A Long Time, And A Long Way To Go: Happy 75th Todd

 

 

May 8th, 1977, was the Sunday I was confirmed like a good Catholic boy. There was an early evening party at Spike's Bar & Grill on MacDougal Street, with family and friends expected. But as I exited the church, in my red Catholic boy gown, I could see my friend Carl standing across Carmine Street, waving something in the air. He crossed over to my side and handed me a first row ticket to see Todd Rundgren & Utopia at The Palladium that evening. I left my own confirmation dinner early and enjoyed an epic three hour set from Todd and the boys. I sat alone, getting my mind blown. Carl had been able to get three together in the third row, where he sat with our friends Louie and Vinny. He gave me the single in the first row. Two girls sitting next to me were chatting me up before showtime, convinced I was the bass player Kasim Sulton’s brother, as we both had similar haircuts and bad teeth, and also, why the hell would this kid be in the front row unless he is related to the band? 

 

From that day on, there was no looking back. I went all in with Todd Rundgren. Nearly 50 years later, and attending somewhere between 100-150 shows since, I don't know if I should thank Carl or blame him.

 

I've said this before and I'll say it again. I believe more than any other art form, musical artists get judged and dismissed based on nothing. It's the weak ass "Stones haven't made a good record since Sticky Fingers" routine. Of course that's not true, but what makes matters worse is that many who make these blanket statements, do so without having listened to the records they claim aren't any good. In the case of Todd Rundgren, it seems like he hasn't made any records at all, good or bad, since "Something/Anything?" 

 

It was only recently, about 12 years ago, that "A Wizard/A True Star" started to get recognized by young, hip artists, causing a renaissance of sorts, for Todd Rundgren. But before that, if you weren't all in, you were out after "Something/Anything?," out of sheer apathy. Benefit of the doubt, maybe some true music lovers stayed on but were then put off by the insanity of "A Wizard/A True Star" finally jumping overboard for good with what immediately followed. But since 1975, Todd Rundgren, with and without Utopia, has released an additional 25 records, as well as producing a couple of dozen classics, and more often than not, these records, theoretically, have music that should have appealed just as strongly to those "Runt" and "S/A?" fans...if they'd only listened. But sadly, it's easier to just say, "Todd hasn't made a good record since..." Seems like a raw deal to me.

 

Something else I have said before, I am a Todd fan. I am not a Todd fanatic. There is a difference. It's not all good, and I have no issue saying so. But I do believe too many have given up far earlier than what's fair. 

 

I've already written extensive pieces...buyer's guides...to both Rundgren's solo career and his career with Utopia. So at the risk of repeating myself, I just want to acknowledge the 75th birthday of someone who I do believe is a genius, whether writing a three minute pop gem, or an eight minute slow burn soul ballad, or a twenty minute excursion into prog and metal, Todd has done it all convincingly. (Well, almost all. I'd give a kneecap to never hear him rap again.) Few artists can convey such deep soul, joy and pain, with just a voice.

 

So, if you feel like giving his music a shot, preferably something, anything other than "I Saw The Light" and "Hello It's Me," check out my two buyer's guides.

 

Todd Solo 

 

Utopia 

 

And Happy Birthday Todd.