Over on Side 2 (if only), and Todd has decided to beat AC/DC at their own game on "Strike". Yes, really, the most unlikely sentence I've written this year, straight of Flick Of The Switch, with repetitive beats and cries of "are you ready to rumble". Utterly mad and utterly splendid. Then the chorus arrives and he actually does a Brian 'Beano' Johnson impersonation. I had to hit replay just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. The obligatory comedy number arrives on "Pissin", and I do not want to know why someones "dick is in the mayonnaise". The first skippable number. Things flag slightly on "Today" and "Bardo", the keyboard heavy former sounds like a Liars outake, the latter is a good, mellow, spaced out number that just seems out of context here.
But Mr Rundgren still has a few tricks up his sleeve as we near the end, with the boogiefied "Mountaintop" finally attaining the punching the air effect, "Panic" playing homage to some of his own earlier work, and a number that long term fans will find themselves returning to and the closing "Manup", an out and out stadium rocker, replete with another classic guitar solo.
It's not the greatest album he's ever made, but it's certainly up there with some of his best. I'm old school, so would have preferred real percussion and bass, rather than Rundgren's preferred protools method, but it's a small quibble on what is one of my favourite albums of the year. I'm not sure about the UK release but there is an American version planned which will come with a DVD and CD of Rundgren's live performance of the album from a US show in July. Something I will definitely be queuing up for, especially if the UK tour lives up to its promise.
Article comments
1 - Zolton Warberg
Wow, Todd's new album sounds very exciting. Order me a double brandy!
2 - Jerry Carbooter
I think "Gun" is about Mark Chapman killing John Lennon. Haunting stuff for sure. I wonder if Yoko Ono approves of this song. It's like a homage to ZZ Top..... I mean GOOD ZZ Top!
3 - Tony Powell
Couldn't agree more. In my mid-forties, I was sure Todd was done, and now this gem of a record (as you say, "if only"). Great review.
4 - Bob
Just listened to 'Arena' and what else can I say other than it's typical Todd, Fantastic!
And it's also why he's still The Best!
5 - MC
Just saw Todd on tour this record back in July and I was completely blown away!!! He is in absolute top form on this outing and the record is his best in years. Definitely a treat for all us long-time diehards... I guess 60 is the new 30 after all!!