Todd Rundgren - Something/Anything?

[Ingo]

I just received a nice stack of vinyl from a fellow head-fier and this album was in the mix. Not having any idea who Todd Rundgren was, I didn't play it right away but since the vinyl was in really good shape I threw the first disc of 'Something/Anything?' on last night.

Right away I recognized the first two songs ("I Saw The Light" and "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference") on disc 1. I have heard both of them several times on our local classic rock station. Those two familiar songs being the first on the album really set me at ease so I could kick back and enjoy the rest. There's a really wide variety of style on this double-LP. It goes from easy listening to rockin' a few times yet the transitions are pretty seamless. It's all good stuff, anyhow.

I don't think there was anything truly revolutionary there, but the fact that it was incredibly enjoyable was a nice surprise.

 

[analog'd]

ahhh...todd!

try "the hermit of mink hollow" next...

also, do a search and read about him a little. very talented and interesting writer/producer/musician.

 

[steviebee]

Next get.....A Wizard, A True Star - a

great

Todd album.

 

[Audiofiler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ingo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just received a nice stack of vinyl from a fellow head-fier and this album was in the mix. Not having any idea who Todd Rundgren was, I didn't play it right away but since the vinyl was in really good shape I threw the first disc of 'Something/Anything?' on last night. Right away I recognized the first two songs ("I Saw The Light" and "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference") on disc 1. I have heard both of them several times on our local classic rock station. Those two familiar songs being the first on the album really set me at ease so I could kick back and enjoy the rest. There's a really wide variety of style on this double-LP. It goes from easy listening to rockin' a few times yet the transitions are pretty seamless. It's all good stuff, anyhow. I don't think there was anything truly revolutionary there, but the fact that it was incredibly enjoyable was a nice surprise.

haha good for you, enjoy.. Something Anything is on my top ten and was listed on my top ten albums one must hear on the RS-1 ( I made that list 13 + years ago, and this album still has it), very enjoyable, Rundgren knows how to produce and mix his sound downs, and the results yield this idea nicely on his albums. There is a technically produced track even in this mix where Todd narrates and describes various pitfuls to audio track recording, and analog mastering, is reccommended.
You are invited over any time man, in Ahwatukee

 

[Ingo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofiler /img/forum/go_quote.gif haha good for you, enjoy.. Something Anything is on my top ten and was listed on my top ten albums one must hear on the RS-1 ( I made that list 13 + years ago, and this album still has it), very enjoyable, Rundgren knows how to produce and mix his sound downs, and the results yield this idea nicely on his albums. There is a technically produced track even in this mix where Todd narrates and describes various pitfuls to audio track recording, and analog mastering, is reccommended. You are invited over any time man, in Ahwatukee

Yeah, I was really surprised with the narration stuff. After hearing that I kinda figured there would be a bunch of other audio-nerds(

) here that knew this album.

I really would like to come listen to your stuff out there in Ahwatukee. It would take me some planning because Ahwatukee is not just a hop-skip-jump from my house, but I will definitely try and make it out there soon.

 

[Aman]

Something/Anything? is a wonderful, wonderful album. My favorite from Todd, though, is A Wizard/A True Star (if you do a search, you'll find a thread from me a few months ago explaining why it's my favorite rock album ever made).

Todd Rundgren has been a huge influence on me as a producer - he's definitely a landmark musician, audio engineer, and record executive. He had a very sophisticated understanding of the mainstream, so much so that he would write very personal (and therefore unpopular) music, and when it got to the point that he actually had to make a living, he'd write songs he knew would get played on the radio. "Bang the Drum" is a clear example of this fact - have you ever gone to a sports game where it's NOT played?

For a pop album of its intent, however, the record is rather sophisticated. It isn't until his later experiments with drugs that we saw his true innovative self take form, however. I think it's also very important to mention that this album was ENTIRELY RECORDED BY TODD HIMSELF except for side four. He played every instrument, sang every vocal, and mixed/mastered/recorded the whole shebang. Back in 1973, that had to have been an extremely difficult process.

 

[Spyro]

Huge Todd fan here since the early 70's and have followed everything he has put out since. I agree with the comments above but would also add that his latest "Liars" (which has actually been out a few years) is superb. Some of the best stuff he has put out in a decade or so.

 

[Aman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spyro /img/forum/go_quote.gif his latest "Liars" (which has actually been out a few years) is superb. Some of the best stuff he has put out in a decade or so.

Completely agree! It's excellent.

 

[Ingo]

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for more Todd when I'm at the record store. I was reccomended 'A Wizard, A True Star' by someone on a different forum, as well, so I'll make a point of getting that one.

 

[tjohnusa]

If I remember correctly that album was an attempt to produce something in a Beatles vain. I was a huge fan of Utopia...especially the RA album. It is a little dated now but was great in the 70's with the proper attitude....if you know what I mean! Singring And The Glass Guitar was something to see in concert.

 

[Spyro]

I'll save you some time.

Cream of the crop Todd/Utopia:

"Liars"
"Second Wind"
"Nearly Human"
"Back To The Bars"
"Oops Wrong Planet"

These are my favorites and certainly some of Todd's best work but there are many other terrific releases. Ahhh. the one with "Caravan" on it from about 1982....album name escapes me... ("Road To Utopia"?)another great release, though

 

[Audiofiler]

I like Utopia and Liars too..and since speaking about Rundgren, I dig too, the New York Dolls LP that he helped produce, very hip for its time..and today.
Many believe Todd's interaction with the band projected their star status and help smooth the NY Dolls' glam rock sound, which they are credited in some circles as having provided some the foundation for this genre.

This bands raw shredding nature was best depicted by Subway Train..one of their finest songs produced by and large by Rundgren..

This band is worth checking out if you have time, not for everyone but not off topic of Todd Rundgren either