybe next time he won't release the tension of the bow.
This album is a psychedelic dream. Don't get too analytical. Let it trip you out.
Thanks Nimbus Cloud, great review. Nice fresh perspective.
Ayyy love this album
"Neverland" is from the tv special," Peter Pan".
His "Todd" album is even weirder, I highly suggest it
If I were an MMA fighter, I'd want to walk out to Le Feel Internationale. That beat drop still makes me heart skip a beat.
“Healing Part 1” Also Parts II & III
Broadsword is a gem and I was waiting for this one with such anticipation. It lived up to it. I would definitely enjoy an Under Wraps set. After that I would still get all of them beyond 1984 but those albums do not hold my interest as much.
Are you talking about a Todd Rundgren album? You make no sense.
@@davestevens4193 You know, I realized I had commented on the wrong thread because I had two windows open. An amazing feat, actually. I love Todd and was actually commenting on a Jethro Tull thread, so my apologies. Indeed, I made no sense in this context.
It would not surprise me in the least if Todd was highly influenced by Frank Zappa albums such as ' We're Only In It For The Money ' and ' Uncle Meat '. There are similarities such as studio wizardry, no gaps between tracks, short tracks, odd time signatures and the use of found sounds etc etc
Definitely better than Bang on a Drum
Switched on Bach 1968
"Switched On Bach" was 1966, I think.
Nothing to say about "Just One Victory"?
Reaction videos are a plague. I'm ashamed of giving 1 minute of this, though I love Todd.
Lmao sorry
@@NimbusCloud95 Me too
Dali was the father of Dada-ism. The surreal meets the absurd. Kind of like the whole Ubu-ism thing was 50 years or so before.
Onionheads, are a derogatory way of referring to Hare Krishna members with shaved heads except for single (often-braided) ponytails. Get it?