Saturday, December 21, 2013

Podcast Twelve: 2013 - Xmas Podcast


Here it is, a podcast with more ho's than an average rap song. Sit back for this surpringly short festive review where we set our sights on:

Gary Barlow - Since I last saw You

Robbie Williams - Swings both Ways

Mary J Blige - A Mary Christmas

Kelly Clarkson - Wraped in Red

Jewel - Let it Snow - A Holiday Collection

Erasure - Snow Globe


Check out this episode!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Top 10 Gigs of 2013


Made it to less than 20 gigs this year, which seems like a poor showing. Despite that the ones I did get to were mostly very good.

1. Rick Springfield @ Shepherds Bush Empire. 4 June 2013: First time in the UK for over 30 years and whilst the set was far too short, considering that was the case, this was my most enjoyable and happy concert experience of the year and the one at which I sang virtually every line. Hope you come back again Rick, but if not, pleased finally got to see you live.
2. John Grant @ Shepherds Bush Empire. 15 May 2013: Released one of the records of the year and didn't disappoint live. Great songs, great voice and a great sense of humour.
3. Aimee Mann @Union Chapel. 17 November 2013. Essentially an intimate acoustic set. Relaxed, funny, and a set packed full of quality songs.
4. Loudon Wainwright III @ Royal Festival Hall. 3 May 2013: A set about looking back and looking forward. A mix of readings from the works of his father and new and old songs. Also the added bonus of daughter Lucy Wainwright Roche.
5. Kacey Musgraves @Shepherds Bush Empire. 13 October 2013: Country music's rising start of 2013 was a match for any hype. Great artist.
6. Todd Rundgren @Shepherds Bush Empire. 15 June 2013: In some ways this was the gig of the year, after all I did get to meet Todd before the gig and have a ten minute conversation with him. The gig itself was also surprisingly good considering the format (dance).
7. Richard Thompson @Shepherds Bush Empire. 25 February 2013: One of the finest and most original guitarist to ever come out of the UK. Also my favourite Sunni Muslim performer. Touring on the back on a very good 'Electric' album it was a lesson in reminding me just what a wonderful songwriter he is.
8. Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire @ The Islington. 4 September 2013: A talented singer songwriter. This marked the launch of their album – which should have sold more in my opinion. It you like you rock thoughtful but will good tunes, then this is a band for you. Great live too.
9. Summer Camp @ Heaven. 27 November 2013: Cementing the fact that the key to a really good dance record is actually to have good SONGS not just beats. Thankfully this translated to the live environment perfectly and their rolling montage of dance scenes from old movies added to the enjoyment.
10=Aimee Mann @ Royal Festival Hall. 28 January 2013: Just one of my favourite performers. This was a great gig.
10=The Leisure Society @ Shepherds Bush Empire. 5 December 2013: A very British band, but one whose songs are packed with verve and quality.

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Year End reviews start to roll in ...



As I start to put some thought to my albums of the year,  it is interesting to see where the music press are going with their opinions so far. Bowie and the Arctic Monkey's certainly making more of an impression with the British based publications and Kayne more with the US based ones. Also fun to note that Rolling Stone seem to be the only publication NOT hugely disappointed with the Arcade Fire album. And, of course, Paste have to be too cool for school with their choices.
 
My list is still a couple of weeks away, but thought I'd share these anyway just to get you thinking ...

 



1.  Vampire Weekend  - Modern Day Vampires of the City
2. Kanye West - Yeezus
3. Daft Punk – RAM
4. Paul McCartney - New 
5. Arcade Fire – Reflektor

 



1. Kayne – Yeezus
2. Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap
3. Vampire Weekend - Modern Day Vampires of the City
4. Haim – Days Are Gone
5. Disclosure – Settle

 


 
1. Phosphorescent – Muchacho

2. Mikal Cronin – MCII

3. Foxygen – We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic

4. Janelle Monae – The Electric Lady

5. Deerhunter – Monomania



UNCUT

1. My Bloody Valentine – MBV
2.
David Bowie – The Next Day
3. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Push The Sky Away
4.
John Grant – Pale Green Ghosts
5.
Laura Marling – Once I was an Eagle

 
Q

1. Arctic Monkeys – AM
2.
Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City
3.
David Bowie – The Next Day
4.
Daft Punk – RAM
5.
Jon Hopkins - Immunity




1. Billy Callahan – Dream River

2. Daft Punk – RAM

3. David Bowie – Next day

4. Arctic Monkeys – AM

5. John Grant – Pale Green Ghosts

Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Spirit of Harmony Foundation


Foundation website Facebook page Todd sets out to help bring music to Schools. Alway support people who do this. Big fan of Music for Youth and Youth Music in the UK

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Podcast Eleven: 2013


Remember, remember the podcast from November. Yes, more rambling and waffling from your friends at CTTB Music. This month: -

Arcarde Fire - Reflector

Lady GaGa - Artpop

Lorde - Pure Heroine

Brandy Clark - 12 Stories

Midlake - Antiphon

Motorhead - Aftershock


Check out this episode!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Hooters saw the light ...


THE POCKET: ESSENTIAL SONGS OF PHILADELPHIA. Follow project creator, David Uosikkinen of The Hooters’ as he records the seventh song in his singles series. “I Saw The Light” was originally written and recorded by Philadelphian, Todd Rundgren.

Friday, November 08, 2013

I Hate Stripes


I think 2013 has been a pretty good year for quality country music, especially as produced by talented women. Great albums from Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe and by Brandy Clark.

Friday, November 01, 2013

NME gives us the 500 'best' albums ever



I KNOW all best of/greatest lists are link bait, and they are meant to be a bit divisive but shall we take a look at NME's latest top 500 albums of all time. Let's start with the top 20 …


20. Radiohead – OK Computer
19. Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
18. My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
17. Public Enemy – It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
16. Joy Division – Closer
15. PJ Harvey – Let England Shake
14. David Bowie – Low
13. Arcade Fire – Funeral
12. Patti Smith – Horses
11. Nirvana – Nevermind
10. Oasis – Definitely Maybe
09. The Beatles – The Beatles
08. Pixies – Doolittle
07. The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses
06. Pulp – Different Class
05. The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground & Nico
04. The Strokes – Is This It
03. David Bowie – Hunky Dory
02. The Beatles – Revolver
01. The Smiths – The Queen Is Dead

I'm sorry but in which parallel universe is the Strokes - Is This It the 4th best album ever made? Seriously?. And, as much as I love Polly, Let England Shake in the top 20? (Dry at 151, Ride of Me at 450 both better albums IMO)

As far as I can see Todd gets two mentions at 189 for AWATS and 268 for Todd (no S/A?). Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is 132. What I suppose is interesting is that 10 years ago St pepper was a guaranteed top 10 album (87) in any list – often the 'winner' – and just five years ago Radiohead would have been top dog and probably would have had more than one album in the top 10/5.

How many of this top 20 would be in my list if I could be focussed enough to do one? Between 1-4 depending on my mood.





Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Latest Podcast


You shall have a fishy on a little dishy... Hello again music lovers. What a treat we have for you this month. Get ready for our reviews of:

Dan Le Sac v Scoobios Pip - Repent, Replenish, Repeat
Haim - Days are Gone
Sting - The Last Ship
Lissie - Back to Forever
Pearl Jam - Lightening Bolt
Sleigh Bells - Bitter Rivals

Monday, October 21, 2013

Kacey Musgraves @ Shepherds Bush Empire, London 13/10/13




 I have always had a bit of a soft spot, both for country music and for female singer-songwriters so an opportunity to catch one of Country music's up and coming stars could not be passed up. Kacey Musgraves arrived on our shores in support of her 4th album (first on a major label) Same Trailer Different Park. An album I fell in love with immediately on its release and as we approach the year's end it still remains one of the best records released this year in my view.

The evenings set-list was a mix of tracks from this album and a selection of interesting covers which highlight her own varied tastes in music, so we got covers of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' I Put a Spell on You, Bob Marley's Three Little Birds, Weezer's Islands in the Sun and The Cardigans' Love Fool It was a great night and held together by strong song writing and Musgraves' undoubted charm. A very enjoyable gig.

 Set List The Trailer Song Stupid Silver Lining Island In The Sun I Miss You Blowin' Smoke Keep It To Yourself I Put A Spell On You Mama's Broken Heart High Time Back on the Map It Is What It Is Step Off Three Little Birds Merry Go 'Round My House . Encore: Rainbow Lovefool Follow Your Arrow

Monday, October 07, 2013

A Legend?


Siobhán Murphy of Ireland's Metro Herald made an interesting comment a month ago when reviewing the fourth studio album from John Legend, which she described as being mostly pedestrian contemporary r'n'b. She noted "one gets the distinct impression John Legend would rather be making records that sound like mid-1970s Stevie Wonder or Todd Rundgren."

Friday, October 04, 2013

Evarose @Barfly

Went to see Evarose last night at The Barfly. This is their first headline tour and the second time I have seen the band.

They have had a bit of shit week as someone walked off with all the money they'd made from the tour thus far in Birmingham on Weds night, but they didn't let that hold them back last night.



Musically they owe a lot to the likes of Paramore and Funeral for a Friend, but that is not necessarily  a bad thing, although I am hoping that as they further develop that they will develop a sound that is more 'their own'.  As it is, they have a handful of quality tunes which certainly make me hopeful for their future: Vice, We can Pretend Anyway, Best Left Alone.

The audience too was a nice mix of mother and fathers with their young daughters, cool student types, and the more mature [OLD] muso types like myself.

What I do like is  their energy. Lead singer Dannika is a natural performer, and I have to admit I am a little bit in love with Connie the bassist ... Now, if only I was 20 years younger. Big smile and sings along to evrey word of the set.



Support for this gig was provided by Attention Thieves  and Glass City Vice , both of whom gave me additional positive thoughts about the state of the current UK rock/alt rock scene. 

Wednesday, October 02, 2013

'Breaking Bad' Swan Song: Producer Todd Rundgren Looks Back at 'Baby Blue'

Hollywood Reporter talk to TR about the use of the Badfinger song at end of Breaking Bad. 

Having only just watched the first three episodes of Season one of BB, I'm a long way from this moment. 

Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Latest CTTB Music Podcast


As Autumn kicks in, why not hold onto summer with these six new releases:

Arctic Monkeys - AM
The 1975 - 1975
Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire - Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire
Rizzle Kicks - Roaring 20s
Summer Camp - Summer camp
Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks
 

Friday, September 27, 2013

Remixer Todd at it again


Now he has started, it seem you can't stop him - here is Todd doing a re-mix of Aussie Andy Bull's ‘Baby I Am Nobody Now’. Here is the original

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

A Todd Documentary


TODD is a 4 hour documentary edited, produced & directed by musician and artist JSK (aka Jason Stuart Kamasz) chronicling the life of Todd Rundgren. The film is an entirely home-made project and is a non-profit work. The film is narrated by Todd himself having utilized audio from interviews spanning 40 years. Parts 2, 3 & 4 will be made available in weekly uploads. Part 2 September 17th Part 3 September 24th Part 4 October 1st

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Roddy Hart


I'm going to see this guy live tomorrow. He has just released his 4th album (the first under full band: Roddy Hart and The Lonesome Fire, banner). Any man who managed to get both Kris Kristofferson and Eddi Reader to appear on his DEBUT album back in 2006 deserves respect in my book.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Here is our latest podcast. Reviews of: The Civil Wars - The Civil Wars Five Finger Death Punch - The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteious Side of Hell, Volume 1 Backstreet Boys - In a World Like This Gogol Bordello - Pura Vida Conspiracy Speedy Ortiz - Major Arcana AlunaGeorge - Body Music

Friday, August 23, 2013

New podcast - coming soon


Those who enjoyed the last podcast on here, will be pleased? to know that a new one will be posted here on Sunday. Up for discussion this month are new albums from: The Civil Wars, The Back Street Boys, Speedy Ortiz, Gogol Bordello, AlunaGeorge, and Five Finger Death Punch. Yes, that's Groove metal, UK dance, Indie, Boy band, Gypsy Punk, and Country/Folk all covered. We aim to be inclusive if nothing else.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Kasim and Utopia


Nice short interview with Kasim in Niagara Gazette Apparently Utopia were featured prominently on the cover of a recent issue of “Goldmine” magazine, and it included interviews with all the band members. It was one of the few times in recent years Todd has talked extensively about his former band. Which brought this classic quote from Kaz in the NG “I was pleasantly surprised at how generously he spoke about our history."

Sunday, August 18, 2013

New Song - Let Me Dance You


So I have a new song done. You can listen and download https://soundcloud.com/the-vineland/let-me-dance-you-1 or just watch the video!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Podcast


A friend and I do a music review podcast for fun. This is the latest one wg=here we talk about the following new albums Queens of the Stone Age ...Like Clockwork Black Sabbath - 13 Transplants - In a Warzone KT Tunstall - Invisible Empire/Cresent Moon Camera Obscura - Desire Lines Disclosure - Settle Pet Shop Boys - Electric The one where reviewed Todd's State album is http://cttbmusic.libsyn.com/podcast-five-2013 You can subscribe in iTunes too so that you never miss a podcast https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/cttb-music-podcast/id611136001?mt=2

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Todd talks to Mark Powell of Esoteric Antenna (his latest label)

Hour long interview with Todd talking about his latest album, his past, and what's next. Love his view that Major labels just do 'custodian work' now … and still love hearing him say 'music is a service, not a product'

Monday, June 17, 2013

Todd Rundgren @Shepherds Bush Empire 15th June 2013

The chance to see Todd live is always one I try not to miss, if for no other reason than, these days no one tour is like another. So since Todd started coming back to the UK more regularly we have had Todd with Ethyl, Todd doing Lounge greatest hits, Todd doing AWATS, Todd doing Arena (rock god Todd) and Todd doing Liars. No one tour has been like another, and I think it is fair to say the Official State tour keeps that trend going.

The closest you could get to this version of Todd would have been the No World Order tour (and indeed a couple of tracks from that make it into the set).

This gig was also going to be different from my usual experiences of Todd gigs because this time around I was going to meet the man himself. I had entered a competition run by 02 on their Facebook page, and found out on Thursday night that I was a winner and would be getting a few minutes with Todd.

So at 7pm me and another guy met a member of Todd's UK promotions team who took us into the venue and to a small room at the top and a few moments later, Todd appeared. For the next 15 or so minutes we just chatted about Facebook, social media, digital downloads/streaming and a few other things. Todd was relaxed and funny. He was kind enough to sign a couple of CD covers for me too (I even got him to sign TPOH - Love Junk (with both of us agreeing it should have been a bigger album and they a bigger band) I also spoke to him about Jill Sobule, whom he also still has fond memories of.

I am always a bit wary of meeting any kind of musical hero, but my meeting with Todd was a delight. But, the main question of course is was the actual gig and DJ Odd a winner or not? Actually, yes.

Dance todd was an upbeat and fun musical experience. He sang, he danced, the lights flashed like you were at a nightclub rave. It was great. The Tracks from the new album, blended with a few from reProduction and a few choice others came across well. His voice too was spot on with Secret Society and Truth being a vocal highlights, but surprisingly two of the best moments overall were the two tracks from No World Order (the title track and World Wide Epiphany) which were spectacularly good.

I'm already looking forward to what musical approach will bring him back to our shores next, whatever it is, I'm sure it'll fun.

SET LIST (think this was the correct order)

Imagination [State]
Truth [Liars]
Smoke [State]
Collide-A-Scope [State]
Secret Society [Utopia- POV]
Angry Bird [State]
Future [Liars]
Serious [State]
Ping Me [State]
Prime Time (The Tubes cover) [reProduction]
No World Order [No World Order]
Nothing to Lose (Hunter cover) [reProduction]
Party Liquor [State]
Personality Crisis (New York Dolls cover) [reProduction]
Worldwide Epiphany [No World Order]
Sir Reality [State]

Encore: Can We Still Be Friends / I Saw the Light / Hello It's Me (Dance versions)

Some people's recording some of the tracks:

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Official State Tour: Scotland

As Todd starts the UK leg of his Official State Tour, we have a couple of 3 Star reviews for his Scottish dates:

Rob Adams of The Herald said (of Edinburgh Picture House gig)  " while it and the rather metallic sound quality of digital equipment made one hanker for five minutes of Rundgren singing at a grand piano, there was something almost mesmerising about what was billed grandly if humorously as the Official State Visit." Whilst concluding " good on him for moving with the times, even if technology can't always keep up with him."

David Sinclair in The Times said (of Glasgow ABC gig) " To have so much of the performance pre-recorded was somewhat disconcerting. Isn't that what Steps do?" … before adding " the format came up trumps was in throwing the spotlight on Rundgren's remarkably supple voice and cleverly engaging lyrics" he too concludes with praise for trying something new and moving with the times, saying you to " admire Rundgren for pushing forward and discarding the old way of doing things. Anyone hoping for a retro or vintage dimension to this show is likely to be disappointed."


The Scotsman's Fiona Shepard was also at the Glasgow gig but went for 4 stars. She opines "In A long and varied career … Rundgren has been ahead of the curve technologically and out of fashion musically", and concludes "Ultimately, this mixed bag came together to create a fascinating middle-aged rave."

Friday, June 07, 2013

Rick Springfield @ Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 4th June 2013

Rick Springfield has never been that big in the UK and Europe, which probably explains why it had taken him 28 years to return to UK shores for this gig. The last time he was in town it was in support of TAO, which coincidentally was an album that did well in Europe. I've always loved good pop/rock, so have been a fan of springfield since I bought the Living in Oz album back in 1983. I have wanted to see him live ever since, so I was not going to pass up on this long overdue opportunity. Would Rick be worth the wait? Would it all be a bit of a let down?

Well before he took to the stage we had a young British band from Brighton to get us in the mood – Rubylux. Already with one album under their belts, which did better with critics than the record buying public, it was immediately apparent that this is a band who know how to blend 80s pop song writing sensibilities with that 90s indie rock attitude. Having subsequently listened to the band on record I think the band are currently loosing something on record, as live the band are an impressive rock outfit. On record the rough edges are a little too smoothed off for my liking, but they're a band I will certainly pay to see live again.

And so the time had come. Lights down, and we launch into new album opening track 'Wide Awake' (with its thrash metal drumming and typical Springfield catchy chorus). I know immediately the only disappointment is going to be him not playing some things I would ideally want to hear, although when the band then go into 'Living in Oz' a couple of songs later I think even this might be wrong.  I've done Everything for You, Affair of the Heart, Don't Talk to Strangers, Celebrate Youth, Human Touch (during which RS went wandering through the crowd to get that 'human touch'), I Hate Myself, This Ship is Sinking, Rock of Life, Love is Alright Tonight,  a medley of Bop Till You Drop / Calling All Girls / Don't Walk Away / State Of The Heart / What Kind Of Fool Am I, a nod to his time as a child in England with a cover of Cream's cover of Robert Johnson's Crossroads, and of course Jessie's Girl.

There was just time for an encore of the Beatle's All my Loving and  I'll make you Happy and then that was it.

I had sang virtually every word, and loved every minute … although at 80 minutes including encore, still felt a little short changed after 28 years – it's not as if he doesn't have the material … But that gripe aside, I left the gig a happy man.

And here is proof the man can STILL write catchy pop/rock

Friday, May 31, 2013

So Far Away




Another interesting use of Todd samples (A Dream Goes on Forever and Elpees Worth of Tunes) in this song by a young british girl being tipped for big things

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

State of the Reviews - 5

Kevin Wierzbicki at Anti-Music in a four star reviews says " longtime fans and critics will debate whether State lives up to whichever Rundgren album happens to be their favorite but really that's a silly attitude to take"

Rock Guitar Daily with Tony Conley (Blog) – who perhaps has a limited experience of electronica - says "Rundgren has emptied the fridge - he's left no ingredient in storage, and he has put them together with a deftness and beauty that has been missing from the concept of soulful electronic music since Don Was put his flagship Was (Not Was) into dry dock some years ago. From beginning to end, State delivers on the promise."

Meanwhile Elmore Magazine talk to Todd and Daryl Hall about what they're listening too, first record bought etc  " TR: I’ll tell you what’s on my Rhapsody. This Heat, Bon Iver, Skrillex, and Oskar Sala—I just discovered him, one of the original electronic musicians"

And finally the latest issue of Uncut Magazine (Not available online without a sub) has an interview with Todd http://www.uncut.co.uk/magazine/june-2013

Friday, April 26, 2013

State of Reviews - 4

Howard Whitman at Technology Tell manages to sum the album up quite well:

"State may be jarring at first to longtime Rundgren fans. The electronic tracks may seem a drastic change from his more organic sounds of yesteryear. But stick with it. Over time and repeated playings, the substance of the material sinks in and the style becomes familar—and the strength of this work comes through like the gem it is."

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Liane Carroll - Pretending to Care

Liane Carroll a jobing jazz singer from Hasting in the UK, has released an album called Ballads. The Ronnie Scott regular inlcudes on the album a version of Todd Rundgren's classic Pretending to Care

Monday, April 15, 2013

My State


The latest offering from Todd is described in the press release as "a contemporary fusion of rock, soul and electronica that is at once danceable, ground-breaking, spiritual, challenging and infectious." Now I love Todd as much as the next man (actually I have just seen the next man, and I love him way more than that) but 'ground-breaking' ?? In the past, certainly, but there is nothing ground-breaking on State. State, despite its eclecticism and Todd's desire to recapture that experimental sounds feel of his 70s work, whilst channelling modern influences from  contemporary music, is still very much Todd, and several of the tracks on State would have sat happily on past releases. In fact, part of my is slightly disappointed that this is not more of a dance dj type record – and more of a true experimentation in the way New World Order was. That remains Todd's true dance record.  But what of it. Let's do a track by track.

1. IMAGINATION

This starts off with us very much back in the time of Healing, and then just as you feel drawn in by the sweet synth sound, WACK, suddenly you're hit with Black Sabbath –''Black Sabbath' guitars. Meanwhile, vocally the styling is that used on Arena (Bardo esp). It does kind of work though. At 8 minutes he can't be accused of trying to hook you in quickly [track one, side one, after all is meant to be the hit single!] but this would slide into an Arena set quite happily and I quite like it.

2. SERIOUS

The weird thing about this and it's not just one this track, but I think there is a fine line between the contemporary sound and sounding a bit 80s. I found myself thinking of Peter Gabriel's album 'So' during this track, or even Duran Duran during the Nile Rogers production phase. Also some of the vox seem a nod to Hot Chip. That all said, there is no denying that it is a catchy little pop ditty, and the one track that shouts 'hit' on the record.

3. IN MY MOUTH

This does have a nice dance beat running through it. A solid todd soul ballad.

4. PING ME

Musically one of the more interesting cuts on the record. I love everything except the chorus in fact – or at least the lyrics.

5. ANGRY BIRD

The novelty song. Silly.

6. SMOKE

I am worried that the start of this track just reminds me of the song Turbo Lover of Judas priest's Turbo album …however it then morphs into a nice kicking dance beat, and develops into one of the stand out tracks on the album. One of the few times the attempt to merge old todd with contemporary sounds works.

7. COLLIDE-A-SCOPE

Here again, the old and new merging works well, in a track which might have been my favourite track were it not for the fact that it suffers from being 2 minutes too long.

8. SOMETHING FROM NOTHING

This is just a lovely song. It could have found a place on Liars or Nearly Human easily. Hints of  'If I have to be Alone' fade into a classic todd ballad, and the presence of Rachel Haden just works a treat. The albums stand out track.

9. PARTY LIQUOR

This is both dreadful and annoyingly fun. Foot tappingly stupid. I am smiling as I write this.

10. SIR REALITY

The more and more I listen to album, the more this becomes my favourite track on it. Epic end to the record.


So..., my overall opinion? His weakest album for some time, but not without moments that remind you just why you  like the guy. Not an album that is likely to get many re-spins in 5-10 years time. Merely a good Todd album.

Friday, April 12, 2013

State of the Reviews - 3


Zachary Houle for Pop Matters  finds 'State' wanting:

"Unfortunately, State is an album that is cautionary only in how it shows that Todd Rundgren’s ego still sometimes gets the best of him, and is rather lacklustre and surprisingly dated, for all of the intent behind it to make it an up-to-the-moment sounding record …Thus, Rundgren is basically up to his old tricks in self-indulgence and, not only that, is profoundly repeating himself with State, despite some good intentions."

Back with British Newspapers, The Sun gives it 3.5 stars (out of 5) and says:
"Pop's mad inventor sits hidden away in his home studio recording his own way and sod what everyone else thinks. Indeed, Todd sounds like he doesn't even care if people buy it. But State is worth shelling out for, even though it's one of his most eccentric albums."

Meanwhile:

 

Monday, April 08, 2013

State of the Reviews - 2

Sunday Times
"A distillation of the Runt's multigenre musical journey, State is a persuasive addition to his canon. Prog bombast, heavy riffage and swirling synths wage sonic war, yet Rundgren's flower-pop and soft-rock leanings cannot be ignored, any more than can his enduringly honey-sweet vocals. This makes for a fascinating hybrid, nowhere more so than on In My Mouth, Ping Me and, above all, the confessional Smoke, where EDM synths meet a melody that is pure 1972. Sir Reality and Something from Nothing are equally absorbing. Not bad for a 24th solo album."

Scottish Sunday Express - Martin Townsend
"Rundgren is undoubtedly a genius: one of the great American songwriters of the past 40 years. Yet the same Todd who composed ... I Saw The Light a...also gave us the awful Born To Synthesise. State ...flirts with both extremes"

See Also:
Rock Cellar Interview with Todd covering State, The Beatles and Patti Smith.
Scotland on Sunday - Rough Guide to Oddities

Friday, April 05, 2013

Rundgren Researched Skrillex


Billboard has a short piece on State "Todd Rundgren Researched Skrillex, Frank Ocean For New Album" http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1555290/todd-rundgren-researched-skrillex-frank-ocean-for-new-album

Andy Gill gives State the first UK paper review I've seen – a 3 star review in the i (i-Independent) today -  calling it's music range 'playlist-unfriendly' http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/album-review-todd-rundgren-state-esoteric-antenna-8560492.html

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Step by step, by step

Music radar has a track by track break down of the new Todd album by the man himself. Only 4-5 days until release. 

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

State of the Reviews - 1

With a week to go before the new Todd album hits the stores (digital and otherwise) Here are a couple of reviews:

Something Else
http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/03/27/todd-rundgren-state-2013/  "
As with the best of his music, State — Bon Iver meets the Nazz? Or maybe Nine Inch Nails meets the Buggles? — is neither fish nor fowl, at once diverse and of a piece."

[This also includes link to the amazon site with 20 sec clips of the tracks]

" maintains his reputation for eclecticism as it serves up a heady blend of rock,soul and electronica"

Friday, March 29, 2013

Another Todd interview

Pollstar has a good interview with Todd on State and other things musically.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

the countdown is on ...

So there is only just over a month to go before the new Todd studio album comes out (or 'drops' as I believe the kids like to say these days). As always with a new Toddd album I am looking forward to it, and at the same time wondering if he can pull another great record out of the bag, as following his last 2 (proper) studio albums Liars and Arena is not an easy task.

The new album merges rock with electronica by all accounts, and some of the tracks have surfaced online, but I have resisted the temptation to seek them out and instead will wait for the official release.

Even better news is that Todd will return to British shores again to promote the album, and I already have my tickets booked for that in June (in a week where i shall also get to see Rick Springfield live for the first time - his fist uk dates in over 25 years)

Let there be Todd ...