I have loved this album since I first heard it in High School in the 80s. One reason I connected with it back then was because one of the themes of the album is unrequited love, a very familiar feeling for most everyone in High School - especially 'It Wouldn't Have Made any Difference' a track you spotlight. The drums on 'Breathless' sound to me like a heavily EQ'd early model drum machine, like the type you would find on 70's era home organs made by Lowery or Kimball, or even one of the early standalone beat boxes made by Acetone. An interesting thing about this song is that for many years US rock radio stations used to play this song in the background while they would read a list of upcoming concerts. I feel like I've heard this not very long ago.
I truly enjoy your Rundgren reviews, that you take the time to do so. You are young for this kind of analysis , sometimes you miss it a bit, but the fact you aren't an old guy, it makes it very valuable. Thanks dude :) You have a great ear for music, across the board. Oh, and by the way, Todd is best known for being an early artist on his solo recoordings as the guy who was doing ALL of the vocals. No other folks.
I totally understand and respect your posts and opinions and really enjoy them. I know people have commented on this before, but I hope you will place yourself in the era that this masterpiece of S/A arrived. What a delight to have a double album (rare) in those times when it was difficult to obtain even one single album. Todd not only delivered a double album, but left us poorer folk an incredible experience for years to come. I listen to it often STILL.Don't take this as a critique, I only mean that those of us who experienced this era/album were forever transformed. So sorry this is so long. I
Hey no worries. I'm glad you're willing to share what you think about this. And it seems like a lot of people were really touched by his music. I love it too, but i think people who actually grew up with it while they were young have a much more ingrained impression of it compared to people like me. Totally get that. Cheers from Norway!
Felipe Fernandes Hahah thank you! I got such a good response on my review of his latest album White Knight, so i made a series of TR reviews 😊 Click here to check em out bit.ly/2A0oTmo
Great review. Always nice to see a younger generation member knowing of such an iconic 50 year old album and guess what. There is a new tribute coming out called Someone/Anyone in Feb. Just caught Todd doing Carousel when he tpured Austrailia in 2018 with some other band. It's amazing.
I would recommend listening to the 1974 album "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" & pay particular attention to The Ikon. I think this is one of Todd's best progressive rock albums. As to finding Something Anything too long, double albums were common & only showed how much material the artist had. I wouldn't consider it a negative, rather a positive. Especially since it doesn't have any bad moments & it's full of such diversity. It is best to listen to a double album in two parts if time is a factor. You also failed to note that much of S/A was Todd playing all instruments except for certain songs.
Wayne Wofsey Yeah that is very true. Only the last quarter of the album was done with additional session musicians. Thanks for adding that. I guess the time is the issue for me. But i would put on any of the sides with pleasure. Although i think i like 'The Cerebral side' a bit more than the others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@LieLikesMusic It's also unrecognizable as the same artist that recorded this - part of the greatness of Todd's legacy, but not a "if you like this you'll like this"scenario.
For your edification... The album No World Order, which is the only interactive CD ever made, before the tech was scrapped by Sony/Phillips, is one of the most underrated albums I've ever heard. The "Lite" version is the one I have. It's from the early 90s, and has his first experiments with rap and electronica of that time. The entire project, including everything that went into the interactive version, (which might work on a PC?), involved tremendous creativity and probably inspired a number of other artists. I think you alluded to that other creative work - A Wizard, A True Star, which I think belongs in the Smithsonian. Cheers!
You're young, and weren't there, so let me tell you about the 1970s: it was the golden era of the multi-disc set. People made whole careers out of them, including Donna Summer, The Allman Brothers, Funkadelic, Kiss, Chicago, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Pink Floyd and even The Clash. Rundgren's excess, by today's standards, was part of an accepted release cycle by "serious" and "arty" musicians. Please dont forget, in the 90's, many artists released 70+ CD's, which would be the equivalent of two Vinyl albums back in the day. Peace.
Wow, Lie, 8 out of 10? I love your review and all the anecdotes you told, but that rating seems a bit harsh. S/A? is a monumental recording. BTW, "Little Red Lights" is quite the song for a honking big set of headphones; check it out. We look forward to more of your Todd reviews. Hoping one of them will be a 10/10!
Hahah. Well that's what i felt. I was just too lengthy in my opinion. I know everyone else gave it a 9 or 10, but that doesn't mean i feel the same way. Do you have any idea of what album i could check out next by TR? And i can't guarantee any 10s xD
Lie Likes Music If you like ballads, and want to hear Todd's really early stuff, Ballad of Todd Rundgren is pure genius. If you like the more pop toons, and I think you do, check out Hermit of Mink Hollow. If you want something experimental, then go for A Cappella, which has some weak songs but is technically and sonically fascinating.
barkybarkbarkbark Hmm. A Capella sounds interesting. I'm actually more into experimental music these days 😉 Thanks for recommending them my friend. Also, what do you think about the animation part early in the video?
Lie Likes Music Okay, if you like experimental, then A Cappella is for you. About the animations, they were fun but I actually like to see you speaking because your visage communicates so much of what you are communicating. But that's just me. . . .
"Baby Needs a New Pair of Snakeskin Boots (A Pop Operetta)". "Baby needs...etc. " was once a common figure of speech for when someone went out to earn money. Snakeskin boots refers to expensive and exotic footwear made popular by Keith Richards.
Chazz Quasar Hey thanks for supprting me! It means a lot. I noticed that about Rundgren. It's also impressive that he played almost all the instruments throughout this album (if you look away from side D) 😊 A very giving listening experience, and i'm glad fans of his pushed me further into his discography. Thank you for commenting and watching.
Todd Rundgren is nominated for the 2021 R&R Hall Of Fame for the 3rd year in a row. Let's FINALLY get him in! Search "Rock Hall Fan Vote" and vote with several emails.
Came across Todd during my musical travels, really stuck with me for some reason, now I know why. Thanks for the video. But for some reason I still confuse him with Peter Frampton sometimes
Alex Spadge I've never listened to Peter Frampton tbh. But Todd came into my life when i checked out White Knight on bandcamp. He's got some great hits! And some more experimental and obscure stuff for the eccentric listener. I really dig it!
@@LieLikesMusic he's a very versatile artist indeed, releasing a 20+ track album with consistent energy and quality is probably symptomatic of that. I don't know Peter Frampton that well, that's why I probably can't tell them apart yet. But he's also a psychedelic rocker who got popular in the early 70s, so similar on the surface. Bandcamp rings a bell, sounds familiar but I don't know what it is. Edit: I just googled it and it's a.. Web Radio station? I'm not quite sure, I'm sure there's a twist to it
Alex Spadge Bandcamp is a streaming platform much like spotify, tidan and itunes. The only difference is that they showcase lesser known bands. You also pay the artist directly for the music. Really great platform imo. And yes they definitely sound similar historically in that sense. Thanks for watching my videos btw. Not a lot of people watch these older videos of mine anymore.
@@LieLikesMusic im going through your old videos to see if you talk about any artists I like, just found your channel today through your video about Ween. That streaming service sounds nice, currently I use deezer, I'll check Bandcamp Out
You must believe that I really am not trying to be mean here and I respect your time and effort in helping to expose a new generation to some, often rather obscure, artists. That being said, before attempting to explain a talent such as Todd you have simply got to better understand and educate yourself in order to propose present an icon of Rundgren's caliber. I mean the guy was producing bad finger in place of Paul Mcartney @ Abby road studios, the boundaries he pushed, the envelopes he tore open etcetera etcetera, are literally to numerous to catalog. However I do admire your effort and motivation as well as your commitment please keep up the great work
Yes i do see that i should've talked a bit more about his background. Thanks for letting me know. Hopefully my future videos will be even more entertaining and informative. Many thanks from Norway!
@@thomasmoore1823 I doubt that; he’d be unaffected... While he’s a really humble guy, he’s used to being name-checked as a legend, icon, and genius. Mostly because he IS.
wow. so ahead of his time he says. loves all the songs. does not understand todd sarcasm . this guys is very contradictive. he doesn't care for the length of the album. i thought it wasn't long enough.. todd put out a lot of material during the 70s and i always wanted more...
I once brought this album over to my mom's house and left it there for her to listen to, and she thought it was too sugary. Seems like we've come full circle... it used to be that parents thought the music their kids like was outrageous and degenerate, but now here I am: a grown ass man who was essentially ridiculed by his babyboomer mom for loving music for pussies XD
Hah how ironic. But at the same time, we all have different tastes. It's not like everyone who were in their 20s in the 60s and 70s loved Rundgren. So at the same time it doesn't surprise me. Thanks for sharing man :) Greetings from Norway.
I have loved this album since I first heard it in High School in the 80s. One reason I connected with it back then was because one of the themes of the album is unrequited love, a very familiar feeling for most everyone in High School - especially 'It Wouldn't Have Made any Difference' a track you spotlight.
The drums on 'Breathless' sound to me like a heavily EQ'd early model drum machine, like the type you would find on 70's era home organs made by Lowery or Kimball, or even one of the early standalone beat boxes made by Acetone.
An interesting thing about this song is that for many years US rock radio stations used to play this song in the background while they would read a list of upcoming concerts. I feel like I've heard this not very long ago.
I truly enjoy your Rundgren reviews, that you take the time to do so. You are young for this kind of analysis , sometimes you miss it a bit, but the fact you aren't an old guy, it makes it very valuable. Thanks dude :) You have a great ear for music, across the board. Oh, and by the way, Todd is best known for being an early artist on his solo recoordings as the guy who was doing ALL of the vocals. No other folks.
I totally understand and respect your posts and opinions and really enjoy them. I know people have commented on this before, but I hope you will place yourself in the era that this masterpiece of S/A arrived. What a delight to have a double album (rare) in those times when it was difficult to obtain even one single album. Todd not only delivered a double album, but left us poorer folk an incredible experience for years to come. I listen to it often STILL.Don't take this as a critique, I only mean that those of us who experienced this era/album were forever transformed. So sorry this is so long.
I
Hey no worries. I'm glad you're willing to share what you think about this. And it seems
like a lot of people were really touched by his music. I love it too, but i think people who
actually grew up with it while they were young have a much more ingrained impression
of it compared to people like me. Totally get that. Cheers from Norway!
One of the very few reviews of a Rundgren album! That's heroic! No one does it... Congrats!
Felipe Fernandes Hahah thank you! I got such a good response on my review of his latest album White Knight, so i made a series of TR reviews 😊 Click here to check em out bit.ly/2A0oTmo
Upper Darby, outside of Philly
"And I thank the Lord
There's people out there like you"-John/Taupin
Your Todd reviews are wonderful, keep it up mate!
The middle section of "Breathless" is actually a cover of the Vince Guaraldi song, "Treat Street." It's on RUclips. Check it out.
One of his handfull of pop masterpieces
Definately! Thanks for watching Helios.
Great review. Always nice to see a younger generation member knowing of such an iconic 50 year old album and guess what. There is a new tribute coming out called Someone/Anyone in Feb. Just caught Todd doing Carousel when he tpured Austrailia in 2018 with some other band. It's amazing.
I would recommend listening to the 1974 album "Todd Rundgren's Utopia" & pay particular attention to The Ikon. I think this is one of Todd's best progressive rock albums. As to finding Something Anything too long, double albums were common & only showed how much material the artist had. I wouldn't consider it a negative, rather a positive. Especially since it doesn't have any bad moments & it's full of such diversity. It is best to listen to a double album in two parts if time is a factor. You also failed to note that much of S/A was Todd playing all instruments except for certain songs.
Wayne Wofsey Yeah that is very true. Only the last quarter of the album was done with additional session musicians. Thanks for adding that. I guess the time is the issue for me. But i would put on any of the sides with pleasure. Although i think i like 'The Cerebral side' a bit more than the others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@LieLikesMusic It's also unrecognizable as the same artist that recorded this - part of the greatness of Todd's legacy, but not a "if you like this you'll like this"scenario.
For your edification... The album No World Order, which is the only interactive CD ever made, before the tech was scrapped by Sony/Phillips, is one of the most underrated albums I've ever heard. The "Lite" version is the one I have. It's from the early 90s, and has his first experiments with rap and electronica of that time. The entire project, including everything that went into the interactive version, (which might work on a PC?), involved tremendous creativity and probably inspired a number of other artists. I think you alluded to that other creative work - A Wizard, A True Star, which I think belongs in the Smithsonian. Cheers!
Nice work. S/A holds a special place in my heart. So glad you liked it.
James Hinchman Thank you! Yeah same here after making this video. Do you think i can improve my videos in any way?
Pet Sounds,Rubber Soul, Something Anything!!!
You're young, and weren't there, so let me tell you about the 1970s: it was the golden era of the multi-disc set. People made whole careers out of them, including Donna Summer, The Allman Brothers, Funkadelic, Kiss, Chicago, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Pink Floyd and even The Clash. Rundgren's excess, by today's standards, was part of an accepted release cycle by "serious" and "arty" musicians. Please dont forget, in the 90's, many artists released 70+ CD's, which would be the equivalent of two Vinyl albums back in the day. Peace.
Wow, Lie, 8 out of 10? I love your review and all the anecdotes you told, but that rating seems a bit harsh. S/A? is a monumental recording. BTW, "Little Red Lights" is quite the song for a honking big set of headphones; check it out. We look forward to more of your Todd reviews. Hoping one of them will be a 10/10!
Hahah. Well that's what i felt. I was just too lengthy in my opinion. I know everyone else gave it a 9 or 10,
but that doesn't mean i feel the same way. Do you have any idea of what album i could check out next by TR?
And i can't guarantee any 10s xD
Lie Likes Music If you like ballads, and want to hear Todd's really early stuff, Ballad of Todd Rundgren is pure genius. If you like the more pop toons, and I think you do, check out Hermit of Mink Hollow. If you want something experimental, then go for A Cappella, which has some weak songs but is technically and sonically fascinating.
barkybarkbarkbark Hmm. A Capella sounds interesting. I'm actually more into experimental music these days 😉 Thanks for recommending them my friend. Also, what do you think about the animation part early in the video?
Lie Likes Music Okay, if you like experimental, then A Cappella is for you. About the animations, they were fun but I actually like to see you speaking because your visage communicates so much of what you are communicating. But that's just me. . . .
A Capella is an underrated gem
Sweeter memories awesome
Yeah probably my favorite track there
"Baby Needs a New Pair of Snakeskin Boots (A Pop Operetta)".
"Baby needs...etc. " was once a common figure of speech for when someone went out to earn money. Snakeskin boots refers to expensive and exotic footwear made popular by Keith Richards.
Chazz Quasar Ah alright 😊 Thank you for helping out!
Chazz Quasar Hey thanks for supprting me! It means a lot. I noticed that about Rundgren. It's also impressive that he played almost all the instruments throughout this album (if you look away from side D) 😊 A very giving listening experience, and i'm glad fans of his pushed me further into his discography. Thank you for commenting and watching.
Todd Rundgren is nominated for the 2021 R&R Hall Of Fame for the 3rd year in a row. Let's FINALLY get him in! Search "Rock Hall Fan Vote" and vote with several emails.
Baby needs a new pair of... - Papa's gotta brand new bag
Felipe Fernandes Yeah i've heard the last one before. Still don't recall the joke or meaning behind it 😅 It's probably obvious to you.
Came across Todd during my musical travels, really stuck with me for some reason, now I know why. Thanks for the video.
But for some reason I still confuse him with Peter Frampton sometimes
Alex Spadge I've never listened to Peter Frampton tbh. But Todd came into my life when i checked out White Knight on bandcamp. He's got some great hits! And some more experimental and obscure stuff for the eccentric listener. I really dig it!
@@LieLikesMusic he's a very versatile artist indeed, releasing a 20+ track album with consistent energy and quality is probably symptomatic of that.
I don't know Peter Frampton that well, that's why I probably can't tell them apart yet. But he's also a psychedelic rocker who got popular in the early 70s, so similar on the surface.
Bandcamp rings a bell, sounds familiar but I don't know what it is. Edit: I just googled it and it's a.. Web Radio station? I'm not quite sure, I'm sure there's a twist to it
Alex Spadge Bandcamp is a streaming platform much like spotify, tidan and itunes. The only difference is that they showcase lesser known bands. You also pay the artist directly for the music. Really great platform imo.
And yes they definitely sound similar historically in that sense. Thanks for watching my videos btw. Not a lot of people watch these older videos of mine anymore.
@@LieLikesMusic im going through your old videos to see if you talk about any artists I like, just found your channel today through your video about Ween.
That streaming service sounds nice, currently I use deezer, I'll check Bandcamp Out
You must believe that I really am not trying to be mean here and I respect your time and effort in helping to expose a new generation to some, often rather obscure, artists. That being said, before attempting to explain a talent such as Todd you have simply got to better understand and educate yourself in order to propose present an icon of Rundgren's caliber. I mean the guy was producing bad finger in place of Paul Mcartney @ Abby road studios, the boundaries he pushed, the envelopes he tore open etcetera etcetera, are literally to numerous to catalog. However I do admire your effort and motivation as well as your commitment please keep up the great work
Yes i do see that i should've talked a bit more about his background. Thanks for letting me know.
Hopefully my future videos will be even more entertaining and informative. Many thanks from
Norway!
Bla
If Todd heard you call him an icon he would laugh at you. Don't be so pretentious, the kid did a good job.
@@thomasmoore1823 I doubt that; he’d be unaffected... While he’s a really humble guy, he’s used to being name-checked as a legend, icon, and genius. Mostly because he IS.
Really good review. Enjoyed it. In my opinion the 2 musical genius' of the 70's .. Todd Rundgren and Frank Zappa
Don't forget Stevie Wonder
wow. so ahead of his time he says. loves all the songs. does not understand todd sarcasm . this guys is very contradictive. he doesn't care for the length of the album. i thought it wasn't long enough.. todd put out a lot of material during the 70s and i always wanted more...
I once brought this album over to my mom's house and left it there for her to listen to, and she thought it was too sugary. Seems like we've come full circle... it used to be that parents thought the music their kids like was outrageous and degenerate, but now here I am: a grown ass man who was essentially ridiculed by his babyboomer mom for loving music for pussies XD
Hah how ironic. But at the same time, we all have different tastes. It's not like
everyone who were in their 20s in the 60s and 70s loved Rundgren. So at the
same time it doesn't surprise me. Thanks for sharing man :) Greetings from Norway.
It's NAZZZZZZZZZZ NOT NASS...
After all that, only an 8/10? Come on now.
Yupp
@@LieLikesMusic Sounds about right to me.