https://www.netflix.com/title/80191047
This is utterly fantastic.
Solters has been bugging me for weeks to watch this, but I've been too caught up in my life, and my streaming queue...there's "Mrs. Maisel" and "Roma" and the Boss on Broadway, but I don't think any of those can capture the zeitgeist, can focus my attention as much as this documentary on Bob Marley.
We're getting to the age where there's footage of everything. And for a while, those who were there are still alive.
Marley has become the lord of the Trustafarians more than the Rastafarians. You can have a neck tattoo, but if you're wearing dreads you're labeled an outcast. Maybe a harmless outcast... Probably somebody with too much money into reggae and...
That's so far from the origin.
Marley truly came from Trenchtown. And when you see the footage of the neighborhood you'll be horrified, it's full of shacks. But somehow, Bob found his musical path and became a legend. But what many don't know is embedded in those famous songs is a diary of what happened when, with Bob's attitudes about it. After being shot, after moving to London, Bob cut "Exodus," possibly his most famous album, and when they match the lyrics to the events, your hair stands on end.
You see there was a political tug of war in Jamaica. Between the establishment, ultimately connected to Cuba, and the insurgents.
The insurgents were supported by the CIA.
Jimmy Cliff talks about being questioned by the CIA...HE'S A MUSICIAN!
But this was the Reagan era. Maybe that's what killed music, Reagan, who legitimized greed and put music in the back seat. Given a choice of riches and truth, many baby boomers chose riches, and the United States has never been the same. Back then, the story in D.C. was how the government was interfering all over the world, now in the Trump era, it's about the pulling back. And the irony is a new cold war is beginning. Putin takes countries and we don't say a word. Angering China is against our interests, they've got more people. As does India, where the best and the brightest used to come work in Silicon Valley, but now since immigrants are the enemy and visas are restricted, they stay home and innovate.
History is prologue and it's usually ignored. We are sliding backwards, we are a divided country, but unlike in Jamaica, we do not have a Bob Marley to unite us.
That's what Bob tried to do, then he was shot. That's what this documentary is ostensibly about, who shot Bob Marley?
And there's a bit of an answer at the end, but the journey is more important. Marley refuses to be criticized for moving uptown where the rich are, he says he's bringing Trenchtown to the respected area, he's not selling out.
And not only are there the two political parties, there are the Dons, that's right, just like in the Mafia.
And the U.S. government is afraid of musicians, like Ivan played by Jimmy Cliff in "The Harder They Come." That film played in Boston for years, today college students are infatuated with "The Avengers."
It's the culture I tell you. America has become cutthroat. With the haves and the have-nots. And the truth is the haves want to protect what they've got. Used to be only the rich Republicans, now it's the rich Democrats, they worked hard to get where they are and they don't want to sacrifice.
But being a musician is different. You live on your talent, you live by your wits. You need no degree, in fact a degree won't help. You wander the world experiencing, thinking, and then you make your statement.
Bob certainly made his.
You think the Marley legend cannot get any bigger.
But then you see this "ReMastered" documentary and you see what a giant he was, how much there was behind the music.
And this is not a VH1 program to set up a tour. Marley's been dead for decades.
But it is a visitation to what once was, when musicians were kingpins and the establishment didn't like it. Hell, every election has some right-winger employing a classic rock song until they're sued. You see those who wrote those songs don't want to be ripped-off, whereas today's artists would love to be ripped-off, as long as you pay them. They're the children of Reagan, even if they don't know it.
And Ronald Reagan has been portrayed as a genius saint, they don't stop naming buildings and highways after him, if you didn't live through that era you'd think he was Lincoln. But it's all part of the plan, with the Federalist Society, and the negative portrayal of taxes, which are needed to pave our roads, school our kids and update our infrastructure, they say it's all about freedom, but really it's about chaos and bondage. And no one can rise above, the only person with total mindshare is Trump. And the news outlets adore him, they've never been this profitable. And challengers are not only negatively portrayed by the right, but the left too, to show the right they're not biased, what a country!
Kinda like Jamaica.
Used to be art came from unrest.
But that was before tax cuts eviscerated school music programs, before intellectuals pooh-poohed the popular and the poor did whatever their handlers told them to. We're all in our own silos, believing we're right.
What we need is a leader, someone not in it for personal gain, just an arbiter speaking the truth.
Like Bob Marley.
P.S. You might want to watch this with the subtitles on.
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Saturday, 15 December 2018
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats Live In Vail
They're the antidote.
You're standing there thinking it's 1969, that it's all about bands and being able to play and...
Then you realize it's pop and hip-hop that dominate the media, and you wonder...WHAT IS GOING ON?
We're still adjusting to the internet era, we're still adjusting to streaming, all the focus is on record companies when the truth is music lives in performance, at venues that draw people for the experience.
This show was not about selfies, but bonding with the act, with the music, a show with nothing on hard drive and no beats and synthesizers and you wonder...WHAT IS GOING ON?
First and foremost, Nathaniel Rateliff is a musician. I'm not sure we can categorize the rest of the hit parade as such. Performers, yes. Brands, yes, but musicians?
Musicians know how to play. First and foremost they're about the music, not the penumbra, all the things that come with fame that have nothing to do with what goes into your ears.
But Nathaniel Rateliff had no fame, not for a very long time. He kicked around Denver making folkish records wondering when his ship would come in. It didn't.
And when Chris Tetzeli moved to Denver and exited Red Light Rateliff took him to lunch, would Chris manage him?
No band ever made it without a great manager.
Then again, it's hard to get one interested. Because of the opportunity cost. Rateliff was ready to give up, but Chris said yes and there was a U-turn to R&B/soul with the Night Sweats, and suddenly the agglomeration was a household name.
No, that's patently untrue.
They almost left "S.O.B." off the album, believing it was too obvious, but the truth is you can never underestimate the power of a hit. And this hit led to a shot on Fallon that got traction on YouTube and suddenly, the band could play clubs.
The phenoms, the pop stars can go directly to arenas, but the lifers have to slug it out, build it fan by fan on the road. And the truth is, despite the TV appearances and the AAA radio action, that's where the band's career has been built, on the road, via word of mouth.
It used to be different, you used to go to the gig to be set free, to let the music open your mind, set your soul afire, leave this crazy world behind. Now it's about saying you were there, hearing canned tunes that remind you of what you heard online. Whereas the music of Rateliff, et al, breathes, it's alive itself, the band is just a vehicle.
And it is a band.
The first thing insiders would say is...TOO MANY PLAYERS! Do you really need a horn section? But it's the full band sound that puts the show over the top, it's not a freight train mowing you down, but a fire on the mountain that you just cannot ignore, that draws you to it.
Most shows are a waste of time unless you know the material beforehand. But with Rateliff's show, the roots resonate, this is music that is part of the firmament, American bedrock, it lifts you higher, it makes you feel good.
So the band did 200 shows a year. Band members doubled-up in budget hotel rooms. There was a minor salary. It was all done in an effort to make it. Do you know how hard it is to make it? Once you're there, anybody can steer the ship, but getting there?
Then there was the festival circuit. Playing late enough in the day to gain mindshare, to reach 5000+ people. Opening at a festival is a fool's errand. Being on the second stage at five or six can pour gasoline on your career, if you deliver.
Meanwhile, they kept working and more tickets were sold.
To the point where shows sell out. To the point where the buildings keep getting bigger and bigger.
And the band members... They're lifers. Most from the Denver area. These aren't the usual suspects who moved to the coasts and took every opportunity, rather they're a group of friends who stuck together until they found the right formula. And believe me, there were hard times, it was not smooth sailing. If you're looking to give it a few years before graduate school, music is not for you.
Meanwhile, most people are unaware of the act. That's 2018. No one has complete mindshare, not Kanye, not Taylor Swift. Sure, people see their names bandied about, but they don't know the music. Kendrick Lamar? Sure, he's got rabid fans, but I'd wager more people in America have never heard his music than have.
And the record business sits by idly thinking it's triumphing.
But it's not.
Take baby boomers to a Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats show and they'd be instantly converted, they'd have to go again and again. And sure, the band has that AAA action, but most people don't bother listening to that format, it's a backwater. Oldsters just keep on listening to the same old stuff, because no one serves up stuff that they'd like. They sample the hits and they're turned off.
Nathaniel Rateliff is the future.
Despite income inequality, despite the prominence of beats, despite the hype machine, there are still people playing real instruments, not giving up because this is the only thing that gets them off.
And the funny thing is it gets the audience off too.
Meanwhile, we're inundated with mechanized drivel, you can be assaulted by sound, or you can be enticed.
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats draw you in. It's like having a V8. They were hiding in plain sight, but you didn't know.
Or maybe you did, but most people don't.
This is the kind of act that should be playing the Super Bowl. One where the spectacle is the music itself. Where production is irrelevant, where it's about the humanity contained in the glorious sound.
Maybe there's a way out of this place.
Because lord knows we've been in a bad way, with no breakthrough sound since the millennium. Everyone playing to younger and younger kids. What does a fifteen year old have to say?
But Nathaniel Rateliff is forty, with a lot of wear and tear, a lot of miles, and that's what informs his sound, there's wisdom, not calculation.
Maybe he can lead us back to the garden.
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You're standing there thinking it's 1969, that it's all about bands and being able to play and...
Then you realize it's pop and hip-hop that dominate the media, and you wonder...WHAT IS GOING ON?
We're still adjusting to the internet era, we're still adjusting to streaming, all the focus is on record companies when the truth is music lives in performance, at venues that draw people for the experience.
This show was not about selfies, but bonding with the act, with the music, a show with nothing on hard drive and no beats and synthesizers and you wonder...WHAT IS GOING ON?
First and foremost, Nathaniel Rateliff is a musician. I'm not sure we can categorize the rest of the hit parade as such. Performers, yes. Brands, yes, but musicians?
Musicians know how to play. First and foremost they're about the music, not the penumbra, all the things that come with fame that have nothing to do with what goes into your ears.
But Nathaniel Rateliff had no fame, not for a very long time. He kicked around Denver making folkish records wondering when his ship would come in. It didn't.
And when Chris Tetzeli moved to Denver and exited Red Light Rateliff took him to lunch, would Chris manage him?
No band ever made it without a great manager.
Then again, it's hard to get one interested. Because of the opportunity cost. Rateliff was ready to give up, but Chris said yes and there was a U-turn to R&B/soul with the Night Sweats, and suddenly the agglomeration was a household name.
No, that's patently untrue.
They almost left "S.O.B." off the album, believing it was too obvious, but the truth is you can never underestimate the power of a hit. And this hit led to a shot on Fallon that got traction on YouTube and suddenly, the band could play clubs.
The phenoms, the pop stars can go directly to arenas, but the lifers have to slug it out, build it fan by fan on the road. And the truth is, despite the TV appearances and the AAA radio action, that's where the band's career has been built, on the road, via word of mouth.
It used to be different, you used to go to the gig to be set free, to let the music open your mind, set your soul afire, leave this crazy world behind. Now it's about saying you were there, hearing canned tunes that remind you of what you heard online. Whereas the music of Rateliff, et al, breathes, it's alive itself, the band is just a vehicle.
And it is a band.
The first thing insiders would say is...TOO MANY PLAYERS! Do you really need a horn section? But it's the full band sound that puts the show over the top, it's not a freight train mowing you down, but a fire on the mountain that you just cannot ignore, that draws you to it.
Most shows are a waste of time unless you know the material beforehand. But with Rateliff's show, the roots resonate, this is music that is part of the firmament, American bedrock, it lifts you higher, it makes you feel good.
So the band did 200 shows a year. Band members doubled-up in budget hotel rooms. There was a minor salary. It was all done in an effort to make it. Do you know how hard it is to make it? Once you're there, anybody can steer the ship, but getting there?
Then there was the festival circuit. Playing late enough in the day to gain mindshare, to reach 5000+ people. Opening at a festival is a fool's errand. Being on the second stage at five or six can pour gasoline on your career, if you deliver.
Meanwhile, they kept working and more tickets were sold.
To the point where shows sell out. To the point where the buildings keep getting bigger and bigger.
And the band members... They're lifers. Most from the Denver area. These aren't the usual suspects who moved to the coasts and took every opportunity, rather they're a group of friends who stuck together until they found the right formula. And believe me, there were hard times, it was not smooth sailing. If you're looking to give it a few years before graduate school, music is not for you.
Meanwhile, most people are unaware of the act. That's 2018. No one has complete mindshare, not Kanye, not Taylor Swift. Sure, people see their names bandied about, but they don't know the music. Kendrick Lamar? Sure, he's got rabid fans, but I'd wager more people in America have never heard his music than have.
And the record business sits by idly thinking it's triumphing.
But it's not.
Take baby boomers to a Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats show and they'd be instantly converted, they'd have to go again and again. And sure, the band has that AAA action, but most people don't bother listening to that format, it's a backwater. Oldsters just keep on listening to the same old stuff, because no one serves up stuff that they'd like. They sample the hits and they're turned off.
Nathaniel Rateliff is the future.
Despite income inequality, despite the prominence of beats, despite the hype machine, there are still people playing real instruments, not giving up because this is the only thing that gets them off.
And the funny thing is it gets the audience off too.
Meanwhile, we're inundated with mechanized drivel, you can be assaulted by sound, or you can be enticed.
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats draw you in. It's like having a V8. They were hiding in plain sight, but you didn't know.
Or maybe you did, but most people don't.
This is the kind of act that should be playing the Super Bowl. One where the spectacle is the music itself. Where production is irrelevant, where it's about the humanity contained in the glorious sound.
Maybe there's a way out of this place.
Because lord knows we've been in a bad way, with no breakthrough sound since the millennium. Everyone playing to younger and younger kids. What does a fifteen year old have to say?
But Nathaniel Rateliff is forty, with a lot of wear and tear, a lot of miles, and that's what informs his sound, there's wisdom, not calculation.
Maybe he can lead us back to the garden.
--
Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/
--
Listen to the podcast:
-TuneIn: http://tunein.com/lefsetz
-Apple: https://apple.co/2ndmpvp
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Friday, 14 December 2018
Re-Todd Rundgren/Rock Hall
His quote:
I'm heartbroken….for LL Cool J. 5 times a bridesmaid...
Eric Gardner
____________________________________________
You certainly don't have to convince me. Growing up in Philly I first saw Todd with Woody's Truck Stop. He had the first '50s gold top Les Paul I ever saw (which is the guitar by which I still live and die), and showed me how to play Mike Bloomfield's "Born In Chicago" solo. Then the Nazz, who I never got to see live, but I absolutely agree with your take on "Hello, It's Me". Leaving Philadelphia when he did was probably the smartest thing he could have done, but a great loss to what might have been a burgeoning rock music scene there. So be it, he set the bar so high for so many. "Hermit Of Mink Hollow" is the one for me, if there are still Desert Island records that's definitely in my top five… so personal, so universal. As close to a "perfect" record as (your "perfect record" here). Some of his works have been left-field, some have left me scratching my head, but his home runs were many and out of the park.
Todd is already in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as far as I and the rest of the sentient world is concerned.
Eric Bazilian
P.S. By the way, check this out… https://open.spotify.com/track/2WKoLmf7x0yhJOn2meL7pY?si=btkl6wWERAm4xMGGKt8VkQ
From 1984 or thereabouts. Such an obvious homage to "Open My Eyes". We played the last concert at The Spectrum in Philly with him in 2000-something, which is the first time I'd seen him in decades. He'd never heard it! I sent it to him, never heard back, I do hope he listened. You'll get a kick out of it, and I'm sure you'll see the similarity.
____________________________________________
I especially love his a cappella work. Nothing beats it.
Queenie Taylor
____________________________________________
Thank you, Bob.
I was a little pissed off when I saw the inductees today. Radiohead before DEVO? Huh?
I'm glad that The Zombies & Roxy Music got in, but Stevie Nicks? Why?
Todd has recorded and produced some of the greatest music of the 20th Century and he's passed up over Def Leppard?
Fuck the Rock Hall. It's all BS politics, I'm afraid.
Happy Holidays!
Rodney Rowland
____________________________________________
Hear hear!
Peter Denholtz
____________________________________________
Ever year the HOF list come out and it continues to lose credibility due to no TR. ridiculous
Francis Lauderdale
____________________________________________
Enjoyed reading the piece on TR.
During the first year of "30 Rock",
Tina Fey wrote a great scene paying homage to Todd.
Liz Lemon (played by Tina Fey): "We need to fire Lutz."
Pete Hornberger (played by Scott Adsit): "What? Why? What happened?"
Liz: "He called me the worst name ever."
Frank Rossitano (played by Judah Friedlander): "What did he call you?"
Liz: "I'm not gonna repeat it. That's how much I hate it."
Pete: "Fat can?"
Liz: "No."
Frank: "Mouth hooker?"
Liz: "No."
Frank: "Monster bitch."
Pete: "Hatchet face."
Liz: "No! The one that rhymes with the name of your favorite Todd Rundgren album."
Frank (utterly confused): "It rhymes with Hermit of Mink Hollow?" –30 Rock, Season 1, "The C Word," written by Tina Fey
Rogers Motley
Chatham Virginia
____________________________________________
Because he's Todd Rundgren. That's why he needs to be in the Hall. It's that simple.
And if I have to elaborate, "Something/Anything" is as important as any album from that era.
As always, thanks for your vigilance.
fritzdoddy
____________________________________________
I never had a girlfriend named Marlene, but if I did, Todd wrote her song. It's perfectly beautiful earworm from "Something/Anything." It's been in my head since 1972.
You know, I was at Temple U. in Philly ('67) when Todd and his band, Woody's Truck Stop, played college mixers in Mitten Hall. He was the first person I ever saw with multi-colored hair.
Why isn't he in the Rock Hall?
Rich Arfin
____________________________________________
Fantastic! A true Todd fan.
Randy Gish
____________________________________________
SKYLARKING
Daniel Grgas
____________________________________________
Todd has always been God. Bless the Bearsville sound!
Thanks for this piece.
Cathy Goodman
____________________________________________
New York dolls was not overhyped that album is a stone cold classic of overwhelming importance especially to punk music that it had a large role in influencing. And he produced Laura nyro!
Bones Howell
____________________________________________
You are wrong on so many things. But when you are right, you are all in to-the-moon-and-back, 110% right. Todd's place in that stupid RRHoF is way long overdue.
Barry Pike
____________________________________________
Your so right….
Harris Goldberg
____________________________________________
Rundgren may not be everyone's fave, but you cannot deny his abilities. From XTC to Meatloaf, he is all over my fave albums. But the highlight for me is this track from "Lost in the Stars"- Weill never sounded so sinister, and that is saying something.
"Call from the Grave"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYq1lALlOBo
Dave Richards
14 Hits
____________________________________________
Bob really nice piece. I've been a believer for many years. It's criminal that Todd isn't seen as a national treasure. You're probably preaching to the choir with your readership but thanks for spreading the word. His tour next year promises to be a must see. Oh yea ...Todd's too good for the RRHF
Steve Gietka
____________________________________________
EARN ENOUGH FOR US. Genius. Thank you Todd and XTC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeDDQqO9kWo
Greg Renoff
____________________________________________
......yup.
Tommy Allen
____________________________________________
Todd Rundgren is THE most talented singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist still alive and working. Others may get more press but music history would be quite different without the last 50 years of Todd's contributions. He should have been in the R&RHOF years ago but he is really in a class by himself.
Paul Kalenak
____________________________________________
Todd really is God. You're 1000% right - Todd belongs in the RRHoF based solely on Something/Anything. And he composed and played almost everything himself, except for appearances by Michael and Randy Brecker, Rick Derringer, Ben Keith, and a couple of other luminaries of the day. As you accurately stated, add in the also-brilliant (and over-the-top) double-in-one-sleeve "Todd", "Ballad", "Wizard" (also over-the-top), "Hermit", and all of the vast production genius with others (Patti Smith!!) should make him a no-brainer several times over.
Finally, he's one of the greatest singers in rock, pop, and soul - plus an incredibly inventive and exhilarating vocal arranger.
These young voters will never get it until some older lover slips them a mickey, turns out the lights, and blasts "The Night The Carousel Burned Down", "Couldn't I Just Tell You", and then Side One of "Todd". I swear I will never recover...
Thanks,
Danny Kapilian
____________________________________________
You are so right on this one. At least The Zombies finally got in (deservingly so) before they aged out. Eron Epstein
____________________________________________
Bob
This is brilliant!
Mike Busch
____________________________________________
and "Wailing Wall"
Todd received the Les Paul Award in '14
sofu_gan
____________________________________________
Todd Rundgren is a true genius, a word I rarely use.
Ever hear the album A Cappella? Everything done with his voice
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Cappella_(Todd_Rundgren_album)
Todd embraced the use of computers and video VERY early on.
AND, he's a really good guy!
If ever ANYONE deserved to be in the RRHOF, it's him.
ABBA who????
Kevin Kiley
____________________________________________
He needs to do his greatest hits, not only his deeps cuts which he did on his last tour. But also
do some covers of songs he produced for those bands like you mentioned, Tubes N Cheap Trick.
And for the encore? one of the songs he did with Hall on the series Daryl's House.
Just to wake up those sleep heads at the RR of Fame.
Frank Ball
____________________________________________
Sorry Bob, but I gotta disagree about Todd. He was great and did great things, sure. To paraphrase what David Cone once said about baseball players: "if they are not a lock in the first second you think of a name, they don't belong in the Hall of Fame. It needs to be automatic". The same applies to music and the RRHOF. If you have to defend someone so hardcore, they just don't belong. Rage Against The Machine is the real crime of omission here. Innovative and truly groundbreaking. Smarter lyrics and harder music together than everyone in that era, including Nirvana who are in. Pathetic to leave them out.
Call me when Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden get in.
Keith Chachkes
Chief Editor, Metalhead lifer
Ghost Cult Magazine
www.ghostcultmag.com
____________________________________________
I saw Todd twice in the last 2-3 years at the Coach House. He sounds terrible. He lost his voice. If you have a line to him I would think if he can somehow monetize his studio work or some kind of media presence it would be game-changing. He has the brain and the talent to do it. But touring is bumming me out. That said, I will never forget a show at the Boulder Theater where he did it solo, heckled the drunks a bit, and played a legendary solo performance of "Beloved Infidel" which is super obscure I bet but just a gem of a tune. I hate his Libtardian politics but he and his art are def favorites. Easily an "American Treasure." Thanks, Todd.
CJ in LA
____________________________________________
Well done. Todd FOR SURE belongs. You've named many of his successes (some of which may surprise many people). I'd like to add that what these specific examples are, are examples of the strong, multi-decade influence Todd had on so many of us. He's also super smart, kind, and infinitely creative.
Todd not only belongs in the RRHF for his works as an artist, producer, singer and songwriter not only for his obvious recorded successes, but also for his influence and development of the music we love far beyond the records and bands he created, helped, repaired... Todd has a musical courage, an integrity and influence that drove the whole of music forward with honesty and immense talent.
Thank you for the effort you put into detailing all of this Bob, you faithfully opened a window into this extraordinary man and artist. The deeper part can be found in the music itself.
(Anyone heard the album FAITHFUL? Those who know, know that this album was an honor to those who influenced him, FAITHFULLY re-recorded by Todd almost exactly like the originals. Little chance it would produce a hit or any real income to Todd. Pure, artistic, GENEROUS tribute to the music from which Todd sprung. In my experience, THIS is who Todd is.)
Great post Bob, thank you,
Bill Green
____________________________________________
Totally agree with you on Todd!
I also don't understand how DMB is left out?? They seem to check all the boxes and continue to fill stadiums and sell records 25 years later!! Any thoughts on why weren't they even nominated?
Thanks,
John Hever
____________________________________________
You forgot The Pursuit of Happiness and their debut album Love Junk. I'm sure Jake Gold is emailing or texting you right now to add them to that list! Definitely a another Todd masterpiece of production, all killer no filler album.
Yes they're a Canadian band but the big single on there "I'm An Adult Now" made a bit of a break through in the states especially in LA but here in Canada it's a rock classic and the band just reissued it as a 30th anniversary special edition. Still sounds timeless thanks to Todd's production and his help with the arrangements which band leader/songwriter credits to him.
Record company asked him after he signed who he wanted to produce. He aimed high for his musical hero, in no way expecting him to actually do it, especially a debut, or the record company to even float it by him, but as tactic for them to counter with a producer they would like instead of some go to of the day. Talk about surprise and elation when Todd contacted him to say he was interested in doing it! Pick up the reissue as the liner notes detail the whole sorta Cinderella story.
Michael Moniz
____________________________________________
My son is in a low-mid level touring band. I tell him every day...you play your best song first and blow them away, then you have them. You want to play between the most drawing and second most drawing band on the bill until they are coming just to hear your #1 song, then you play it last.
Simon Aleman
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I have defended the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from its detractors for many years. But as of today, that shameful institution is dead to me. There's clearly some agenda at work to deny entry to one of the musical giants of our time. For all the reasons you mentioned and many more, Todd should have been in years ago. Instead it appears that they're going to wait until he's gone, until it's too late, to recognize his genius. And when they finally do, I hope the person who accepts in his name gets up there and tells them to go f*** themselves.
Ken Shane
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Todd played two nights down here in San Juan Capistrano a few weeks ago. We get some really interesting acts at the Coach House. Come down some time.
Dan Rosen
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You overlooked my favorite band from high school in Philly, Todd's group Woody's Truck Stop https://www.allmusic.com/artist/woodys-truck-stop-mn0001295648 Listen to People Been Talkin' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um64HppvOgg. And then the Todd production of "I'll Be Around" by my former client "What Is This", a remake of the classic hit by the Spinners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR9-0tx2kcg (What Is This members included Hillel Slovak and Jack Irons from the Chili Peppers with Alain Johannes and Todd Strassman). Yes, Todd belongs in the Hall!
Henry Root
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Well put Bob.
Absolutely criminal that the sheer genius of TR has not as yet been recognized by voters and the the Hall.
Such a disappointment today to realize he had been overlooked ...again.
If there is any justice next year for Todd-long as he remains denied the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame is not cutting it!
Chris Brooke
Winnipeg
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BANG ON THE DRUM a Packer fan can't believe u left this off your list!
JAM
But I thought you agreed with me the HOF is a joke!
Joe Mock
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And don't forget Bob, his rabid following, easily on par with or beyond the likes of Deadheads, any jam band or even the Parrotheads, although I don't think the Parrotheads are of the multiple shows in multiple cities squad.
His fans have been there from the start and haven't loosened their grip and the will be "faithful" forever.
On that aspect alone, if there was ever a consideration for loyalty, Todd
would have a mantle full of participation trophies a mile wide.
Yes, as the fans say; Todd Is God.
And if you ever had a newsletter that needed a part two, this is one of
them.
Perry/Chicago
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All true...but not only did you leave out a ton of recordings that deserve attention, but also Todd's accomplishments in video (he focused on innovative techniques, in the very early days of MTV) and fan subscription services (PatroNet gave fans access to partial and unfinished recording LONG before Prince and others had similar services)!
There is virtually no artist/producer/innovator that deserves the recognition as much as Todd...even if that is only the sham that is the pitiful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bob Reeves
Nashville TN
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"When I want to teach my kids about the history of Rock and Roll the first thing I play them is a Janet Jackson record," said no-one ever.
Paul Cashmere
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Amen, Brother Bob.
The church of Todd.
David Wilk
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Amen Bob! I voted as many times as I could. Todd probably does not care though. Glad we do
Van Fletcher
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Wankers is (are?) right!
Goes to show you how uniformed the RRHOF is. I would have thought he was in there years ago.
Todd created some of the world's most memorable music for the last 50 years or longer, and he's just getting recognized now?
Hooey.
But then again Zevon's not in there either, so F them.
Russ Novack.
PS: Wasn't one of those Nazz albums on green vinyl?
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I love Rundgren and his music so much! The scale and quality of his immense catalog is mind boggling. He's scored so much of my life, and even when he was infuriatingly self indulgent on his live set choices, he was still head and shoulders above everyone. The man at 70 has not lost a step or a note. The Utopia show at the Wiltern last May was one of the best lives shows I've seen in my 40+ years of concert going! (and he DID do a whole show of his hits 2 years ago at the Saban, and it was as incredible as you'd imagine)
Even when Todd insulted me and my band (Green Jellö) to my face backstage about 20 years ago…I STILL worshipped the guy! And he wasn't wrong. It WAS a sophomore slump…just like Runt: Ballad!
Do you think Jann keeps him out on purpose cause he's talked shit about the Hall?
Gary Helsinger
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I voted for him.
Damn Poseurs.
I actually think the detail of your email below may help Todd next time....
Peter Shapiro
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Nicely done Bob.
Pass the one hitter my way and add "A Wizard A True Star" — cause he's in THAT Hall of Fame too!
Steve Lindstrom
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Amen Bob.
the R&RHOF has become such a travesty i just don't pay attention to it anymore.
Tim Hallam
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One of my favorite Jesse Winchester clips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uKGWpqnS8E
I love how Elvis Costello and the others on stage are so amazed and captivated by this awesome, pure performance.
People who aren't familiar with Jesse Winchester are truly missing a gem.
And yes, Todd Rundgren should have been inducted into the R&RHoF a long time ago. But would he sell enough tickets and bring the TV ratings they want these days?
Russ Paris
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I would also add-
Caravan....(from Adventures in Utopia)
"Moses went into the desert
Moses came out with The Law
Jesus went into the desert
G-d only knows what He saw"....
Yes, a great tribute and acknowledg"ment, Mr. L.... TR not underrated but somehow under-recognized.... A Genius in every aspect of the musical arts
-Anthony Napoli
Beacon, NY
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Yes. Todd is God.
Mellencamp clip when John was on Letterman. Todd is sitting in on the band with Paul Schaffer.
Musicians know when the public doesn't.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CSQs2boo4Sk
Todd Devonshire
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I agree with nearly everything...except about the NY Dolls. Both albums great, both with great songs, the other one produced by the legendary Shadow Morton, and they were always a lot of fun, albeit sloppy, live, especially in the early days.
Toby Mamis
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Sometimes, maybe often, you drive me crazy. Not this time. It's a joke Todd is not in the Hall. I'm 58. I've seen him in every decade starting in the 1970s. Always great. Always different. Always relevant. Still relevant. And damn, what a songwriter.
Steven Birenberg
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https://www.cleveland.com//entertainment/2018/12/rock-roll-hall-of-fame-voters-goofed-by-leaving-todd-rundgren-out-of-the-class-of-2019-chuck-yarborough.html
Wallace Sanders
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Well said, Bob.
He'll get in if there's any justice.
And Trump will have the big one if there's any justice.
Maybe justice maybe not.
We'll see.
Kevin Ritchie
____________________________________________
Amen.
Tom Wszalek
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God bless you Bob Lefsetz. I literally had a tear in my eye when I learned that Todd was bypassed for the hall this year (although I was not surprised given the hall's history). Todd is God indeed and your beautiful words were very much needed.
Harlan Lansky
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I personally don't think you need to go through a long involved email with all the songs listed (even though I'm glad you did) to convince anybody who reads your letter That Todd belongs in the rock 'n' roll Hall of Fame..A lifetime of Innovacion and excellence on the musical end and the technical end should have been enough to make this a unanimous choice. Obviously there are people out there with their heads up you know where that just can't get a grip on the situation And how major of a creative figure he has been for about 50 years now...I mean he even produced the Paul Butterfield blues band live album. Talk about diversity. People who didn't vote for him should be ashamed of themselves
By the way I used to really enjoy going to see Utopia At the Chance in Poughkeepsie New York....My friend Chris Anderson used to be their tech guy and I saw many shows..All awesome
Peace,Jason Miles
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i grew up on Nazz and Todd…… this is long overdue….if Hall and Oates are in then Todd needs his due acknowledgment….
my guess of why he is overlooked may be due to his pushing the edge on all forms of music …whether it was pop, soul, jazz fusion or whatever……he did not stick to one genre…… which is why he should be inducted….Todd is the true Renaissance musician…. oh and did anyone mention what an incredible producer he is….
thanks for bringing his candidacy to the forefront….
bill powell
feld entertainment
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Saw Todd do a 1-man show at the (Hollywood) Palace on Vine back in the late 80's. He played piano, Fairlight CMI synth (he would sometimes throw the control panel on the video screens) and a video controller dropping filters on his live video. It was 2 hours of compelling theater, storytelling and music. I also saw him at a New Music Seminar in NYC that same year where he told the story of the XTC album. A true disruptor. HOF be damned, WE know who he is! #RealMan
David Benson
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Heartbreaking that you even need to explain this to people. That said, it does warm the heart to read about Todd's work. Brilliant.
Myles Silton
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I don't have much to add to your treatise on Todd other than to say, like most fans, I have my own favorites that may not necessarily match your own. But, you covered hit the high notes in a comprehensive way. Todd is a hall of famer.
When I think of Todd, I think mostly of the early solo albums, which were my college years. They spoke to me clearly about my life at the time. A few years later, I was in Woodstock at a supermarket and there was this guy behind me with rainbow colored hair and rock star clothes (with his lady friend/wife?) who seemed really tired. Instant fanboy time for me. At that time, I was a kid working with a young band in town that night and I invited him to the show. He couldn't have been nicer in his answer. He explained that he had just gotten back from the road, couldn't make it, but thanked me for the invite. It felt sincere.
No attitude. No bullshit. Just positive human interaction with a nobody in an age of sometimes celebrated atrocious rock star behavior.
Todd rocks.
Phil Brennan
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Couldn't agree more
Thanks!
Egreenteam
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Totally agree ala Todd!
Check out the Joe Cocker doc. on Netflix....also NOT in the R & R Hall of Fame.
And then, how about Harry Nilsson?!!!
Steve Winwood? Kate Bush?
~Skinny
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I'm admittedly two-faced when it comes to the Rock Hall. I've never been and I want to see it. Also, I'm a freelance music writer that will sometimes say to myself, "So cool, I interviewed so-and-so and that person is in the RRHOF." Interviewed Graham Nash earlier this year and he's been inducted twice, for example. With that said, I see who's in and who's snubbed and wonder why I even care about it at all. We can spend days on the "Who should be in?" debate, but in my opinion leaving Todd out is inexcusable and mind-blowing. Thanks for the great post about him. Maybe one day...
Brent Thompson
Birmingham, AL
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YES !!!!!!!
Peter Roaman
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Nice. Something/Anything. You could always wow your friends with it.
mab
Mike Becker
St. Louis (and the world)
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"I'm An Adult Now"
The Pursuit Of Happiness
Chart # 22 US
bpthree bpthree
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Thank you.
Michael Kurtz
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Next position please is the most underrated cheap trick album.
Every song on it is a gem.
Dont forget side 2 of Remote Control by the Tubes
Aw hell. Just start the Lefsetz rnr hall of fame.
Robert Genter
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"Personality Crisis"
New York Dolls
Overhyped, they'd be completely forgotten if it were not for Todd's production on their debut LP.
Bob, you're wrong. David launched a thousand front men; Johnny Thunders is a god damned icon and one of the greats; Jerry Nolan was one of the greatest rock and roll drummers; Syl's "Trash" Alone should grant them access.. let alone Arthur Kane.
The New York Dolls were too dangerous for you then and too dangerous for you now.
NYD are as rock and roll as it gets.
BGreen
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Yep, Bob, you nailed it.
Todd is amazing.
I loved listening to The Night the Carousel Burned Down from Something Anything with headphones.
He's taken us all on musical trips, and I have to admit, I didn't like them all. It doesn't matter, though, he did what a musician/producer is supposed to do. He showed us another way to look at Pop and Rock every time he came out of the studio.
He even took the time to pay his respects to people he admired with the Faithful album.
I only have one correction to your remarks about Something Anything. Wolfman wasn't on the album version of Wolfman Jack, but he was on the single version.
He deffinitly should be in the Hall of Fame, probably before anyone else on this years list.
Bill Scherer from MN.
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Bob, great list here! Thanks for writing this and shedding some light on a master craftsman's catalogue. He is my idol and I wholeheartedly agree he should be in the Rock Hall, but part of me thinks he doesn't even care. He seems like someone who was always about the creative expression rather than accolades. Just my two cents...
Matt DiMarino
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Yeah it is crazy to have Stevie Nicks and Janet Jackson in their and NOT Todd. Back to the Bars was my first Todd album and I still love it. It's my desert island album pick forever. I bought more of his albums and saw him at the Akron Agora in the 80s and in the Flats in Cleveland maybe 20 yrs ago. He was amazing both times. He is such a huge talent. Thank you for writing about him. I hope he gets in next year. I'm not going to the RRHOF until he's in!
Love your writing.
Sandy Jones
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Todd Rundgren...
Just hangin in his studio for a week...
Will create more things relevant to "rock and roll" than Janet Jackson---has ever done.
However...
The lofty legion that is the Hall of Fame committee will often cite "influence" as a reason the musically disconnected get in.
So...just based on influence...JJ makes the RRHOF.
How so?
Well...that "exposure" pretty much changed everything.
Now follow me here:
---She was the focus of a Super Bowl halftime "show."
---After that, the FCC clamped down hard on radio.
---Radio companies created zero-tolerance environments.
---The top rock station personalities were soon fired or left.
---The biggest of all...Howard Stern...saves satellite radio.
---Bob Lefsetz gets a radio show.
Marty Bender
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Hi Bob. I normally don't need to respond to your blog posts but you hit the
nail on the head with this one. Runt/The Ballad is definitely one of the
true masterpieces of American song writing of the last couple decades! Glad
somebody else recognizes this as well!!
Best,
Peter Weitzner
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So glad you said this Bob – he's truly underrated. Awesome that you mentioned XTC – that was a fine production.
Mark Frieser
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And don't forget the recently released "Tin Foil Hat."
James Ferguson
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The song on "Something, Anything" that has possibly the most Rock and Roll line is "Is It My Name" where he says "I play my guitar in such a man-cock way"!! That line surely takes influence from Mannish Boy, I'm a Man, Hootchie Cootchie Man, Seventh Son, among other songs. Every young rock star is thinking about the sex but they start out as just boys who want to be men. They wanna be with the second mother like another Bob said.
Darkmatterdon
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Nice one!
Ricky Schultz
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Mr. Lefsetz-
This was your first post that made me want to stand up and cheer.
As one of those who has "known" since the mid-seventies, I find it somewhat of a disgrace that Todd is not in the hall when so many acts who are not even rock are enshrined.
As much as I am a fan of his work, I think he deserves it more for his influence.
He has been doing the one man studio band thing since the Runt album, but other artists got credit for it a decade later.
He is a master-class producer (although sometimes the end result does sound too much like his own work).
He is an obvious influence on other acts-heck, when Hall &Oates released "Kiss On My List" I went to the record store looking for a new Todd album.
He finished third in the fan balloting, but still lost to a few bands that came in far below him.
I went to the Hall in 2002 and remember there was an exhibit of Madonna and Britney Spears outfits and wondered why that was there. Even though I have been to Cleveland several times since, that trip told me all I needed to know.
Or maybe I am still grousing because the hall didn't end up in Philly.
If you have never heard it, I would encourage you to listen to 1989's Nearly Human. I think it is his best album if you skip the EC cover song.
And as always, thanks for you posts!
Laurence Cavanaugh
One of the Todd faithful
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I agree with you about Todd Rundgren.
You can add Warren Zevon and John Prine to that folder of greatness that are not properly acknowledged in this particular field. Two of the greatest songwriter/lyricists to ever live.
On a positive note Roxy Music got their just due.
One step at a time I suppose or to quote John Prine;
"It don't make much sense that common sense don't make no sense no more."
Ted Lindsay
Burlington, Ontario
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Couldn't agree more and it's about time someone (with clout) stood up for him. And the Nazz version of Hello It's Me is definitive. What was he, like 15 or 16? That entire album still works.
David Murphy
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Nice to have another person vouching for Todd's inclusion. I definitely disagree with you about the Dolls, but otherwise solid track selections. Only thing you missed was mentioning his production on Hall and Oates' 'War Babies', which is almost a lost sibling to his 'Todd' album from the same year.
Thanks,
Morris Hanson
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He is deserving, but less so than the Iron Maiden or the priest
One only needs to listen
Hello it's me. (Not a bad lightweight pop song)
Vs. second to none (priest) or run to the hills (maiden)
There is a reason why teenagers still wear vintage looking old metal band t shirts
Cheers
Ted
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Bob, you're spot on. And the same goes for the Guess Who. Huge hits and Cummings had (and still to a large degree, still has) one of the greatest voices in Rock (btw, loved your Bachman interview).
Some of the jokers who are in and these guys aren't?
You should write your top five or ten artists most deserving but not in the R&R HOF.
Never give up!
Ken Bravo
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Hello Bob,
I love Todd and I'm glad you're espousing his HOF admittance but any list of Todd's achievements that doesn't mention "Couldn't I Just Tell You" is a travesty. It might be the greatest power pop song ever written.
Respectfully,
Jonathan
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Bravo on Todd! An artist in a sea of entertainers. Thanks for acknowledging "It's a Long Time…" spectacular song!
Jimmy Steal
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Thank you
rclark
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Being from Jersey just across the bridge from Philadelphia and growing up in the 60's and 70's, to my friends and I Todd was God!!
My Dad bought a juke box for the family (5 kids) when I was in grade school and filled it every other month with 45's and one of those was The Nazz single "Open My Eyes" b/w "Hello It's Me " and you're right the Nazz version is soooooo much better.
My friends and I began buying his LP's in High School, had every one up to Hermit of Mink Hollow and when I began working in a music store after HS, met a guy who used to go see The Nazz, had all 3 LP'S and gave them to me!
Whether he gets in the RRHOF or not he is a true artist, and he will always be "A Wizard and a True Star"!
Cheers
Tom Gillam
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Great playlist.
The contrarian's curse. We say we want rebels and mold-breakers, but they are so damn challenging that often we lose steam and let them go.
Rock on,
Ralph Covert
P.S. RE: RnRHOF: Something/Anything alone qualifies him. Add the rest of the CV... wow.
And yet. Yeah, he can be grating. I opened for him years ago. I was so excited to be there, but he was so LOUD and self-indulgent that I left two songs into his set and never met him. I guess I was the vodka and tonic and he was the Angostura bitters. Still, he deserves the credit for his talent.
Just sayin'.
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O yes - with more talent than most earthlings have the capacity to understand - indeed Todd is God!
- Milkweed (Malcolm Clark)
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For those of us who have always loved Todd intensely, it's impossible to understand how the HOF didn't induct him decades ago. His body of work blows away most. His writing, playing and singing are among the best, how many other artists can do it all!? Wizard remains one of my most treasured records, a freakin masterpiece, as is Side one of Initiation. Todd is God indeed!
Adam Bernstein
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From the first Nazz record I bought in high school in 1969, I've been a huge Todd fan. When you line up all the brilliant albums he's either created, played on or produced, it's staggering. Side story, earlier this year I went to a Sparks show here in Manhattan with a good friend, who's Japanese. Todd produced the iteration of Sparks called Half Nelson. The next day he sent me a YouTube video by a Japanese group I'd never heard of Fishmans. The track was a live, 45 minute opus called "Long Season", that is staggeringly brilliant and poignant as the singer died a few months later, in 1995. It's the finest long song I've ever heard. Since then, I've bought every Fishmans CD and then starting listening and buying every CD from Polaris, the group of surviving members of Fishmans. Todd produced one Fishmans/Polaris in Woodstock but I can't find it right now. What remains true over all these years is Todd is a wizard, a true star.
Jeff Capshew
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Bob:
Coming from a long time hard core Rundgren fan, I could quibble with some of your choices, but wholeheartedly agree that
Nazz version of "Hello Its Me" is preferred
"Ballad" is an underappreciated gem
Also:
Just about all of us have a record that changed their lives. Something/Anything was mine
It is a travesty that he was passed over by the RRHOF, but your recognition provides some welcome balm to the fans….who are the ones most affected by this. I doubt that Todd cares a bit.
But…for the record…the RRHOF conducted fan balloting for several months. Todd placed third. Everyone in the top five was admitted except him. Artists (ahem) with much fewer votes were admitted. Bob….is there any reason to believe anything other that that this sham was jerking us off. They had no intention of putting him in.
And, although this may sound like sour grapes….Stevie Nicks was elected on her SOLO CAREER. She is already in on as a member of the Mac. I would venture that most anyone listening to her solo work, if asked, would say it was the Mac. Her solo stuff sounds like Mac outtakes. Actually like less memorable cuts on a Mac album. She didn't move the needle one bit. Yet she was admitted. Makes no sense to me. Maybe we need to get the Nazz inducted and then shoot for Todd to get in!
No one on the list had a stronger resume than Todd. Not even close.
Ed Wolfman
Manhattan Beach, CA
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WOW. Wasn't sure I'd ever hear Nazz or Paul Fishkin ever mentioned again in my post WLIR (Ken Kohl/seagull years ) life ! Kudos
Bob Shavelson
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Dear Bob,
Yes. This is exactly right.
Bravo!
Christopher Meindl
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Amen!
Mike Bone
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Todd rules! My name's on the poster. (I think you'll know what that means).
Robert Miranda
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Re: "Hello It's Me"--Yes, you are the only person who prefers the non-Todd vocal original. Congratulations.
George Regis
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Todd Rundgren is a true rock pioneer and a prolific musical genius. His absence from the RRHF leaves you questioning the institution itself. It's similar to Lou Gehrig not being in the Baseball Hall of Fame. - Andrew Bleke / Atlanta
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Completely agree!!
Steve Whitfield
____________________________________________
Well put Bob,
I saw Todd twice in Toronto in the seventies...he had a huge impact on my music in his approach to live performance and especially his undeniable prowess in the studio...A true Giant in the world of recording arts!...All the Best! - R
Randy Dawson
____________________________________________
I agree that Todd needs to be in the RRHOF and wanted to add a shout-out to a couple of personal favorites to your list... "Under the Ice" from Nazz Nazz (I believe I had the original pressing on red vinyl) and "Breathless" (with the "sounds of the studio" intro, of course) from Something/Anything.
Dave
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Amen Bob. Todd is God. The most versatile inventive singular artist of all time. Bless you for this spotlight. Your influence is huge and at least there is some satisfaction in you letting your vast industry audience take note. However, who knows if he'd even show up to except an award. Lol. I have always been blessed and thankfully been able to make a buck doing what I love although flying under the radar but it was Todd Rundgren who inspired me not to become an imitation of myself and take chances. He reinvented the wheel at every turn and is unmatched. Happy Holidays. Peppy Castro
____________________________________________
So Bob?
Are you presenting the evidence of Rundgren's greatness to prove that the HOF is a sham org full of bloated egos? Or that Todd Rundgren really couldn't give a shit about it?
It's all about the work, not the awards, isn't it?......but I get your point.
Steve Chrismar
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Hall of Fame.
That's for people/bands that are all time greats. Todd Rundgren is not even close to that. Sure you may get a warm fuzzy feeling thinking about some of the things hes done. But Hall of Fame?? The Rock & Roll hall of Fame is diluted enough. Please don't advocate for this guy to get in.
Lee Tachman
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"With A Twist" where he re-invented his classic hits with a Bossa Nova beat. Terrific record and way out of his expected territory.
Good piece Bob
Lavon Pagan
____________________________________________
Saw Todd at The Coach House a couple of weeks ago. Hall Of Fame? Does it matter? No. Should he be inducted? Hell yeah!
Joseph Barbarotta
____________________________________________
Preach on brother, preach on.
Thanks
Dave Moskal
____________________________________________
Here here!
Joe Selinsky
____________________________________________
I was driving to LaGuardia today and heard this year?s inductees.
I was gobsmacked.
Todd had been running a solid third place throughout the voting. Janet
Jackson wasn't even on the realistic radar.
His bonafides are impeccable.
I could easily come up with a list as comprehensive and yet totally
different from yours.
Is his exclusion due to his long-stated stance that if elected he would
not run?
William Nollman
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Thank you for this. So well put as always.
...I feel a little better...
Douglas Haight
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God Bless You! I have been praying for this for him. Brian Wilson Todd Rundgren both on my American Rock Rushmore
Jan Uvena
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I completely agree with you, but....Andy Partridge "came around" a long time ago (the early 90s) on _Skylarking_, at the least. I think Todd's a world-historical genius (that isn't a original opinion), but as he said on that 1972 2-lp landmark, "It Takes Two to Tango": he does bear responsibility here, and lately he's been the one digging up the hatchet again. AP wasn't the first or last person to be at loggerheads with TR.
Marshall Armintor
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Amen!!
Shalaman1
____________________________________________
Here...Here...Bloody well Righteous.
About time and thank you.
DR G
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so true, bob. back in the day, todd sounded like nobody else; a real innovator, which should count for a lot. recently saw him on tour in a club that was packed with plenty of young people who were blown away, just as i was.
i don't know if he's god, but he certainly belongs in the r&rhof. thanks for a great read.
happy holidays,
mary e.
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Amen! I am truly befuddled how Todd Rundgren can be on the outside looking in on the RRHOF. He defines what a rock n roll artist should be. Very few artists share a list of credentials like his. I saw him perform this year and it was one of the best show I have seen in years.
Thanks for reminding us of his accomplishments! Let's make sure that he won't have to wait much longer to be inducted.
Neil Barry
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i'm sure you will have plenty of people mentioning "Bang on my Drum All Day" and maybe a few bringing up "hammer in my heart" but I think the first 2 Utopia records when he was totally progressive still sound great...or maybe it's just college nostalgia....thanks for reminding me just how great he was/is.
Louis Heidelmeier
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"Todd is God."
Amen.
NR Davis
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You missed maybe his best song, Love in Action, a cut you want to listen to over and over and over again. You can't stop it.
Les Jacobson
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You've made your case here for Todd. Should have been inducted in Round 1. He should be in because he embodies the Rock 'n' Roll spirit of not being afraid to EVER take a chance. He produced "War Babies" for Hall & Oates, another masterpiece. The album was the last album H+O would record on Atlantic before recording the "Silver" album for RCA where everyone thought Daryl was not a guy, and that maybe he and John were lovers. But with "War Babies" you have Todd, Daryl and Jon (3 guys from Philly) singing some of the greatest harmonies ever, on top of tracks produced by Todd. To this day it remains one of the most revolutionary LP's ever.
Is he God? Maybe not. But as a well known philosopher once said: "if he didn't exist, we'd have to create him anyway."
Tommy Val
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Amen Bob !!
Gotta mention my personel favorite " Boat On The Charles "
Joeph Carvello
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Nazz red vinyl classic...
Michael Fremer
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Let's not forget he produced "Love Junk" by The Pursuit of Happiness, one of the greatest pop punk records ever made. With the smash "I'm An Adult Now". https://open.spotify.com/track/7vXlSizoki8ozTuM8Eh46K?si=Q3guIpe-SrGFTWbHJ_5spA
Jake Gold
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Hey Bob - I became a Todd fan from that opening snare crack on Open My Eyes. Agree – Todd belongs!
Tony D'Amelio
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Todd has established his talent, versatility and genius over the years. The HofF needs him more than he needs them. He doesn't give a shit. I'll go see him anytime anyplace.
John Brodey
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Love Todd, love you playlist but you left off 70's Scenario from Hall & Oates, War Babies album produced by Todd !
I spent a night in Cannes with Daryl, he was taking requests at 3am in a bar at Midem. I asked him to play 70's Scenario but he couldn't remember the chords !
Todd's a genius and I never use that word too often.
Thanks for keeping great music alive and kicking,
Martin Hanlin
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'Todd is God'
Yes.
Steve Roberts
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Have you heard him on WTF with Marc Maron, Bob? Not a huge fan of Maron but it's an amazing podcast, well worth the listen.
Jon Chapple
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Thank you!
Sam Schauer
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My favorite works by Todd Rundgren is has work with Utopia. It was way ahead of its time, and I considered it game-changing. Favorites include 'Freak Parade' and 'The Icon'.
- Philbo King
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Todd is indeed God. I loved A Wizard A True Star and filled in the postcard and got my name on the Todd insert. My old band The Records wanted Todd to produce us and asked his manager Eric Gardner when we bumped into him in NY, but no could do. I love what Todd did with XTC, too bad Andy didn't like it. Long Flowing Robe, Can We Still Be Friends, in fact all of Hermit, and those hit productions. And Todd's not in the hall? Shame on those who didn't vote for him. Maybe next year.
Will Birch
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I know, and I'm a believer: Todd is God!
henpman
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Amen Bob.
Something Anything is a masterpiece and alongside Spilt Milk by Jellyfish the greatest record of all time in my house.
Johnny Wilks
Kscope
London
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Thank you for this!
Todd is a lot more than "Hello It's Me" and "Bang on the Drum All Day."
In 1979 I saw him for the first time at Dr. Pepper Music Festival in NYC with Utopia. Utopia performed not only the favorite "Caravan" that Todd wrote, but also "Something's Coming" from West Side Story and "Bolero" by Ravel.
Todd has always been one of music's most unique and creative minds and he is a hall of famer to all his devoted fans and friends.
Donna Balancia
P.S. That was the nicest - thank you! And yes, Todd is God. So sweet.
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Holy jeez, Bob...this is why I love you and The Letter. I spent a pretty good part of today commenting on HOF griping posts, pointing out how happy I was that TR finally got nominated, but that I fully expected him to get passed over...not only because he'd probably not even show up, but also if he did, he'd never pony up the $10k seats (not that he - or anyone - should) for his guests. And he'd probably verbally burn down the damn building in his speech.
But back to the original point, you not only reminded me of reasons why Todd is God...but also taught me some I didn't know. "Love My Way" is a song I've loved forever...I had no idea TR had anything to do with it.
You're tops,
jeff.g
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Dear Bob,
I'm not sure if Todd Is God,
if so, XTC would have titled
their brilliant song Dear Todd.
Yes, TR belongs in the rock and roll hall of fame.
He deserves it.
And speaking of the New York Dolls,
add them to the list as well. No Dolls,
No Pistols. To know them is to love them.
Let's not forget "A Woofer in Tweeter's Clothing"
by Sparks featuring "Girl From Germany" (which
should have been a hit single) produced by Todd.
And I'm of those who had "no taste in music" (thank you!)
who loved Grand Funk Railroad from their first album. Todd's
production of "American Band" is one of the great
singles of all time.
What is the R+RHOF waiting for? What will it take for them to
"Open Their Eyes?"
Marvin Etzioni
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Todd !! Absolutely. Well documented.
Also, equally, John Prine, Gram Parsons, Doug Sahm ... those 4 ommissions are just WRONG, and, IMHO, damage R&RHoF's credibility! No brainers that deserve to be in ahead of quite a few that already are.
Al Moss
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What a spectacular fail on the part of the R&RHoF!
The achievements on your list would / should have been enough for any nominee to be inducted with flying colors. And those only scratch the surface of Todd's vast body of work.
Best wishes,
Lee Elliott
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Nice and comprehensive article. I hope Todd gets in. It would be very sad if he doesn't.
Take care.
Mark Blumenthal
____________________________________________
The Last Ride. I got more mileage out of that as the go to soundtrack when I needed it most if you catch my drift. Aside from that I practically learned songwriting from Something/Anything.
Geoffrey Cushing-Murray
____________________________________________
It sickens me that Janet Jackson is in, and Todd is not. He was #3 in the fan vote...but not inducted. What a farce. I wonder what Jann Wenner has against him.
I'm looking forward to seeing his "Individualist" book/music hybrid tour at the Wiltern.
Thank you, Bob for your letter...it's the highlight of my inbox.
Nora Kelly
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"Marlene." One of my favorite songs ever...
Thanks,
Ben Kittner
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He also produced Jill Sobule's first and arguably most compelling album
"Things Here Are Different"
Susan L. Dodes
____________________________________________
And the God once wrote these poignant words:
You know, wishing won't make it so
Hoping won't do it, praying won't do it
Religion won't do it, philosophy won't do it
The supreme court won't do it,
The president and the congress won't do it
The sun won't do it, the h-bomb won't do it,
The sun and the moon won't do it
And God won't do it,
And I certainly won't do it
That leaves you, you'll have to do it
(Fair Warning)
Graham Perkins (Gray London)
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And he could put on a show. The Pyramid tour in the late 70's was spectacular for the times. Lights, fire, waterfalls and a summer salt off of a 20 foot tall pyramid while shredding one of his patented guitar solos. I don't even know how we found out about shows before the internet and e-mail but we never missed a Todd show.
Chris Gottlieb
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I saw Todd Rundgren last summer with Ringo. Great show, great band. But Todd stood out. He performed with such sincerity. And he sang his ass off. I was super impressed. He should and will be in the Hall of Fame.
Steve Cole
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Did you listen to the WTF podcast with Todd? Fantastic. Not a pleasant interview necessarily because Todd literally doesn't put up with any nonsense and that clearly plays out in his creative output as well. It's a laundry list of not just hits but benchmark songs that spans decades. He strikes me as an artist who serves the art before the business . . . he just happens to be savvy enough to have often married the two.
Cheers!
Keith R. Higgons
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Thanks for the Todd missive.
I couldn't agree more.
Next to "unsung musical hero" in the dictionary, is a picture of our Todd.
The people that know, KNOW, the ones that don't, fuck 'em.
Merry, Happy
Ellyn Solis
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Well said. Many more great songs, genre shifts and production gigs too numerous to mention. One of the best. Todd and so many more (Richard Thompson, Warren Zevon) belong in the Hall but the Hall, after all, is bullshit. It's turning into the Grammys which have always been and remain meaningless.
As Todd once said, "Play it loud."
Harold Love
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From the first Nazz record I bought in high school in 1969, I've been a huge Todd fan. When you line up all the brilliant albums he's either created, played on or produced, it's staggering. Side story, earlier this year I went to a Sparks show here in Manhattan. The next day I pulled out their first album and noticed Todd produced it. He's a wizard, a true star. I'm happy The Cure, Roxy Music and especially The Zombies getting in the HOF but really, Todd should be in there.
Jeff Capshew
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I whole heartedly agree. In fact many, many, many years ago as a student at Upper Darby High, where I shared lockers with his brother Robin (whose Facebook page I just found so I'll share your post with him), I and another student tried to get him inducted onto the Upper Darby High School Wall of Fame along with Jim Croce, and a few other notables (which would later include Tina Fey whose Mean Girls was inspired by UDHS). The authorities would not grant this honor to Todd because technically he did not actually graduate, and that was simply because apparently he had refused to cut his hair thus he was not issued a diploma. There is an issue of Rolling Stone Magazine from probably 1976 or 1977 where, in one of the columns toward the front of the magazine where they actually mention this pursuit of "two high school students from Upper Darby High" -- every so often I think about going to the main library--of "the library that puts on fishnets and hits the disco" fame (I live in Seattle now) to review back issues of Rolling Stone and find this little mention just for the fun of it. If I do I will copy and send to you.
warm regards,
Debra "I'd Vote For Todd" Bouchegnies (formerly Kaminsky)
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Thanks for your take on Todd. He has been overlooked for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame for sure. You covered so many great points as to why he should be in. Two things to share with you connected to Todd.
One...Love Is The Answer (the video) has been posted on my Facebook page a couple of times recently with the same lyrics that you quoted for the very reason that you stated. I strongly agree with you that the song is more relevant (and needed) today than it was 40+ years ago. Your recognition of this brought tears to my eyes. "Ask the man in your heart for the answer"
Two...I'm a 36 year radio vet who finds himself blessed with the opportunity to drive rideshare to supplement my income. A couple of weeks back I was called to The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach (North San Diego County) and as I rolled up to the front doors (well before the show for that evening was to conclude) I noticed a much older gentleman being escorted to my vehicle by a young man in his 20's. I was interested in who was playing the venue that night so my attention was focused on the marquee instead of focusing on the man entering my car in the seat directly behind me. Todd Rundgren is what the marquee stated. "Holy shit Todd Rundgren is playing tonight!?" I said. "If I had known that I would have parked the car for the evening and caught the show." I tried to hear what he was playing at that moment and I asked the younger man what song it was. His answer was "he's playing mostly cover tunes on this tour." At this point the older man behind me chimed in with "I wanted to hear Hello It's Me and he's not going to play it tonight." "Damn" I thought to myself, "what a shame." The young man asked me to get his dad home safely and headed back inside. As we began the drive and I looked for "Hello It's Me" on my iPod (yes I have it) I commented to the older man "In my opinion Todd Rundgren is one of the great composers of pop music that we have ever seen. A pure talent in so many ways, a genius." "Hello It's Me" started to play and I increased the volume for his enjoyment. He was going to hear that song tonight one way or another. About two verses in he commented "What an amazing song. So well crafted." We exchanged our love for Todd and his talents and I shared with him that I loved music and that I had worked in radio for years. As I approached his destination I realized that I was about to drop him off in an area of expensive homes. Fully aware that my passenger may be "somebody" I asked "excuse me, do you mind if I ask what you do or what you did for a living?" He came back with "I'm a musician and composer." I inquired "would know any of your work?" and he replied "probably, I'm Burt Bacharach!" Here was the master of pop compositions praising Todd. 'Nuff said.
Bryan Schock
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Bob
re: Todd
You missed this one-
"Healing" Little known
album. It is profoundly
brilliant in every way-
top to bottom.
Joe Walsh
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hey bob,
todd rundgren deserves to be president of the united states.
or better yet, czar of planet earth.
the rock and roll hall of fame is a low ball for him.
i think todd is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history.
in the league of lennon, mccartney, dylan, gamble and huff and richard rogers.
he is deeply loved and appreciated by his fans.
thanks for the great article.
rick nowels
I'm heartbroken….for LL Cool J. 5 times a bridesmaid...
Eric Gardner
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You certainly don't have to convince me. Growing up in Philly I first saw Todd with Woody's Truck Stop. He had the first '50s gold top Les Paul I ever saw (which is the guitar by which I still live and die), and showed me how to play Mike Bloomfield's "Born In Chicago" solo. Then the Nazz, who I never got to see live, but I absolutely agree with your take on "Hello, It's Me". Leaving Philadelphia when he did was probably the smartest thing he could have done, but a great loss to what might have been a burgeoning rock music scene there. So be it, he set the bar so high for so many. "Hermit Of Mink Hollow" is the one for me, if there are still Desert Island records that's definitely in my top five… so personal, so universal. As close to a "perfect" record as (your "perfect record" here). Some of his works have been left-field, some have left me scratching my head, but his home runs were many and out of the park.
Todd is already in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as far as I and the rest of the sentient world is concerned.
Eric Bazilian
P.S. By the way, check this out… https://open.spotify.com/track/2WKoLmf7x0yhJOn2meL7pY?si=btkl6wWERAm4xMGGKt8VkQ
From 1984 or thereabouts. Such an obvious homage to "Open My Eyes". We played the last concert at The Spectrum in Philly with him in 2000-something, which is the first time I'd seen him in decades. He'd never heard it! I sent it to him, never heard back, I do hope he listened. You'll get a kick out of it, and I'm sure you'll see the similarity.
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I especially love his a cappella work. Nothing beats it.
Queenie Taylor
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Thank you, Bob.
I was a little pissed off when I saw the inductees today. Radiohead before DEVO? Huh?
I'm glad that The Zombies & Roxy Music got in, but Stevie Nicks? Why?
Todd has recorded and produced some of the greatest music of the 20th Century and he's passed up over Def Leppard?
Fuck the Rock Hall. It's all BS politics, I'm afraid.
Happy Holidays!
Rodney Rowland
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Hear hear!
Peter Denholtz
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Ever year the HOF list come out and it continues to lose credibility due to no TR. ridiculous
Francis Lauderdale
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Enjoyed reading the piece on TR.
During the first year of "30 Rock",
Tina Fey wrote a great scene paying homage to Todd.
Liz Lemon (played by Tina Fey): "We need to fire Lutz."
Pete Hornberger (played by Scott Adsit): "What? Why? What happened?"
Liz: "He called me the worst name ever."
Frank Rossitano (played by Judah Friedlander): "What did he call you?"
Liz: "I'm not gonna repeat it. That's how much I hate it."
Pete: "Fat can?"
Liz: "No."
Frank: "Mouth hooker?"
Liz: "No."
Frank: "Monster bitch."
Pete: "Hatchet face."
Liz: "No! The one that rhymes with the name of your favorite Todd Rundgren album."
Frank (utterly confused): "It rhymes with Hermit of Mink Hollow?" –30 Rock, Season 1, "The C Word," written by Tina Fey
Rogers Motley
Chatham Virginia
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Because he's Todd Rundgren. That's why he needs to be in the Hall. It's that simple.
And if I have to elaborate, "Something/Anything" is as important as any album from that era.
As always, thanks for your vigilance.
fritzdoddy
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I never had a girlfriend named Marlene, but if I did, Todd wrote her song. It's perfectly beautiful earworm from "Something/Anything." It's been in my head since 1972.
You know, I was at Temple U. in Philly ('67) when Todd and his band, Woody's Truck Stop, played college mixers in Mitten Hall. He was the first person I ever saw with multi-colored hair.
Why isn't he in the Rock Hall?
Rich Arfin
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Fantastic! A true Todd fan.
Randy Gish
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SKYLARKING
Daniel Grgas
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Todd has always been God. Bless the Bearsville sound!
Thanks for this piece.
Cathy Goodman
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New York dolls was not overhyped that album is a stone cold classic of overwhelming importance especially to punk music that it had a large role in influencing. And he produced Laura nyro!
Bones Howell
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You are wrong on so many things. But when you are right, you are all in to-the-moon-and-back, 110% right. Todd's place in that stupid RRHoF is way long overdue.
Barry Pike
____________________________________________
Your so right….
Harris Goldberg
____________________________________________
Rundgren may not be everyone's fave, but you cannot deny his abilities. From XTC to Meatloaf, he is all over my fave albums. But the highlight for me is this track from "Lost in the Stars"- Weill never sounded so sinister, and that is saying something.
"Call from the Grave"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYq1lALlOBo
Dave Richards
14 Hits
____________________________________________
Bob really nice piece. I've been a believer for many years. It's criminal that Todd isn't seen as a national treasure. You're probably preaching to the choir with your readership but thanks for spreading the word. His tour next year promises to be a must see. Oh yea ...Todd's too good for the RRHF
Steve Gietka
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EARN ENOUGH FOR US. Genius. Thank you Todd and XTC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeDDQqO9kWo
Greg Renoff
____________________________________________
......yup.
Tommy Allen
____________________________________________
Todd Rundgren is THE most talented singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist still alive and working. Others may get more press but music history would be quite different without the last 50 years of Todd's contributions. He should have been in the R&RHOF years ago but he is really in a class by himself.
Paul Kalenak
____________________________________________
Todd really is God. You're 1000% right - Todd belongs in the RRHoF based solely on Something/Anything. And he composed and played almost everything himself, except for appearances by Michael and Randy Brecker, Rick Derringer, Ben Keith, and a couple of other luminaries of the day. As you accurately stated, add in the also-brilliant (and over-the-top) double-in-one-sleeve "Todd", "Ballad", "Wizard" (also over-the-top), "Hermit", and all of the vast production genius with others (Patti Smith!!) should make him a no-brainer several times over.
Finally, he's one of the greatest singers in rock, pop, and soul - plus an incredibly inventive and exhilarating vocal arranger.
These young voters will never get it until some older lover slips them a mickey, turns out the lights, and blasts "The Night The Carousel Burned Down", "Couldn't I Just Tell You", and then Side One of "Todd". I swear I will never recover...
Thanks,
Danny Kapilian
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You are so right on this one. At least The Zombies finally got in (deservingly so) before they aged out. Eron Epstein
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Bob
This is brilliant!
Mike Busch
____________________________________________
and "Wailing Wall"
Todd received the Les Paul Award in '14
sofu_gan
____________________________________________
Todd Rundgren is a true genius, a word I rarely use.
Ever hear the album A Cappella? Everything done with his voice
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Cappella_(Todd_Rundgren_album)
Todd embraced the use of computers and video VERY early on.
AND, he's a really good guy!
If ever ANYONE deserved to be in the RRHOF, it's him.
ABBA who????
Kevin Kiley
____________________________________________
He needs to do his greatest hits, not only his deeps cuts which he did on his last tour. But also
do some covers of songs he produced for those bands like you mentioned, Tubes N Cheap Trick.
And for the encore? one of the songs he did with Hall on the series Daryl's House.
Just to wake up those sleep heads at the RR of Fame.
Frank Ball
____________________________________________
Sorry Bob, but I gotta disagree about Todd. He was great and did great things, sure. To paraphrase what David Cone once said about baseball players: "if they are not a lock in the first second you think of a name, they don't belong in the Hall of Fame. It needs to be automatic". The same applies to music and the RRHOF. If you have to defend someone so hardcore, they just don't belong. Rage Against The Machine is the real crime of omission here. Innovative and truly groundbreaking. Smarter lyrics and harder music together than everyone in that era, including Nirvana who are in. Pathetic to leave them out.
Call me when Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden get in.
Keith Chachkes
Chief Editor, Metalhead lifer
Ghost Cult Magazine
www.ghostcultmag.com
____________________________________________
I saw Todd twice in the last 2-3 years at the Coach House. He sounds terrible. He lost his voice. If you have a line to him I would think if he can somehow monetize his studio work or some kind of media presence it would be game-changing. He has the brain and the talent to do it. But touring is bumming me out. That said, I will never forget a show at the Boulder Theater where he did it solo, heckled the drunks a bit, and played a legendary solo performance of "Beloved Infidel" which is super obscure I bet but just a gem of a tune. I hate his Libtardian politics but he and his art are def favorites. Easily an "American Treasure." Thanks, Todd.
CJ in LA
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Well done. Todd FOR SURE belongs. You've named many of his successes (some of which may surprise many people). I'd like to add that what these specific examples are, are examples of the strong, multi-decade influence Todd had on so many of us. He's also super smart, kind, and infinitely creative.
Todd not only belongs in the RRHF for his works as an artist, producer, singer and songwriter not only for his obvious recorded successes, but also for his influence and development of the music we love far beyond the records and bands he created, helped, repaired... Todd has a musical courage, an integrity and influence that drove the whole of music forward with honesty and immense talent.
Thank you for the effort you put into detailing all of this Bob, you faithfully opened a window into this extraordinary man and artist. The deeper part can be found in the music itself.
(Anyone heard the album FAITHFUL? Those who know, know that this album was an honor to those who influenced him, FAITHFULLY re-recorded by Todd almost exactly like the originals. Little chance it would produce a hit or any real income to Todd. Pure, artistic, GENEROUS tribute to the music from which Todd sprung. In my experience, THIS is who Todd is.)
Great post Bob, thank you,
Bill Green
____________________________________________
Totally agree with you on Todd!
I also don't understand how DMB is left out?? They seem to check all the boxes and continue to fill stadiums and sell records 25 years later!! Any thoughts on why weren't they even nominated?
Thanks,
John Hever
____________________________________________
You forgot The Pursuit of Happiness and their debut album Love Junk. I'm sure Jake Gold is emailing or texting you right now to add them to that list! Definitely a another Todd masterpiece of production, all killer no filler album.
Yes they're a Canadian band but the big single on there "I'm An Adult Now" made a bit of a break through in the states especially in LA but here in Canada it's a rock classic and the band just reissued it as a 30th anniversary special edition. Still sounds timeless thanks to Todd's production and his help with the arrangements which band leader/songwriter credits to him.
Record company asked him after he signed who he wanted to produce. He aimed high for his musical hero, in no way expecting him to actually do it, especially a debut, or the record company to even float it by him, but as tactic for them to counter with a producer they would like instead of some go to of the day. Talk about surprise and elation when Todd contacted him to say he was interested in doing it! Pick up the reissue as the liner notes detail the whole sorta Cinderella story.
Michael Moniz
____________________________________________
My son is in a low-mid level touring band. I tell him every day...you play your best song first and blow them away, then you have them. You want to play between the most drawing and second most drawing band on the bill until they are coming just to hear your #1 song, then you play it last.
Simon Aleman
____________________________________________
I have defended the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from its detractors for many years. But as of today, that shameful institution is dead to me. There's clearly some agenda at work to deny entry to one of the musical giants of our time. For all the reasons you mentioned and many more, Todd should have been in years ago. Instead it appears that they're going to wait until he's gone, until it's too late, to recognize his genius. And when they finally do, I hope the person who accepts in his name gets up there and tells them to go f*** themselves.
Ken Shane
____________________________________________
Todd played two nights down here in San Juan Capistrano a few weeks ago. We get some really interesting acts at the Coach House. Come down some time.
Dan Rosen
____________________________________________
You overlooked my favorite band from high school in Philly, Todd's group Woody's Truck Stop https://www.allmusic.com/artist/woodys-truck-stop-mn0001295648 Listen to People Been Talkin' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um64HppvOgg. And then the Todd production of "I'll Be Around" by my former client "What Is This", a remake of the classic hit by the Spinners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR9-0tx2kcg (What Is This members included Hillel Slovak and Jack Irons from the Chili Peppers with Alain Johannes and Todd Strassman). Yes, Todd belongs in the Hall!
Henry Root
____________________________________________
Well put Bob.
Absolutely criminal that the sheer genius of TR has not as yet been recognized by voters and the the Hall.
Such a disappointment today to realize he had been overlooked ...again.
If there is any justice next year for Todd-long as he remains denied the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame is not cutting it!
Chris Brooke
Winnipeg
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BANG ON THE DRUM a Packer fan can't believe u left this off your list!
JAM
But I thought you agreed with me the HOF is a joke!
Joe Mock
____________________________________________
And don't forget Bob, his rabid following, easily on par with or beyond the likes of Deadheads, any jam band or even the Parrotheads, although I don't think the Parrotheads are of the multiple shows in multiple cities squad.
His fans have been there from the start and haven't loosened their grip and the will be "faithful" forever.
On that aspect alone, if there was ever a consideration for loyalty, Todd
would have a mantle full of participation trophies a mile wide.
Yes, as the fans say; Todd Is God.
And if you ever had a newsletter that needed a part two, this is one of
them.
Perry/Chicago
____________________________________________
All true...but not only did you leave out a ton of recordings that deserve attention, but also Todd's accomplishments in video (he focused on innovative techniques, in the very early days of MTV) and fan subscription services (PatroNet gave fans access to partial and unfinished recording LONG before Prince and others had similar services)!
There is virtually no artist/producer/innovator that deserves the recognition as much as Todd...even if that is only the sham that is the pitiful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bob Reeves
Nashville TN
____________________________________________
"When I want to teach my kids about the history of Rock and Roll the first thing I play them is a Janet Jackson record," said no-one ever.
Paul Cashmere
____________________________________________
Amen, Brother Bob.
The church of Todd.
David Wilk
____________________________________________
Amen Bob! I voted as many times as I could. Todd probably does not care though. Glad we do
Van Fletcher
____________________________________________
Wankers is (are?) right!
Goes to show you how uniformed the RRHOF is. I would have thought he was in there years ago.
Todd created some of the world's most memorable music for the last 50 years or longer, and he's just getting recognized now?
Hooey.
But then again Zevon's not in there either, so F them.
Russ Novack.
PS: Wasn't one of those Nazz albums on green vinyl?
____________________________________________
I love Rundgren and his music so much! The scale and quality of his immense catalog is mind boggling. He's scored so much of my life, and even when he was infuriatingly self indulgent on his live set choices, he was still head and shoulders above everyone. The man at 70 has not lost a step or a note. The Utopia show at the Wiltern last May was one of the best lives shows I've seen in my 40+ years of concert going! (and he DID do a whole show of his hits 2 years ago at the Saban, and it was as incredible as you'd imagine)
Even when Todd insulted me and my band (Green Jellö) to my face backstage about 20 years ago…I STILL worshipped the guy! And he wasn't wrong. It WAS a sophomore slump…just like Runt: Ballad!
Do you think Jann keeps him out on purpose cause he's talked shit about the Hall?
Gary Helsinger
____________________________________________
I voted for him.
Damn Poseurs.
I actually think the detail of your email below may help Todd next time....
Peter Shapiro
____________________________________________
Nicely done Bob.
Pass the one hitter my way and add "A Wizard A True Star" — cause he's in THAT Hall of Fame too!
Steve Lindstrom
____________________________________________
Amen Bob.
the R&RHOF has become such a travesty i just don't pay attention to it anymore.
Tim Hallam
____________________________________________
One of my favorite Jesse Winchester clips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uKGWpqnS8E
I love how Elvis Costello and the others on stage are so amazed and captivated by this awesome, pure performance.
People who aren't familiar with Jesse Winchester are truly missing a gem.
And yes, Todd Rundgren should have been inducted into the R&RHoF a long time ago. But would he sell enough tickets and bring the TV ratings they want these days?
Russ Paris
____________________________________________
I would also add-
Caravan....(from Adventures in Utopia)
"Moses went into the desert
Moses came out with The Law
Jesus went into the desert
G-d only knows what He saw"....
Yes, a great tribute and acknowledg"ment, Mr. L.... TR not underrated but somehow under-recognized.... A Genius in every aspect of the musical arts
-Anthony Napoli
Beacon, NY
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Yes. Todd is God.
Mellencamp clip when John was on Letterman. Todd is sitting in on the band with Paul Schaffer.
Musicians know when the public doesn't.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CSQs2boo4Sk
Todd Devonshire
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I agree with nearly everything...except about the NY Dolls. Both albums great, both with great songs, the other one produced by the legendary Shadow Morton, and they were always a lot of fun, albeit sloppy, live, especially in the early days.
Toby Mamis
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Sometimes, maybe often, you drive me crazy. Not this time. It's a joke Todd is not in the Hall. I'm 58. I've seen him in every decade starting in the 1970s. Always great. Always different. Always relevant. Still relevant. And damn, what a songwriter.
Steven Birenberg
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https://www.cleveland.com//entertainment/2018/12/rock-roll-hall-of-fame-voters-goofed-by-leaving-todd-rundgren-out-of-the-class-of-2019-chuck-yarborough.html
Wallace Sanders
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Well said, Bob.
He'll get in if there's any justice.
And Trump will have the big one if there's any justice.
Maybe justice maybe not.
We'll see.
Kevin Ritchie
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Amen.
Tom Wszalek
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God bless you Bob Lefsetz. I literally had a tear in my eye when I learned that Todd was bypassed for the hall this year (although I was not surprised given the hall's history). Todd is God indeed and your beautiful words were very much needed.
Harlan Lansky
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I personally don't think you need to go through a long involved email with all the songs listed (even though I'm glad you did) to convince anybody who reads your letter That Todd belongs in the rock 'n' roll Hall of Fame..A lifetime of Innovacion and excellence on the musical end and the technical end should have been enough to make this a unanimous choice. Obviously there are people out there with their heads up you know where that just can't get a grip on the situation And how major of a creative figure he has been for about 50 years now...I mean he even produced the Paul Butterfield blues band live album. Talk about diversity. People who didn't vote for him should be ashamed of themselves
By the way I used to really enjoy going to see Utopia At the Chance in Poughkeepsie New York....My friend Chris Anderson used to be their tech guy and I saw many shows..All awesome
Peace,Jason Miles
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i grew up on Nazz and Todd…… this is long overdue….if Hall and Oates are in then Todd needs his due acknowledgment….
my guess of why he is overlooked may be due to his pushing the edge on all forms of music …whether it was pop, soul, jazz fusion or whatever……he did not stick to one genre…… which is why he should be inducted….Todd is the true Renaissance musician…. oh and did anyone mention what an incredible producer he is….
thanks for bringing his candidacy to the forefront….
bill powell
feld entertainment
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Saw Todd do a 1-man show at the (Hollywood) Palace on Vine back in the late 80's. He played piano, Fairlight CMI synth (he would sometimes throw the control panel on the video screens) and a video controller dropping filters on his live video. It was 2 hours of compelling theater, storytelling and music. I also saw him at a New Music Seminar in NYC that same year where he told the story of the XTC album. A true disruptor. HOF be damned, WE know who he is! #RealMan
David Benson
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Heartbreaking that you even need to explain this to people. That said, it does warm the heart to read about Todd's work. Brilliant.
Myles Silton
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I don't have much to add to your treatise on Todd other than to say, like most fans, I have my own favorites that may not necessarily match your own. But, you covered hit the high notes in a comprehensive way. Todd is a hall of famer.
When I think of Todd, I think mostly of the early solo albums, which were my college years. They spoke to me clearly about my life at the time. A few years later, I was in Woodstock at a supermarket and there was this guy behind me with rainbow colored hair and rock star clothes (with his lady friend/wife?) who seemed really tired. Instant fanboy time for me. At that time, I was a kid working with a young band in town that night and I invited him to the show. He couldn't have been nicer in his answer. He explained that he had just gotten back from the road, couldn't make it, but thanked me for the invite. It felt sincere.
No attitude. No bullshit. Just positive human interaction with a nobody in an age of sometimes celebrated atrocious rock star behavior.
Todd rocks.
Phil Brennan
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Couldn't agree more
Thanks!
Egreenteam
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Totally agree ala Todd!
Check out the Joe Cocker doc. on Netflix....also NOT in the R & R Hall of Fame.
And then, how about Harry Nilsson?!!!
Steve Winwood? Kate Bush?
~Skinny
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I'm admittedly two-faced when it comes to the Rock Hall. I've never been and I want to see it. Also, I'm a freelance music writer that will sometimes say to myself, "So cool, I interviewed so-and-so and that person is in the RRHOF." Interviewed Graham Nash earlier this year and he's been inducted twice, for example. With that said, I see who's in and who's snubbed and wonder why I even care about it at all. We can spend days on the "Who should be in?" debate, but in my opinion leaving Todd out is inexcusable and mind-blowing. Thanks for the great post about him. Maybe one day...
Brent Thompson
Birmingham, AL
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YES !!!!!!!
Peter Roaman
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Nice. Something/Anything. You could always wow your friends with it.
mab
Mike Becker
St. Louis (and the world)
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"I'm An Adult Now"
The Pursuit Of Happiness
Chart # 22 US
bpthree bpthree
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Thank you.
Michael Kurtz
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Next position please is the most underrated cheap trick album.
Every song on it is a gem.
Dont forget side 2 of Remote Control by the Tubes
Aw hell. Just start the Lefsetz rnr hall of fame.
Robert Genter
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"Personality Crisis"
New York Dolls
Overhyped, they'd be completely forgotten if it were not for Todd's production on their debut LP.
Bob, you're wrong. David launched a thousand front men; Johnny Thunders is a god damned icon and one of the greats; Jerry Nolan was one of the greatest rock and roll drummers; Syl's "Trash" Alone should grant them access.. let alone Arthur Kane.
The New York Dolls were too dangerous for you then and too dangerous for you now.
NYD are as rock and roll as it gets.
BGreen
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Yep, Bob, you nailed it.
Todd is amazing.
I loved listening to The Night the Carousel Burned Down from Something Anything with headphones.
He's taken us all on musical trips, and I have to admit, I didn't like them all. It doesn't matter, though, he did what a musician/producer is supposed to do. He showed us another way to look at Pop and Rock every time he came out of the studio.
He even took the time to pay his respects to people he admired with the Faithful album.
I only have one correction to your remarks about Something Anything. Wolfman wasn't on the album version of Wolfman Jack, but he was on the single version.
He deffinitly should be in the Hall of Fame, probably before anyone else on this years list.
Bill Scherer from MN.
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Bob, great list here! Thanks for writing this and shedding some light on a master craftsman's catalogue. He is my idol and I wholeheartedly agree he should be in the Rock Hall, but part of me thinks he doesn't even care. He seems like someone who was always about the creative expression rather than accolades. Just my two cents...
Matt DiMarino
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Yeah it is crazy to have Stevie Nicks and Janet Jackson in their and NOT Todd. Back to the Bars was my first Todd album and I still love it. It's my desert island album pick forever. I bought more of his albums and saw him at the Akron Agora in the 80s and in the Flats in Cleveland maybe 20 yrs ago. He was amazing both times. He is such a huge talent. Thank you for writing about him. I hope he gets in next year. I'm not going to the RRHOF until he's in!
Love your writing.
Sandy Jones
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Todd Rundgren...
Just hangin in his studio for a week...
Will create more things relevant to "rock and roll" than Janet Jackson---has ever done.
However...
The lofty legion that is the Hall of Fame committee will often cite "influence" as a reason the musically disconnected get in.
So...just based on influence...JJ makes the RRHOF.
How so?
Well...that "exposure" pretty much changed everything.
Now follow me here:
---She was the focus of a Super Bowl halftime "show."
---After that, the FCC clamped down hard on radio.
---Radio companies created zero-tolerance environments.
---The top rock station personalities were soon fired or left.
---The biggest of all...Howard Stern...saves satellite radio.
---Bob Lefsetz gets a radio show.
Marty Bender
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Hi Bob. I normally don't need to respond to your blog posts but you hit the
nail on the head with this one. Runt/The Ballad is definitely one of the
true masterpieces of American song writing of the last couple decades! Glad
somebody else recognizes this as well!!
Best,
Peter Weitzner
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So glad you said this Bob – he's truly underrated. Awesome that you mentioned XTC – that was a fine production.
Mark Frieser
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And don't forget the recently released "Tin Foil Hat."
James Ferguson
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The song on "Something, Anything" that has possibly the most Rock and Roll line is "Is It My Name" where he says "I play my guitar in such a man-cock way"!! That line surely takes influence from Mannish Boy, I'm a Man, Hootchie Cootchie Man, Seventh Son, among other songs. Every young rock star is thinking about the sex but they start out as just boys who want to be men. They wanna be with the second mother like another Bob said.
Darkmatterdon
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Nice one!
Ricky Schultz
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Mr. Lefsetz-
This was your first post that made me want to stand up and cheer.
As one of those who has "known" since the mid-seventies, I find it somewhat of a disgrace that Todd is not in the hall when so many acts who are not even rock are enshrined.
As much as I am a fan of his work, I think he deserves it more for his influence.
He has been doing the one man studio band thing since the Runt album, but other artists got credit for it a decade later.
He is a master-class producer (although sometimes the end result does sound too much like his own work).
He is an obvious influence on other acts-heck, when Hall &Oates released "Kiss On My List" I went to the record store looking for a new Todd album.
He finished third in the fan balloting, but still lost to a few bands that came in far below him.
I went to the Hall in 2002 and remember there was an exhibit of Madonna and Britney Spears outfits and wondered why that was there. Even though I have been to Cleveland several times since, that trip told me all I needed to know.
Or maybe I am still grousing because the hall didn't end up in Philly.
If you have never heard it, I would encourage you to listen to 1989's Nearly Human. I think it is his best album if you skip the EC cover song.
And as always, thanks for you posts!
Laurence Cavanaugh
One of the Todd faithful
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I agree with you about Todd Rundgren.
You can add Warren Zevon and John Prine to that folder of greatness that are not properly acknowledged in this particular field. Two of the greatest songwriter/lyricists to ever live.
On a positive note Roxy Music got their just due.
One step at a time I suppose or to quote John Prine;
"It don't make much sense that common sense don't make no sense no more."
Ted Lindsay
Burlington, Ontario
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Couldn't agree more and it's about time someone (with clout) stood up for him. And the Nazz version of Hello It's Me is definitive. What was he, like 15 or 16? That entire album still works.
David Murphy
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Nice to have another person vouching for Todd's inclusion. I definitely disagree with you about the Dolls, but otherwise solid track selections. Only thing you missed was mentioning his production on Hall and Oates' 'War Babies', which is almost a lost sibling to his 'Todd' album from the same year.
Thanks,
Morris Hanson
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He is deserving, but less so than the Iron Maiden or the priest
One only needs to listen
Hello it's me. (Not a bad lightweight pop song)
Vs. second to none (priest) or run to the hills (maiden)
There is a reason why teenagers still wear vintage looking old metal band t shirts
Cheers
Ted
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Bob, you're spot on. And the same goes for the Guess Who. Huge hits and Cummings had (and still to a large degree, still has) one of the greatest voices in Rock (btw, loved your Bachman interview).
Some of the jokers who are in and these guys aren't?
You should write your top five or ten artists most deserving but not in the R&R HOF.
Never give up!
Ken Bravo
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Hello Bob,
I love Todd and I'm glad you're espousing his HOF admittance but any list of Todd's achievements that doesn't mention "Couldn't I Just Tell You" is a travesty. It might be the greatest power pop song ever written.
Respectfully,
Jonathan
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Bravo on Todd! An artist in a sea of entertainers. Thanks for acknowledging "It's a Long Time…" spectacular song!
Jimmy Steal
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Thank you
rclark
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Being from Jersey just across the bridge from Philadelphia and growing up in the 60's and 70's, to my friends and I Todd was God!!
My Dad bought a juke box for the family (5 kids) when I was in grade school and filled it every other month with 45's and one of those was The Nazz single "Open My Eyes" b/w "Hello It's Me " and you're right the Nazz version is soooooo much better.
My friends and I began buying his LP's in High School, had every one up to Hermit of Mink Hollow and when I began working in a music store after HS, met a guy who used to go see The Nazz, had all 3 LP'S and gave them to me!
Whether he gets in the RRHOF or not he is a true artist, and he will always be "A Wizard and a True Star"!
Cheers
Tom Gillam
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Great playlist.
The contrarian's curse. We say we want rebels and mold-breakers, but they are so damn challenging that often we lose steam and let them go.
Rock on,
Ralph Covert
P.S. RE: RnRHOF: Something/Anything alone qualifies him. Add the rest of the CV... wow.
And yet. Yeah, he can be grating. I opened for him years ago. I was so excited to be there, but he was so LOUD and self-indulgent that I left two songs into his set and never met him. I guess I was the vodka and tonic and he was the Angostura bitters. Still, he deserves the credit for his talent.
Just sayin'.
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O yes - with more talent than most earthlings have the capacity to understand - indeed Todd is God!
- Milkweed (Malcolm Clark)
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For those of us who have always loved Todd intensely, it's impossible to understand how the HOF didn't induct him decades ago. His body of work blows away most. His writing, playing and singing are among the best, how many other artists can do it all!? Wizard remains one of my most treasured records, a freakin masterpiece, as is Side one of Initiation. Todd is God indeed!
Adam Bernstein
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From the first Nazz record I bought in high school in 1969, I've been a huge Todd fan. When you line up all the brilliant albums he's either created, played on or produced, it's staggering. Side story, earlier this year I went to a Sparks show here in Manhattan with a good friend, who's Japanese. Todd produced the iteration of Sparks called Half Nelson. The next day he sent me a YouTube video by a Japanese group I'd never heard of Fishmans. The track was a live, 45 minute opus called "Long Season", that is staggeringly brilliant and poignant as the singer died a few months later, in 1995. It's the finest long song I've ever heard. Since then, I've bought every Fishmans CD and then starting listening and buying every CD from Polaris, the group of surviving members of Fishmans. Todd produced one Fishmans/Polaris in Woodstock but I can't find it right now. What remains true over all these years is Todd is a wizard, a true star.
Jeff Capshew
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Bob:
Coming from a long time hard core Rundgren fan, I could quibble with some of your choices, but wholeheartedly agree that
Nazz version of "Hello Its Me" is preferred
"Ballad" is an underappreciated gem
Also:
Just about all of us have a record that changed their lives. Something/Anything was mine
It is a travesty that he was passed over by the RRHOF, but your recognition provides some welcome balm to the fans….who are the ones most affected by this. I doubt that Todd cares a bit.
But…for the record…the RRHOF conducted fan balloting for several months. Todd placed third. Everyone in the top five was admitted except him. Artists (ahem) with much fewer votes were admitted. Bob….is there any reason to believe anything other that that this sham was jerking us off. They had no intention of putting him in.
And, although this may sound like sour grapes….Stevie Nicks was elected on her SOLO CAREER. She is already in on as a member of the Mac. I would venture that most anyone listening to her solo work, if asked, would say it was the Mac. Her solo stuff sounds like Mac outtakes. Actually like less memorable cuts on a Mac album. She didn't move the needle one bit. Yet she was admitted. Makes no sense to me. Maybe we need to get the Nazz inducted and then shoot for Todd to get in!
No one on the list had a stronger resume than Todd. Not even close.
Ed Wolfman
Manhattan Beach, CA
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WOW. Wasn't sure I'd ever hear Nazz or Paul Fishkin ever mentioned again in my post WLIR (Ken Kohl/seagull years ) life ! Kudos
Bob Shavelson
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Dear Bob,
Yes. This is exactly right.
Bravo!
Christopher Meindl
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Amen!
Mike Bone
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Todd rules! My name's on the poster. (I think you'll know what that means).
Robert Miranda
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Re: "Hello It's Me"--Yes, you are the only person who prefers the non-Todd vocal original. Congratulations.
George Regis
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Todd Rundgren is a true rock pioneer and a prolific musical genius. His absence from the RRHF leaves you questioning the institution itself. It's similar to Lou Gehrig not being in the Baseball Hall of Fame. - Andrew Bleke / Atlanta
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Completely agree!!
Steve Whitfield
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Well put Bob,
I saw Todd twice in Toronto in the seventies...he had a huge impact on my music in his approach to live performance and especially his undeniable prowess in the studio...A true Giant in the world of recording arts!...All the Best! - R
Randy Dawson
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I agree that Todd needs to be in the RRHOF and wanted to add a shout-out to a couple of personal favorites to your list... "Under the Ice" from Nazz Nazz (I believe I had the original pressing on red vinyl) and "Breathless" (with the "sounds of the studio" intro, of course) from Something/Anything.
Dave
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Amen Bob. Todd is God. The most versatile inventive singular artist of all time. Bless you for this spotlight. Your influence is huge and at least there is some satisfaction in you letting your vast industry audience take note. However, who knows if he'd even show up to except an award. Lol. I have always been blessed and thankfully been able to make a buck doing what I love although flying under the radar but it was Todd Rundgren who inspired me not to become an imitation of myself and take chances. He reinvented the wheel at every turn and is unmatched. Happy Holidays. Peppy Castro
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So Bob?
Are you presenting the evidence of Rundgren's greatness to prove that the HOF is a sham org full of bloated egos? Or that Todd Rundgren really couldn't give a shit about it?
It's all about the work, not the awards, isn't it?......but I get your point.
Steve Chrismar
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Hall of Fame.
That's for people/bands that are all time greats. Todd Rundgren is not even close to that. Sure you may get a warm fuzzy feeling thinking about some of the things hes done. But Hall of Fame?? The Rock & Roll hall of Fame is diluted enough. Please don't advocate for this guy to get in.
Lee Tachman
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"With A Twist" where he re-invented his classic hits with a Bossa Nova beat. Terrific record and way out of his expected territory.
Good piece Bob
Lavon Pagan
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Saw Todd at The Coach House a couple of weeks ago. Hall Of Fame? Does it matter? No. Should he be inducted? Hell yeah!
Joseph Barbarotta
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Preach on brother, preach on.
Thanks
Dave Moskal
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Here here!
Joe Selinsky
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I was driving to LaGuardia today and heard this year?s inductees.
I was gobsmacked.
Todd had been running a solid third place throughout the voting. Janet
Jackson wasn't even on the realistic radar.
His bonafides are impeccable.
I could easily come up with a list as comprehensive and yet totally
different from yours.
Is his exclusion due to his long-stated stance that if elected he would
not run?
William Nollman
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Thank you for this. So well put as always.
...I feel a little better...
Douglas Haight
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God Bless You! I have been praying for this for him. Brian Wilson Todd Rundgren both on my American Rock Rushmore
Jan Uvena
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I completely agree with you, but....Andy Partridge "came around" a long time ago (the early 90s) on _Skylarking_, at the least. I think Todd's a world-historical genius (that isn't a original opinion), but as he said on that 1972 2-lp landmark, "It Takes Two to Tango": he does bear responsibility here, and lately he's been the one digging up the hatchet again. AP wasn't the first or last person to be at loggerheads with TR.
Marshall Armintor
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Amen!!
Shalaman1
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Here...Here...Bloody well Righteous.
About time and thank you.
DR G
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so true, bob. back in the day, todd sounded like nobody else; a real innovator, which should count for a lot. recently saw him on tour in a club that was packed with plenty of young people who were blown away, just as i was.
i don't know if he's god, but he certainly belongs in the r&rhof. thanks for a great read.
happy holidays,
mary e.
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Amen! I am truly befuddled how Todd Rundgren can be on the outside looking in on the RRHOF. He defines what a rock n roll artist should be. Very few artists share a list of credentials like his. I saw him perform this year and it was one of the best show I have seen in years.
Thanks for reminding us of his accomplishments! Let's make sure that he won't have to wait much longer to be inducted.
Neil Barry
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i'm sure you will have plenty of people mentioning "Bang on my Drum All Day" and maybe a few bringing up "hammer in my heart" but I think the first 2 Utopia records when he was totally progressive still sound great...or maybe it's just college nostalgia....thanks for reminding me just how great he was/is.
Louis Heidelmeier
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"Todd is God."
Amen.
NR Davis
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You missed maybe his best song, Love in Action, a cut you want to listen to over and over and over again. You can't stop it.
Les Jacobson
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You've made your case here for Todd. Should have been inducted in Round 1. He should be in because he embodies the Rock 'n' Roll spirit of not being afraid to EVER take a chance. He produced "War Babies" for Hall & Oates, another masterpiece. The album was the last album H+O would record on Atlantic before recording the "Silver" album for RCA where everyone thought Daryl was not a guy, and that maybe he and John were lovers. But with "War Babies" you have Todd, Daryl and Jon (3 guys from Philly) singing some of the greatest harmonies ever, on top of tracks produced by Todd. To this day it remains one of the most revolutionary LP's ever.
Is he God? Maybe not. But as a well known philosopher once said: "if he didn't exist, we'd have to create him anyway."
Tommy Val
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Amen Bob !!
Gotta mention my personel favorite " Boat On The Charles "
Joeph Carvello
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Nazz red vinyl classic...
Michael Fremer
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Let's not forget he produced "Love Junk" by The Pursuit of Happiness, one of the greatest pop punk records ever made. With the smash "I'm An Adult Now". https://open.spotify.com/track/7vXlSizoki8ozTuM8Eh46K?si=Q3guIpe-SrGFTWbHJ_5spA
Jake Gold
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Hey Bob - I became a Todd fan from that opening snare crack on Open My Eyes. Agree – Todd belongs!
Tony D'Amelio
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Todd has established his talent, versatility and genius over the years. The HofF needs him more than he needs them. He doesn't give a shit. I'll go see him anytime anyplace.
John Brodey
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Love Todd, love you playlist but you left off 70's Scenario from Hall & Oates, War Babies album produced by Todd !
I spent a night in Cannes with Daryl, he was taking requests at 3am in a bar at Midem. I asked him to play 70's Scenario but he couldn't remember the chords !
Todd's a genius and I never use that word too often.
Thanks for keeping great music alive and kicking,
Martin Hanlin
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'Todd is God'
Yes.
Steve Roberts
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Have you heard him on WTF with Marc Maron, Bob? Not a huge fan of Maron but it's an amazing podcast, well worth the listen.
Jon Chapple
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Thank you!
Sam Schauer
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My favorite works by Todd Rundgren is has work with Utopia. It was way ahead of its time, and I considered it game-changing. Favorites include 'Freak Parade' and 'The Icon'.
- Philbo King
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Todd is indeed God. I loved A Wizard A True Star and filled in the postcard and got my name on the Todd insert. My old band The Records wanted Todd to produce us and asked his manager Eric Gardner when we bumped into him in NY, but no could do. I love what Todd did with XTC, too bad Andy didn't like it. Long Flowing Robe, Can We Still Be Friends, in fact all of Hermit, and those hit productions. And Todd's not in the hall? Shame on those who didn't vote for him. Maybe next year.
Will Birch
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I know, and I'm a believer: Todd is God!
henpman
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Amen Bob.
Something Anything is a masterpiece and alongside Spilt Milk by Jellyfish the greatest record of all time in my house.
Johnny Wilks
Kscope
London
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Thank you for this!
Todd is a lot more than "Hello It's Me" and "Bang on the Drum All Day."
In 1979 I saw him for the first time at Dr. Pepper Music Festival in NYC with Utopia. Utopia performed not only the favorite "Caravan" that Todd wrote, but also "Something's Coming" from West Side Story and "Bolero" by Ravel.
Todd has always been one of music's most unique and creative minds and he is a hall of famer to all his devoted fans and friends.
Donna Balancia
P.S. That was the nicest - thank you! And yes, Todd is God. So sweet.
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Holy jeez, Bob...this is why I love you and The Letter. I spent a pretty good part of today commenting on HOF griping posts, pointing out how happy I was that TR finally got nominated, but that I fully expected him to get passed over...not only because he'd probably not even show up, but also if he did, he'd never pony up the $10k seats (not that he - or anyone - should) for his guests. And he'd probably verbally burn down the damn building in his speech.
But back to the original point, you not only reminded me of reasons why Todd is God...but also taught me some I didn't know. "Love My Way" is a song I've loved forever...I had no idea TR had anything to do with it.
You're tops,
jeff.g
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Dear Bob,
I'm not sure if Todd Is God,
if so, XTC would have titled
their brilliant song Dear Todd.
Yes, TR belongs in the rock and roll hall of fame.
He deserves it.
And speaking of the New York Dolls,
add them to the list as well. No Dolls,
No Pistols. To know them is to love them.
Let's not forget "A Woofer in Tweeter's Clothing"
by Sparks featuring "Girl From Germany" (which
should have been a hit single) produced by Todd.
And I'm of those who had "no taste in music" (thank you!)
who loved Grand Funk Railroad from their first album. Todd's
production of "American Band" is one of the great
singles of all time.
What is the R+RHOF waiting for? What will it take for them to
"Open Their Eyes?"
Marvin Etzioni
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Todd !! Absolutely. Well documented.
Also, equally, John Prine, Gram Parsons, Doug Sahm ... those 4 ommissions are just WRONG, and, IMHO, damage R&RHoF's credibility! No brainers that deserve to be in ahead of quite a few that already are.
Al Moss
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What a spectacular fail on the part of the R&RHoF!
The achievements on your list would / should have been enough for any nominee to be inducted with flying colors. And those only scratch the surface of Todd's vast body of work.
Best wishes,
Lee Elliott
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Nice and comprehensive article. I hope Todd gets in. It would be very sad if he doesn't.
Take care.
Mark Blumenthal
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The Last Ride. I got more mileage out of that as the go to soundtrack when I needed it most if you catch my drift. Aside from that I practically learned songwriting from Something/Anything.
Geoffrey Cushing-Murray
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It sickens me that Janet Jackson is in, and Todd is not. He was #3 in the fan vote...but not inducted. What a farce. I wonder what Jann Wenner has against him.
I'm looking forward to seeing his "Individualist" book/music hybrid tour at the Wiltern.
Thank you, Bob for your letter...it's the highlight of my inbox.
Nora Kelly
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"Marlene." One of my favorite songs ever...
Thanks,
Ben Kittner
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He also produced Jill Sobule's first and arguably most compelling album
"Things Here Are Different"
Susan L. Dodes
____________________________________________
And the God once wrote these poignant words:
You know, wishing won't make it so
Hoping won't do it, praying won't do it
Religion won't do it, philosophy won't do it
The supreme court won't do it,
The president and the congress won't do it
The sun won't do it, the h-bomb won't do it,
The sun and the moon won't do it
And God won't do it,
And I certainly won't do it
That leaves you, you'll have to do it
(Fair Warning)
Graham Perkins (Gray London)
____________________________________________
And he could put on a show. The Pyramid tour in the late 70's was spectacular for the times. Lights, fire, waterfalls and a summer salt off of a 20 foot tall pyramid while shredding one of his patented guitar solos. I don't even know how we found out about shows before the internet and e-mail but we never missed a Todd show.
Chris Gottlieb
____________________________________________
I saw Todd Rundgren last summer with Ringo. Great show, great band. But Todd stood out. He performed with such sincerity. And he sang his ass off. I was super impressed. He should and will be in the Hall of Fame.
Steve Cole
____________________________________________
Did you listen to the WTF podcast with Todd? Fantastic. Not a pleasant interview necessarily because Todd literally doesn't put up with any nonsense and that clearly plays out in his creative output as well. It's a laundry list of not just hits but benchmark songs that spans decades. He strikes me as an artist who serves the art before the business . . . he just happens to be savvy enough to have often married the two.
Cheers!
Keith R. Higgons
____________________________________________
Thanks for the Todd missive.
I couldn't agree more.
Next to "unsung musical hero" in the dictionary, is a picture of our Todd.
The people that know, KNOW, the ones that don't, fuck 'em.
Merry, Happy
Ellyn Solis
____________________________________________
Well said. Many more great songs, genre shifts and production gigs too numerous to mention. One of the best. Todd and so many more (Richard Thompson, Warren Zevon) belong in the Hall but the Hall, after all, is bullshit. It's turning into the Grammys which have always been and remain meaningless.
As Todd once said, "Play it loud."
Harold Love
____________________________________________
From the first Nazz record I bought in high school in 1969, I've been a huge Todd fan. When you line up all the brilliant albums he's either created, played on or produced, it's staggering. Side story, earlier this year I went to a Sparks show here in Manhattan. The next day I pulled out their first album and noticed Todd produced it. He's a wizard, a true star. I'm happy The Cure, Roxy Music and especially The Zombies getting in the HOF but really, Todd should be in there.
Jeff Capshew
____________________________________________
I whole heartedly agree. In fact many, many, many years ago as a student at Upper Darby High, where I shared lockers with his brother Robin (whose Facebook page I just found so I'll share your post with him), I and another student tried to get him inducted onto the Upper Darby High School Wall of Fame along with Jim Croce, and a few other notables (which would later include Tina Fey whose Mean Girls was inspired by UDHS). The authorities would not grant this honor to Todd because technically he did not actually graduate, and that was simply because apparently he had refused to cut his hair thus he was not issued a diploma. There is an issue of Rolling Stone Magazine from probably 1976 or 1977 where, in one of the columns toward the front of the magazine where they actually mention this pursuit of "two high school students from Upper Darby High" -- every so often I think about going to the main library--of "the library that puts on fishnets and hits the disco" fame (I live in Seattle now) to review back issues of Rolling Stone and find this little mention just for the fun of it. If I do I will copy and send to you.
warm regards,
Debra "I'd Vote For Todd" Bouchegnies (formerly Kaminsky)
____________________________________________
Thanks for your take on Todd. He has been overlooked for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame for sure. You covered so many great points as to why he should be in. Two things to share with you connected to Todd.
One...Love Is The Answer (the video) has been posted on my Facebook page a couple of times recently with the same lyrics that you quoted for the very reason that you stated. I strongly agree with you that the song is more relevant (and needed) today than it was 40+ years ago. Your recognition of this brought tears to my eyes. "Ask the man in your heart for the answer"
Two...I'm a 36 year radio vet who finds himself blessed with the opportunity to drive rideshare to supplement my income. A couple of weeks back I was called to The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach (North San Diego County) and as I rolled up to the front doors (well before the show for that evening was to conclude) I noticed a much older gentleman being escorted to my vehicle by a young man in his 20's. I was interested in who was playing the venue that night so my attention was focused on the marquee instead of focusing on the man entering my car in the seat directly behind me. Todd Rundgren is what the marquee stated. "Holy shit Todd Rundgren is playing tonight!?" I said. "If I had known that I would have parked the car for the evening and caught the show." I tried to hear what he was playing at that moment and I asked the younger man what song it was. His answer was "he's playing mostly cover tunes on this tour." At this point the older man behind me chimed in with "I wanted to hear Hello It's Me and he's not going to play it tonight." "Damn" I thought to myself, "what a shame." The young man asked me to get his dad home safely and headed back inside. As we began the drive and I looked for "Hello It's Me" on my iPod (yes I have it) I commented to the older man "In my opinion Todd Rundgren is one of the great composers of pop music that we have ever seen. A pure talent in so many ways, a genius." "Hello It's Me" started to play and I increased the volume for his enjoyment. He was going to hear that song tonight one way or another. About two verses in he commented "What an amazing song. So well crafted." We exchanged our love for Todd and his talents and I shared with him that I loved music and that I had worked in radio for years. As I approached his destination I realized that I was about to drop him off in an area of expensive homes. Fully aware that my passenger may be "somebody" I asked "excuse me, do you mind if I ask what you do or what you did for a living?" He came back with "I'm a musician and composer." I inquired "would know any of your work?" and he replied "probably, I'm Burt Bacharach!" Here was the master of pop compositions praising Todd. 'Nuff said.
Bryan Schock
____________________________________________
Bob
re: Todd
You missed this one-
"Healing" Little known
album. It is profoundly
brilliant in every way-
top to bottom.
Joe Walsh
____________________________________________
hey bob,
todd rundgren deserves to be president of the united states.
or better yet, czar of planet earth.
the rock and roll hall of fame is a low ball for him.
i think todd is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history.
in the league of lennon, mccartney, dylan, gamble and huff and richard rogers.
he is deeply loved and appreciated by his fans.
thanks for the great article.
rick nowels
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E-Mail Of The Day
Re: Verizon Writes Down Oath
I do.
Regards,
Steve Case
On Dec 12, 2018, at 1:11 AM, Bob Lefsetz bob@lefsetz.com wrote:
Does ANYBODY think AOL has value?
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I do.
Regards,
Steve Case
On Dec 12, 2018, at 1:11 AM, Bob Lefsetz bob@lefsetz.com wrote:
Does ANYBODY think AOL has value?
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From Peter Mensch
Bob
Couple of factual amendments to your excellent Def leppard post:
1. We never thought they were coming with us. I got fired by AC/DC during the making of For Those About to Rock (summer of 1981). As they had technically signed to Leber-Krebs (CCC), they then went to Krebs for a couple of months. When that didn't work, I think Leber did the last 3 months. Krebs and Leber technically managed them during the "For Those About to Rock album and tour. Cliff probably helped on the record. Their contract expired July 1 1982 and on July 2 they were gone.
2. Cliff and I got out of LK before April 1, 1982 (after some (ahem) legal issues with David and Steve and formed Q Prime on April 1, 1982.
3. Mutt also did the 2nd Def Leppard album. High 'N' Dry. Which was recorded and released while Cliff and I worked for Leber-Krebs. So when we left, we had one client and they were recording what would turn out to be Pyromania. It was their second album with Mutt.
Best
Peter
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Couple of factual amendments to your excellent Def leppard post:
1. We never thought they were coming with us. I got fired by AC/DC during the making of For Those About to Rock (summer of 1981). As they had technically signed to Leber-Krebs (CCC), they then went to Krebs for a couple of months. When that didn't work, I think Leber did the last 3 months. Krebs and Leber technically managed them during the "For Those About to Rock album and tour. Cliff probably helped on the record. Their contract expired July 1 1982 and on July 2 they were gone.
2. Cliff and I got out of LK before April 1, 1982 (after some (ahem) legal issues with David and Steve and formed Q Prime on April 1, 1982.
3. Mutt also did the 2nd Def Leppard album. High 'N' Dry. Which was recorded and released while Cliff and I worked for Leber-Krebs. So when we left, we had one client and they were recording what would turn out to be Pyromania. It was their second album with Mutt.
Best
Peter
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Thursday, 13 December 2018
Def Leppard Deserves It
If rock critics are so smart, why is Kraftwerk not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? They don't come more influential than the German synth act, and if you've ever been to one of their shows, it's mesmerizing, even a non-fan would be wowed.
But there's a long history of critics being clueless. They use their outsider status to feel good about themselves, nerds outside the social circle, the only way they feel good is by excoriating your taste and trumpeting theirs. That's why the Rock Hall is such a wank. There's all this b.s. about influence and political correctness when the truth is rock is a steamy, sexy affair and if you don't know this, you've probably never been laid, but if you go to a Def Leppard show you'll see all the women you wish you had.
But you didn't.
These women who let go, who were not too uptight to go with the flow while you were home with your punk records decrying their taste.
Hmm...
Scenesters knew of Def Leppard, they had a tiny bit of traction, and then...
"Photograph" positively EXPLODED out of the radio.
You were driving your car and your mind was suddenly centered on this exquisite sound coming out of the speakers, a mash-up of rock, metal and surf...HOW DID THEY DO THIS?
Of course Mutt Lange deserves credit. And while we're giving it, how about Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for Janet Jackson?
Talk to Cliff and Peter. They thought AC/DC was gonna exit Contemporary Communications along with them. But it was not to be. They got Def Leppard, not even the Scorpions, and when put together with Mutt there was suddenly hysteria, the managers woke up to an exploding answering machine, back when that was a thing, everybody gets excited about a hit, everybody wants a piece of a hit. And that's what they got, Def Leppard was all over MTV, and unlike the scribes, they were cute and attractive and viewers were drawn to them and...
The album was too good to believe.
Of course it started with "Photograph."
But then they created rock of ages with "Rock Of Ages," with its nonsense intro and then the reference to Neil Young and then the essence of rock, the beat, listen and you can see heads bobbing in the audience.
"What do you want, what do you want?
I want rock 'n roll
Long live rock and roll"
It was a pile driver with melody. No one had quite done it this way before, not successfully anyway, blending headbanging with melody, with incredible changes and choruses.
"We got the power, we got the glory"
We were burnin' with the feeling. Suddenly everybody had to own "Pyromania," you burned out the tape in your car, played the album at home at parties...
Because it set you free.
They weren't FFFF...FOOLIN'!
Metal acts were pissed, these also-ran pretty boys ran away with their audience. The music still had elements of darkness, but they resonated with a broad audience.
It was definitely not too late for love.
But then it was four years till the follow-up.
Too long according to conventional wisdom.
We all knew the story, the car accident, the false start, we didn't believe the band could survive the trauma.
And unlike "Pyromania," "Hysteria" did not explode out of the box, it wasn't until the fourth single, "Pour Some Sugar On Me," that the victory lap was complete, that people realized Def Leppard was not only back, but they were bigger than ever, and that they'd captured the ears of listeners everywhere, this was a people's band, and that's what the critics hate.
And the first track that I liked was "Animal." You know how you buy a long-anticipated album and play it over and over again until it reveals itself to you?
It happens track by track, your favorite constantly shifts.
Then came the majestic closer, "Love And Affection."
And, of course, "Armageddon It" and "Love Bites" and "Rocket."
But the cut that ultimately got under my skin, that never lets go, that I hear in my brain all the time, is the title track, "Hysteria."
"I've gotta know tonight
If you're alone tonight
Can't stop this feeling
Can't stop this fire"
Come on, you've been there, oftentimes without a condom. It's physical, you cannot fight the urge.
And it's the groove of the track, like building to orgasm.
You're no longer flaccid, the blood is flowing, you're erect.
Even better, it's reciprocal, you're not alone doing the hand jive.
WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?
It's such a magical mysteria.
Suddenly the stories were legion, of what happened under the boards at Def Leppard shows. Unlike the rappers they didn't have to brag about it, the magic was irresistible, the women came to them.
And maybe that era is past. Maybe Me-Too has eviscerated it.
Then again, the members of Def Leppard were not dripping hot wax upon women (girls?) like the denizens of the Continental Riot House.
Then again, Led Zeppelin was deplored by these same critics. Pretty boy Plant. Bombastic Bonham. Taking himself too seriously Page. Forgotten Jones. They were blues imitators, they were rip-off artists, and suddenly they climbed the stairway to stardom and were selling out stadiums and no naysayer wanted to admit they were wrong.
But the little boys understood.
And the little girls understood Def Leppard, and therefore the act wasn't taken seriously.
And this is not a guilty pleasure, this is a band hitting it out of the park again and again.
And speaking of parks, that's where they play, BASEBALL STADIUMS!
While the has-beens inducted into the Hall of Fame sit home with their trophies telling tales of the old days.
And isn't this the core of rock and roll?
A feeling between the legs.
A letting go of the world.
Awash in the glorious sound.
Only in this case, Def Leppard did it wrong. Instead of being seen as outsiders undeserving of attention, everybody glommed on to them, both boys and girls.
But still, they got no respect.
They weren't even nominated previously.
They weren't taken seriously.
But when given a chance, the fans overwhelmingly voted them in.
Isn't that what we keep hearing, that it's all about the fans?
Hell, if you let the audience vote, Bryan Adams would be in too. How many hits does it take? Or is the fewer you've got a badge of honor. Just because he makes it look easy he should be excluded?
Then again, the Rock Hall is a joke, always has been, after they inducted the no-brainers they've been conflicted, to the point where everybody now deserves to be in.
Except for the popular who satiated fans, the bedrock of rock and roll.
'Cause it's a miracle Def Leppard got voted in.
But one thing's for sure, they light that fire every night, there's hysteria in the audience.
AND ISN'T THAT WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT?
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But there's a long history of critics being clueless. They use their outsider status to feel good about themselves, nerds outside the social circle, the only way they feel good is by excoriating your taste and trumpeting theirs. That's why the Rock Hall is such a wank. There's all this b.s. about influence and political correctness when the truth is rock is a steamy, sexy affair and if you don't know this, you've probably never been laid, but if you go to a Def Leppard show you'll see all the women you wish you had.
But you didn't.
These women who let go, who were not too uptight to go with the flow while you were home with your punk records decrying their taste.
Hmm...
Scenesters knew of Def Leppard, they had a tiny bit of traction, and then...
"Photograph" positively EXPLODED out of the radio.
You were driving your car and your mind was suddenly centered on this exquisite sound coming out of the speakers, a mash-up of rock, metal and surf...HOW DID THEY DO THIS?
Of course Mutt Lange deserves credit. And while we're giving it, how about Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for Janet Jackson?
Talk to Cliff and Peter. They thought AC/DC was gonna exit Contemporary Communications along with them. But it was not to be. They got Def Leppard, not even the Scorpions, and when put together with Mutt there was suddenly hysteria, the managers woke up to an exploding answering machine, back when that was a thing, everybody gets excited about a hit, everybody wants a piece of a hit. And that's what they got, Def Leppard was all over MTV, and unlike the scribes, they were cute and attractive and viewers were drawn to them and...
The album was too good to believe.
Of course it started with "Photograph."
But then they created rock of ages with "Rock Of Ages," with its nonsense intro and then the reference to Neil Young and then the essence of rock, the beat, listen and you can see heads bobbing in the audience.
"What do you want, what do you want?
I want rock 'n roll
Long live rock and roll"
It was a pile driver with melody. No one had quite done it this way before, not successfully anyway, blending headbanging with melody, with incredible changes and choruses.
"We got the power, we got the glory"
We were burnin' with the feeling. Suddenly everybody had to own "Pyromania," you burned out the tape in your car, played the album at home at parties...
Because it set you free.
They weren't FFFF...FOOLIN'!
Metal acts were pissed, these also-ran pretty boys ran away with their audience. The music still had elements of darkness, but they resonated with a broad audience.
It was definitely not too late for love.
But then it was four years till the follow-up.
Too long according to conventional wisdom.
We all knew the story, the car accident, the false start, we didn't believe the band could survive the trauma.
And unlike "Pyromania," "Hysteria" did not explode out of the box, it wasn't until the fourth single, "Pour Some Sugar On Me," that the victory lap was complete, that people realized Def Leppard was not only back, but they were bigger than ever, and that they'd captured the ears of listeners everywhere, this was a people's band, and that's what the critics hate.
And the first track that I liked was "Animal." You know how you buy a long-anticipated album and play it over and over again until it reveals itself to you?
It happens track by track, your favorite constantly shifts.
Then came the majestic closer, "Love And Affection."
And, of course, "Armageddon It" and "Love Bites" and "Rocket."
But the cut that ultimately got under my skin, that never lets go, that I hear in my brain all the time, is the title track, "Hysteria."
"I've gotta know tonight
If you're alone tonight
Can't stop this feeling
Can't stop this fire"
Come on, you've been there, oftentimes without a condom. It's physical, you cannot fight the urge.
And it's the groove of the track, like building to orgasm.
You're no longer flaccid, the blood is flowing, you're erect.
Even better, it's reciprocal, you're not alone doing the hand jive.
WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?
It's such a magical mysteria.
Suddenly the stories were legion, of what happened under the boards at Def Leppard shows. Unlike the rappers they didn't have to brag about it, the magic was irresistible, the women came to them.
And maybe that era is past. Maybe Me-Too has eviscerated it.
Then again, the members of Def Leppard were not dripping hot wax upon women (girls?) like the denizens of the Continental Riot House.
Then again, Led Zeppelin was deplored by these same critics. Pretty boy Plant. Bombastic Bonham. Taking himself too seriously Page. Forgotten Jones. They were blues imitators, they were rip-off artists, and suddenly they climbed the stairway to stardom and were selling out stadiums and no naysayer wanted to admit they were wrong.
But the little boys understood.
And the little girls understood Def Leppard, and therefore the act wasn't taken seriously.
And this is not a guilty pleasure, this is a band hitting it out of the park again and again.
And speaking of parks, that's where they play, BASEBALL STADIUMS!
While the has-beens inducted into the Hall of Fame sit home with their trophies telling tales of the old days.
And isn't this the core of rock and roll?
A feeling between the legs.
A letting go of the world.
Awash in the glorious sound.
Only in this case, Def Leppard did it wrong. Instead of being seen as outsiders undeserving of attention, everybody glommed on to them, both boys and girls.
But still, they got no respect.
They weren't even nominated previously.
They weren't taken seriously.
But when given a chance, the fans overwhelmingly voted them in.
Isn't that what we keep hearing, that it's all about the fans?
Hell, if you let the audience vote, Bryan Adams would be in too. How many hits does it take? Or is the fewer you've got a badge of honor. Just because he makes it look easy he should be excluded?
Then again, the Rock Hall is a joke, always has been, after they inducted the no-brainers they've been conflicted, to the point where everybody now deserves to be in.
Except for the popular who satiated fans, the bedrock of rock and roll.
'Cause it's a miracle Def Leppard got voted in.
But one thing's for sure, they light that fire every night, there's hysteria in the audience.
AND ISN'T THAT WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT?
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Todd Rundgren-Why He Belongs In The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
https://spoti.fi/2SJD0VR
"Open My Eyes"
Nazz
The Rolling Stones taught us the opening track on an album must be a killer, it must take you on a roller coaster ride, it must leave the station and never relent. "Open My Eyes" fits the bill.
"Hello It's Me"
Nazz
Am I the only person who prefers this non-Todd vocal original, much quieter and more meaningful? It wasn't a national hit back then, it's just that Nazz was on SGC Records and didn't have a chance.
"She's Goin' Down"
Nazz
Unknown except for acolytes, this five minute track is a tear, with a drum break to boot!
"Yankee Lady"
Jesse Winchester
Todd was the engineer. Jesse was a draft dodger moved to Canada who had impact with his initial LP and gradually lost traction to the point where most people have no idea who he is anymore. But if you play this...
"Yankee lady so good to me
Yankee lady just a memory"
Pull this up on Spotify, you'll be stunned how immediate it sounds, like it was yanked from the countryside nearly fifty years later with no sign of wear. If more acoustic music sounded this clear and human, the sound could come back
"The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show"
The Band
Todd engineered "Stage Fright."
My favorite Band album is the second, self-titled LP. The sound of the first doesn't work for me, as great as the tracks are. "Stage Fright" is less dark than what came before, but it's much more clear. I told my mother to send the second to me at college, she sent the third, I know it by heart.
"We Gotta Get You A Woman"
Runt/Todd Rundgren
Multiple iterations, on the world's lamest label, Todd's initial solo LP had no chance. But somehow this cut emerged and was a hit in certain markets, but not in others.
Written for Paul Fishkin, the lyrics remain true. My friend John texted them to me just the other day, he's looking.
Meanwhile, this was the first inkling that Todd could write commercial pop hits seemingly without effort. If only today's pop acts studied his catalog, they'd know melody and changes (and production!) are the key to hits.
"A Long Time, A Long Way To Go"
Todd Rundgren
"The Ballad of Todd Rundgren" is a hidden gem, it's my favorite LP of Todd's. Into the dumper immediately, it was nearly unavailable, I bought a cut-out version, and fell instantly in love. This is my favorite song on the LP, intimate and then overblown, a cross between teen and adult "A Long Time, A Long Way To Go" is a gem, in the same league as Split Enz's "Message To My Girl." If you're a hopeless romantic, this is your track.
"Long Flowing Robe"
Todd Rundgren
The opening track from "Ballad," it too hews to the Stones doctrine, it leaves the gate like a racehorse. And the nuances are so exquisite, that drum hit, the background vocals...
"Friday night, nothing much to do but hang around"
College in the seventies.
"The Range War"
Todd Rundgren
Romeo & Juliet via the Hatfields and McCoys, Todd took the country genre and mixed it with pop and rock, and opined on life better than the recognized hit writers.
And "Pittsburgh"... Platitudes don't resonate as much as specifics.
"Perfection"
Badfinger
The second best song on "Straight Up," the message resonates, as does the production, done by Todd.
"Baby Blue
Badfinger
More well-known than "Perfection," also produced by Todd.
"Something/Anything"
Todd Rundgren
The double album masterpiece from '72 that contains the hit version of "Hello It's Me" and so much more.
It opens with the Stones policy "I Saw The Light." But even better is "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference," the sound is magical, but so are the words. And the trifecta is completed by "Wolfman Jack," with the Wolfman himself included, if you don't get up and move when you listen to "Wolfman Jack" you have no legs.
"Black Maria"... The third side opener, what a burner.
Unlike the first three sides, the fourth is done with a band, it's not Todd only, and "Dust In The Wind" triumphs with the additional singers and players, it's a veritable "Mad Dogs & Englishmen."
Then there's the humorous "Piss Aaron" and the ode to venereal disease "You Left Me Sore" and I could argue that Todd belongs in the R&RHOF based solely on "Something/Anything."
"Just One Victory"
Todd Rundgren
A kitchen sink production that begins with angelic voices and then goes to Mars, this is an unheralded masterpiece. I could go on about "Hungry For Love" and "Zen Archer" and the Motown medley, but "A Wizard/A True Star" was too adventurous for most. Rundgren played the Neil Young card, who famously gave his audience "Time Fades Away" after "Harvest," only the hard core stayed on.
"Personality Crisis"
New York Dolls
Overhyped, they'd be completely forgotten if it were not for Todd's production on their debut LP.
And them came...
"We're An American Band"
Grand Funk
One of the most hated bands on the planet, I'll admit to liking "Closer To Home (I'm Your Captain)," but if you owned a Grand Funk LP, it was evidence you had no taste until...
FM was killing AM. But automobiles had not caught up, AM ruled in cars, 8-tracks were just beginning their infiltration and therefore, "We're An American Band" was a hit of the type seen no longer. Everybody knew it! And it's a classic. Great lyrics, but without Todd Rundgren's production it would be an also-ran at best.
"The Loco-Motion"
Grand Funk
Another hit, albeit a cover. I bought the original Little Eva single, this is a bit sacrilegious, but it was great to hear it again.
"A Dream Goes On Forever"
Todd Rundgren
From the double LP in a single LP jacket as a result of the paper crisis of '74, this is nearly as good as "A Long Time, A Long Way To Go."
One of my personal favorites on "Todd" is "Heavy Metal Kids," which you might immediately skip over, but who can't smile at the lyrics:
"Go on and poison all the water, use up all the air
Blow your stupid heads off, see if I could care"
"Real Man"
Todd Rundgren
Todd could do anything, pop, metal and now he went prog, with synths, and with one of his best vocals, put "Real Man" over the top! He's angelic and then throaty and the key line in the chorus sneaks up on you..."there's a real man."
"It's All Too Much"
Steve Hillage
From his second LP, "L." I bought this, a trancey take that has you nodding your head in alignment whether you're stoned or not. Also check out the opener, a cover of Donovan's "Hurdy Gurdy Man," all produced by Todd.
"Love Is The Answer"
Utopia
Suddenly Todd had a band and was a prog rocker, he'd left the pop sound which made his solo name for experimentation, yet at the end of this third Utopia LP is a gem that England Dan & John Ford Coley took to the Top Ten.
"And when you feel afraid, love one another
When you've lost your way, love one another
When you're all alone, love one another
When you're far from home, love one another
When you're down and out, love one another
All your hope's run out, love one another
When you need a friend, love one another
When you're near the end, love
We got to love, we got to love one another"
A message as relevant and more important than it was back in '77.
"Bat Out Of Hell"
The fifth best-selling album of all time. With the inimitable Phil Rizzuto included in "Paradise By The Dashboard Light." Steve Popovich died chasing Sony for royalties and proper credit on this album, maybe Todd was smart to cash out his interest.
"Can We Still Be Friends"
Todd Rundgren
Just when we were convinced he'd left his pop-rock roots behind, Todd dropped "The Hermit of Mink Hollow," proving he could do it whenever he wanted to.
"Love My Way"
The Psychedelic Furs
Their most famous track, produced by Todd.
"Dear God"
XTC
Andy Partridge had nothing good to say about Todd, that's actually an understatement, as a result Todd aired his feelings and now Andy has come around, but once again, Todd produced one of the most remembered albums by an act with a long career.
Of course I left stuff out!
I know Todd produced the Tubes and Cheap Trick, as well as Hall & Oates and Bad Religion, but I'm focusing on his most successful, artistically and sometimes commercially, work.
And, of course, Todd is still recording and taking chances. He did an EDM tour, he refuses to play his hits, he's got more talent in his pinky than most members of the Hall of Fame, yet...
He is ignored.
At least he was finally nominated.
But time is passing him by. There are younger voters, and it's turned into recognition of influence and hits and if your work is singular yet artistically triumphant that does not seem to matter.
Wankers, I tell you.
But for those who know, they believe...
Todd is God.
--
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--
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-TuneIn: http://tunein.com/lefsetz
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"Open My Eyes"
Nazz
The Rolling Stones taught us the opening track on an album must be a killer, it must take you on a roller coaster ride, it must leave the station and never relent. "Open My Eyes" fits the bill.
"Hello It's Me"
Nazz
Am I the only person who prefers this non-Todd vocal original, much quieter and more meaningful? It wasn't a national hit back then, it's just that Nazz was on SGC Records and didn't have a chance.
"She's Goin' Down"
Nazz
Unknown except for acolytes, this five minute track is a tear, with a drum break to boot!
"Yankee Lady"
Jesse Winchester
Todd was the engineer. Jesse was a draft dodger moved to Canada who had impact with his initial LP and gradually lost traction to the point where most people have no idea who he is anymore. But if you play this...
"Yankee lady so good to me
Yankee lady just a memory"
Pull this up on Spotify, you'll be stunned how immediate it sounds, like it was yanked from the countryside nearly fifty years later with no sign of wear. If more acoustic music sounded this clear and human, the sound could come back
"The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show"
The Band
Todd engineered "Stage Fright."
My favorite Band album is the second, self-titled LP. The sound of the first doesn't work for me, as great as the tracks are. "Stage Fright" is less dark than what came before, but it's much more clear. I told my mother to send the second to me at college, she sent the third, I know it by heart.
"We Gotta Get You A Woman"
Runt/Todd Rundgren
Multiple iterations, on the world's lamest label, Todd's initial solo LP had no chance. But somehow this cut emerged and was a hit in certain markets, but not in others.
Written for Paul Fishkin, the lyrics remain true. My friend John texted them to me just the other day, he's looking.
Meanwhile, this was the first inkling that Todd could write commercial pop hits seemingly without effort. If only today's pop acts studied his catalog, they'd know melody and changes (and production!) are the key to hits.
"A Long Time, A Long Way To Go"
Todd Rundgren
"The Ballad of Todd Rundgren" is a hidden gem, it's my favorite LP of Todd's. Into the dumper immediately, it was nearly unavailable, I bought a cut-out version, and fell instantly in love. This is my favorite song on the LP, intimate and then overblown, a cross between teen and adult "A Long Time, A Long Way To Go" is a gem, in the same league as Split Enz's "Message To My Girl." If you're a hopeless romantic, this is your track.
"Long Flowing Robe"
Todd Rundgren
The opening track from "Ballad," it too hews to the Stones doctrine, it leaves the gate like a racehorse. And the nuances are so exquisite, that drum hit, the background vocals...
"Friday night, nothing much to do but hang around"
College in the seventies.
"The Range War"
Todd Rundgren
Romeo & Juliet via the Hatfields and McCoys, Todd took the country genre and mixed it with pop and rock, and opined on life better than the recognized hit writers.
And "Pittsburgh"... Platitudes don't resonate as much as specifics.
"Perfection"
Badfinger
The second best song on "Straight Up," the message resonates, as does the production, done by Todd.
"Baby Blue
Badfinger
More well-known than "Perfection," also produced by Todd.
"Something/Anything"
Todd Rundgren
The double album masterpiece from '72 that contains the hit version of "Hello It's Me" and so much more.
It opens with the Stones policy "I Saw The Light." But even better is "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference," the sound is magical, but so are the words. And the trifecta is completed by "Wolfman Jack," with the Wolfman himself included, if you don't get up and move when you listen to "Wolfman Jack" you have no legs.
"Black Maria"... The third side opener, what a burner.
Unlike the first three sides, the fourth is done with a band, it's not Todd only, and "Dust In The Wind" triumphs with the additional singers and players, it's a veritable "Mad Dogs & Englishmen."
Then there's the humorous "Piss Aaron" and the ode to venereal disease "You Left Me Sore" and I could argue that Todd belongs in the R&RHOF based solely on "Something/Anything."
"Just One Victory"
Todd Rundgren
A kitchen sink production that begins with angelic voices and then goes to Mars, this is an unheralded masterpiece. I could go on about "Hungry For Love" and "Zen Archer" and the Motown medley, but "A Wizard/A True Star" was too adventurous for most. Rundgren played the Neil Young card, who famously gave his audience "Time Fades Away" after "Harvest," only the hard core stayed on.
"Personality Crisis"
New York Dolls
Overhyped, they'd be completely forgotten if it were not for Todd's production on their debut LP.
And them came...
"We're An American Band"
Grand Funk
One of the most hated bands on the planet, I'll admit to liking "Closer To Home (I'm Your Captain)," but if you owned a Grand Funk LP, it was evidence you had no taste until...
FM was killing AM. But automobiles had not caught up, AM ruled in cars, 8-tracks were just beginning their infiltration and therefore, "We're An American Band" was a hit of the type seen no longer. Everybody knew it! And it's a classic. Great lyrics, but without Todd Rundgren's production it would be an also-ran at best.
"The Loco-Motion"
Grand Funk
Another hit, albeit a cover. I bought the original Little Eva single, this is a bit sacrilegious, but it was great to hear it again.
"A Dream Goes On Forever"
Todd Rundgren
From the double LP in a single LP jacket as a result of the paper crisis of '74, this is nearly as good as "A Long Time, A Long Way To Go."
One of my personal favorites on "Todd" is "Heavy Metal Kids," which you might immediately skip over, but who can't smile at the lyrics:
"Go on and poison all the water, use up all the air
Blow your stupid heads off, see if I could care"
"Real Man"
Todd Rundgren
Todd could do anything, pop, metal and now he went prog, with synths, and with one of his best vocals, put "Real Man" over the top! He's angelic and then throaty and the key line in the chorus sneaks up on you..."there's a real man."
"It's All Too Much"
Steve Hillage
From his second LP, "L." I bought this, a trancey take that has you nodding your head in alignment whether you're stoned or not. Also check out the opener, a cover of Donovan's "Hurdy Gurdy Man," all produced by Todd.
"Love Is The Answer"
Utopia
Suddenly Todd had a band and was a prog rocker, he'd left the pop sound which made his solo name for experimentation, yet at the end of this third Utopia LP is a gem that England Dan & John Ford Coley took to the Top Ten.
"And when you feel afraid, love one another
When you've lost your way, love one another
When you're all alone, love one another
When you're far from home, love one another
When you're down and out, love one another
All your hope's run out, love one another
When you need a friend, love one another
When you're near the end, love
We got to love, we got to love one another"
A message as relevant and more important than it was back in '77.
"Bat Out Of Hell"
The fifth best-selling album of all time. With the inimitable Phil Rizzuto included in "Paradise By The Dashboard Light." Steve Popovich died chasing Sony for royalties and proper credit on this album, maybe Todd was smart to cash out his interest.
"Can We Still Be Friends"
Todd Rundgren
Just when we were convinced he'd left his pop-rock roots behind, Todd dropped "The Hermit of Mink Hollow," proving he could do it whenever he wanted to.
"Love My Way"
The Psychedelic Furs
Their most famous track, produced by Todd.
"Dear God"
XTC
Andy Partridge had nothing good to say about Todd, that's actually an understatement, as a result Todd aired his feelings and now Andy has come around, but once again, Todd produced one of the most remembered albums by an act with a long career.
Of course I left stuff out!
I know Todd produced the Tubes and Cheap Trick, as well as Hall & Oates and Bad Religion, but I'm focusing on his most successful, artistically and sometimes commercially, work.
And, of course, Todd is still recording and taking chances. He did an EDM tour, he refuses to play his hits, he's got more talent in his pinky than most members of the Hall of Fame, yet...
He is ignored.
At least he was finally nominated.
But time is passing him by. There are younger voters, and it's turned into recognition of influence and hits and if your work is singular yet artistically triumphant that does not seem to matter.
Wankers, I tell you.
But for those who know, they believe...
Todd is God.
--
Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/
--
Listen to the podcast:
-TuneIn: http://tunein.com/lefsetz
-Apple: https://apple.co/2ndmpvp
--
http://www.twitter.com/lefsetz
--
If you would like to subscribe to the LefsetzLetter,
http://www.lefsetz.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1
If you do not want to receive any more LefsetzLetters, http://lefsetz.com/lists/?p=unsubscribe&uid=0eecea7b60b461717065cbde887c8e25
To change your email address http://lefsetz.com/lists/?p=preferences&uid=0eecea7b60b461717065cbde887c8e25
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