Bob's podcast

http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/r/rundgrentodd-bestlive2005.shtml

This release, titled Best of Todd Rundgren Live features concert recordings of most of Rundgren's best-loved songs from various concerts spanning the last 25 years.

Two tracks are from '04's The Liars: a down-and-funky "Soul Brother" and remarkably faithful version of George Harrison's

"WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS",

both sung and played by Rundgren.

http://www.amazon.com/Hermit-Mink-Hollow-Todd-Rundgren/dp/B0000032PB/ref=pd_bbs_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1198878862&sr=8-4

If you have never heard Todd, this would be a good choice to start your journey with one of America's most talented artists.

http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/7200959/a/Hermit+Of+Mink+Hollow.htm

From: cduniverse.com

HERMIT OF MINK HOLLOW is one of Todd Rundgren's Best pop albums.

http://wm06.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:k9foxqy5ld6e

It makes sense that The Hermit of Mink Hollow — his first full-fledged solo album since Initiation, if you discount the half-cover/half-original Faithful — finds Rundgren in his pop craftsman persona. The difference is, he's heartbroken. His relationship with Bebe Buell collapsed during 1977 and it's clear that the separation has pained him, since pain and melancholy underpin the album, whether it's on ballads ("Can We Still Be Friends") or on apparently joyous revelries, like "All the Children Sing." That said, this is a Rundgren solo album and he has not abandoned his trademarks, which means that the lush ballads are paired with novelties ("Onomatopoeia," which sounds exactly how you hope it does), ersatz soul ("You Cried Wolf"), and pure pop ("Hurting for You").

Hermit is also the first record Rundgren recorded completely alone since Something/Anything? Where that record sounded like the inner workings of a madman, with each song providing no indication what the next would sound like, Hermit is more cohesive. It also feels less brilliant, even if it is, in many ways, nearly as excellent as Rundgren's masterwork, mainly because it doesn't have such a wide scope. Still, the reason The Hermit of Mink Hollow is such a milestone in Rundgren's career is because it's a small album, filled with details, and easily the most emotional record he made.

Just had to hear this song again. Since I'm going to see Todd this Sunday Night at 'The Birchmere' in Alexandria, VA.

And it's the 1st song in the Set List.

Enjoy!

'The Ballad of Todd Rundgren'

eschews much of the musical experimentation of Rundgren's debut and is essentially a straight-ahead pop album. But it's a superlative pop album and, in my opinion, one of the best titles in Rundgren's large catalog. I love the cover art — it's a photo of Todd sitting at a piano with a noose tied around his neck. Perhaps this is meant to convey Rundgren's angst at being forced to write the hooky pop songs that he seemed to make so effortlessly; I don't know.

What I do know is that, despite the ease with which these tunes go down, Rundgren's keen intelligence is still in evidence, both in terms of keeping the pop songs from meandering into formula and in terms of lending an occasional sardonic edge to the lyrics. After The Ballad of Todd Rundgren, Rundgren spent much of the rest of the 1970s making music that was more technically and instrumentally ambitious. Yet I think the songs on this album are so good that their relative simplicity is a non-issue.

If you like smart 1970s pop, you really should try to get a copy of this Excellent album, especially if you've already heard and liked the follow-up Something/Anything!

"CHAIN LETTER"

is cheeky and self-aware, the lyrics serving principally to express what part of the song is being sung ("Now I'm in the middle and I just don't know / If I'll make it any further if the words don't flow / When you live in silence any sound is dear / But for those who don't, take heart because the end is near.") and it has an extended finale that reminds me of "Hey Jude." But, frankly, I think Rundgren is a better songwriter than Paul McCartney and I think "Chain Letter" is the better song.

More of Rundgren's twisted sense of humor is displayed on the excellent "Parole," a hard-rocking tune about a philandering parolee caught by his woman ("I know that it might make you happy / To fill my body full of holes / But you know it ain't easy being on / Parole with you baby."). In addition to being humorous, it's one of the few places on this album that Rundgren features his electric guitar.

(ProgReviews.com)

But 1st,

'Before they throw me in the hole. I got to get my dose of Rock and Roll. And it ain't easy being on

'PAROLE'

with you. Baby let go'!

http://www.progreviews.com/reviews/display.php?rev=tr-tbotr

from Todd's Classic cd, (Runt. The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren)

I am only One more, standing at the door, waiting for, the Worlds

'INITIATION'

to Todd Rundgren's music.

Ringo Starr stated it Best when he was quoted as saying 'Todd Rundgren' is Years and years ahead of Everyone else implementing 'New Music Technologies'.

Long before these guitar 'Tapping' guitar players came on the scene playing all their 'SAME' Sounding guitar solos, such as Eddie Van Halen. There was

'THE DEATH OF ROCK AND ROLL'

by the 'REAL' Guitar Master, you know who, by NOW!

Sorry, Eddie, Guitar Tapping was 1st performed by 'Harvey Mandel' in the early 1970's anyway.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. RUNDGREN.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Rundgren

Birth name Todd Harry Rundgren
Born June 22, 1948 (1948-06-22) (age 59)
Origin Upper Darby, PA, USA
Genre(s) Rock, Pop
Occupation(s) Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer, Video Director and Engineer, Computer Programmer
Years active 1967 – present

Associated
acts Utopia, The New Cars, Meat Loaf,Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band

Website http://www.tr-i.com/

Hi Barney,

Thanks for the E-mail. Actually it got me thinking as to what my personal Todd favorite guitar solo may be as well.

One of my all time personal Fave Todd guitar solos, especially seeing him perform it Live is also from the Todd 'Todd' cd. Another quite Exquisite one, as you say.

'THE LAST RIDE'

Bub

You’re not a Todd Rundgren fan by any chance, Bubb? I’ll add my absolute fave Rundgren Guitar solo to the list:

“I Think You Know”

from Todd. Quite exquisite.

Barney
http://mog.com/Barney_Hoskyns

From the Website article: http://www.seaoftranquility.org/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=113

“The Ikon” is Progressive Rock at its finest, bringing to the table the fusion muscle of bands such as the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Return to Forever, as well as prog legends such as Yes, ELP, Camel, and Focus.

Here, the three keyboard format works to its fullest, as Klingman, Labat, and Schuckett add in layer after layer of varied keyboard sounds using Moog, Fender Rhodes, and organ, creating a huge wall of sound over which Rundgren’s vocals can soar.

The song takes many paths, changing tempos and moods often, at times broken up by a searing, effects laden guitar solo from Rundgren, a wild Moog passage from Labat, intricate rhythms from Siegler and Ellfman, or an atmospheric section made tranquil by multiple keyboard sounds.

Rundgren’s Guitar work is Raw and Powerful, and paired with the huge wall of keyboards and the muscular drum work of Ellman, provides for perhaps one of the musician’s classic moments.

So do yourself a favor and : 'LISTEN TO

'THE IKON'

Bubb

The album 'Todd' is by far my fave...

time stops, a light goes on
a thundering head and no body
washed up and woke up on the beach
seaside breakfast with tender egg on white sand
legs long and tan without a break
even to the neck
suddenly, simultaneously
an eclipse and a snowfall
flakes mest instantly on the shoulder like wet silver
burning holes all the way to the marrow
puckered flesh, like avacado, sags into a green pool
all the birds leave raking turquoise ruts across a velveeta sky
it's time to scream!!

....then Todd delivers a killer guitar solo!!

Hey Cerm....greetings from Tripp Park!!

jvwowls86
Scranton, Pa

Yes, one of the Greatest Live recordings I've ever heard and you'll ever here. Right up there with 'The Allman Brothers' Live recording 'Live At Filmore East'.

It also just so happens to have been recorded from 'The Allman Brothers' home base in Atlanta, GA. at the 'Fox Theatre'. Todd, certainly must have been making a statement here. Yes, from the original lineup of 'Todd Rundgren's Utopia', Here's:

'UTOPIA'

(by all means turn it up Loud)

Bubb

Todd's as interested in sound as he is in song and while he would later pursue these tendencies to extremes, Runt finds him learning how to create an effective sound with the studio, which may be the reason why the album runs the gamut from power pop rockers like

"DEVIL'S BITE"

All the details buried within these songs -- not only in the deceptively direct productions, but within the writing itself -- confirm Rundgren's exceptional skill at songcraft.

Runt, is a thoroughly impressive debut and one of his finest pop records.

~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Reluctant to start a full-fledged solo career after leaving the Nazz, Todd Rundgren formed Runt, a band that was a front for what was in effect a solo project. Such isolationism lends Runt its unique atmosphere -- it is the insular work of a fiercely talented artist finally given the opportunity to pursue his off-kilter musical vision. From the moment the slow, bluesy psychedelic grind of

"BROKE DOWN AND BUSTED" (studio version)

starts the album, it's apparent that Rundgren could never have made Runt with the Nazz -- and that's before the introspective ballads or the willfully strange stuff kicks in. Throughout the record, Rundgren reveals himself as a gifted synthesist, blending all manners of musical styles and quirks into a distinctive signature sound.

Here's one of my Personal Faves from 'NAZZ III'

'SOME PEOPLE'

'Kiddie Boy' sung by Todd with the Michael Bloomfield blues influenced Guitar Leads played to perfection by noneother than Todd Rundgren, of course!

There's so many great songs on the 1st 'NAZZ' cd that it was difficult to decide which ones to post without posting the cd in it's entirety. But this next song won out:

'BACK OF YOUR MIND'

simply because Todd sings some Lead vocals and plays some Clapton Cream style Guitar Leads.

Of course, no Todd Rundgren Retrospective would be complete without listening to Todd with some of his first bands. I don't have any Woody's Truckstop but I do have the:

'THE NAZZ'

and that is a Good Thing, of course! Here's their Classic

'OPEN MY EYES'

(from their 1st cd 'Nazz')

'Wait Another Year, UTOPIA is here and there's always 'more'.

'INTERNATIONAL FEEL'

After listening to 'Shit Hits The Fan'/Sunset Blvd' you'll understand why the cd its from is called 'A Wizard A True Star'

Not only is this cd in my top 10 Best Cd's of all time. It's included in coutnless others. Including 'The Guardian' in London.

They don't call Todd R. 'A Wizard A True Star' for nothin.

PS. 'And theres Always more....'INTERNATIONAL FEEL'!

The Psychedelic Furs

'Forever Now'

About this CD

Likely exercising the same controlling approach that he was notorious for, from his work with every act from the New York Dolls to XTC, Todd Rundgren brought in legendary backup vocal duo Flo and Eddie as well as a cellist, two horn players (including NRBQ member Donn Adams), and himself on keyboards. The end result is simply fantastic, fusing the post-punk charge of the first two albums (Ely still sounds great as always, from the first song on, while Tim Butler acquits himself well on bass) with a new synth-based approach that works wonders. Ashton's guitar often settles back in the mix a bit to allow Rundgren's wall of sound to come together fully, often with great success!

The title track is a great example of this, an inspirational anthem where Ashton fully and appropriately lets go right at the end. The most well-known song is one that, for the Furs, was their most atypical single to date: "Love My Way." Butler's very Bowie-like vocals and lyrics slyly celebrate and ponder the triumphant synth-rock scene of the time, while Rundgren's often quirky keyboards take the lead in place of Ashton's guitar and Flo and Eddie wordlessly vocalize at the end. "Goodbye" has a brisk, horn-driven punch underscoring Butler's wickedly sour au revoir to a past love; "Sleep Comes Down" mixes Tim Butler's lovely bassline and Rundgren's piano; "President Gas" wryly takes a shot at Reagan while avoiding obvious platitudes; and "Yes I Do" ends on an almost sweetly romantic note, even as the cello/drum-driven arrangement surges along.

Ned Raggett, All Music Guide

RUN AND RUN also from 'Forever Now' by the Psychedelic Furs!

Another Production gem from Todd Rundgren. 'Forever Now' by the 'Psychedelic Furs'. Starting with their Classic song:

'DANGER'

also featured in my NFL Sports Blog at

http://bobcerm.blogdrive.com

Rundgren gets 'Politically Correct' on this song about Corrupt politicians. And you guesed it. He's Correct!

Listen to the Amazing guitar near the end & Prairie Prince, (The Tubes drummer's) incomparable sounding Drums.

Here's Rundgren's classic cover of the Classic Song 'HAPPENINGS TEN YEARS TIME AGO' by the Yardbirds featuring 'Jeff Beck'.

Hall & Oates amazing cover of the ‘New Radical’s song “Someday We’ll Know”) w Todd sharing Lead Vocals.

See if you can figure out who's singing at any given time Todd Or Daryl Hall? Have fun trying to figure it out! If these guys Hall & Rundgren aren't 2 of the Best vocalists of all time I don't know who is?

And the Guitar Leads just have to be by Todd. They're just too good not to be. And as always TURN IT UP!

(Best cover song I’ve heard recently since Guns & Roses cover of ‘Live And Let Die’)

After listening to this NEW CARS song with Todd, I guarantee you'll want

'MORE'!

And you can forget about Ric Ocasek!

EXCELLENT!

Todd as the new lead singer of The New Cars from their recent cd 'It's Alive"!

With all due respect to John Oates, I just had to post his best song on 'War Babies' too!

'CAN T STOP THE MUSIC'

Good job here, Oates! Great song!

Daryl Hall's Quote in the liner notes from their cd ' THE ATLANTIC COLLECTION ' says that he Loved Todd's guitar playing in this song!

Glad you could Join The Club! Daryl. I couldn't agree more!

Kudos to you on your Lyrics in this song as well, Daryl Hall.

No journey through Rundgren land could be complete without hearing some of Todd's Amazing Productions.

Starting with HALL & OATES 'WAR BABIES'

Produced, Engineered, Supervised, Lead Guitar, & Background Vocals by Todd Rundgren.

Also listen to future 'Utopia' band members John Wilcox (drums) and (John Siegler) bass on these 'Lost Classic' Hall & Oates tracks as well!

Enjoy

'You've got to come with me, you're in the 'Secret Society' (Utopia w Todd Rundgren)

I See That We Do Not Have A Just Pick The Winner NFL League This Year Yet! And I Generally Don't Like Picking Against the Spread!

If You're With Me On This, I'd Love To Have You Join My FREE YAHOO NFL PICKEM League!

Yahoo Group ID#: 61497
Group Password: justwinbaby

Thanks
Bob

The 'NATIONAL ANTHEM' Of 'UTOPIA'

A Previously Unreased Track. Live At Carnegie Hall June 8th, 1972. (Listen to Todd's Guitar).........& as always Turn It Up)

'I KNOW WHAT IS 10. I KNOW WHAT IS 1 IN 'STYLE'

'UTOPIA' is here and there's always more!

Of course No trip through Utopia by way of Rundgren land would be complete without stopping at the 'Sidewalk Cafe'. (Via Todd's unique guitar sounds and creative use of Synthesizers)....Enjoy!

Cuz inside everyone is A 'Heavy Metal Kid'

A Preview Of Things To Come, The 1st Utopia Sextet

Features of this Song from http://www.pandora.com

hard rock roots; a political satire lyric; varying tempo and time signatures;
interweaving vocal harmony; demanding instrumental part writing; extensive vamping; mixed acoustic and electric instrumentation; a clear focus on recording studio production; heavy syncopation; minor key tonality; electric guitar riffs; an electric guitar solo; a distinctive male lead vocal; classic rhodes sound; prominent drums; vocal harmonies; heavy instrumental improvisation; intricate arranging

Song Attributes:

Great Lead Vocals by Todd, Great Guitar Work by Todd & An Incredible Sax Solo by Brother Gene Dinwiddie (Again, Turn It Up)

The Kid Gets 'HEAVY'

Recommendation/s: (Turn it Way Up & Listen to the Guitar Solos)

The Music of Todd Rundgren!

A Subliminal Trip Through Utopia