Search - Todd Rundgren :: Individualist

The Individualist? (IMHO) One of Todd's finest recordings

yerpoet-suede | Pearl Harbor, Hawaii | 05/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To me, Todd Rundgren seems to be at his best when he is both spiritual and political. This recording delivers both- with both barrels! BAM!! In this modern age of George W. conservatism tempered with a Dan Quayle mentality, it is still a very timely piece. From "Tables Will Turn" to "Woman's World", Todd takes us on a serene, yet sometimes frustrated journey through the landscape of our now, and what could soon be our future. My personal favorites are "The Ultimate Crime" and "Beloved Infidel" which strongly resemble classic Todd. Though there are other surprises (are there ever not?) such as the title track, where Todd strives to keep up with the times, wrapped (rapped) in ebonics. But Todd is a soulful man, and pulls off the tongue-in-cheek feel with the same skill witnessed on "No World Order", without the scratch. The biggest (little known) treat with this CD is that it is enhanced for computer "play" (literally!). With video experiences to EVERY SONG, Rundgren is WAY ahead of his time. Listeners can literally play "Cast the First Stone" as a video game! "Espresso" and "Woman's World" are also interactive videos, putting the "I" in TRi. But be warned! Todd is outspoken, and pulls no punches. Not for the unenlightened or closed-minded conservative! It is serious, irreverent, and sometimes naughty, but always to the point! Even if you don't enjoy every song as much as I do, it is well worth the pitance for what you will receive for your dollar!"

Excellent!

Dylan Walter | Huntington Beach, CA USA | 04/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who don't like is album, what is wrong?? This contains some amazingly different and addictive songs that just go to show that Todd never runs out of great ideas. "If Not Now, When" is one that I listen too over and over again because of its addictive guitar riffs and its different style. "Cast the First Stone," is a heavy industrial sort of song, another style departure, but still very cool. The opening track, "Tables Will Turn," reminds me alot of 2nd Wind and Nearly Human. "Temporary Sanity" is another favorite of mine, and I find the bridge part to be especially cool. There is only one song I don't like on here, which is the title track. It seems to be Todd's attempt at rapping, which we all saw on No World Order. Still, the other songs are all so good that its not even worth removing a star for. True Todd fans will appreciate this album and the fact that Todd is always doing something different."

Todd is an individualist

Dylan Walter | 07/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's no one else like Todd. As usual, an album that defies easy categorization, and is very different from previous works. Hot Espresso, Tables Will Turn, and Beloved Infidel are just great. Family Values is one that my kids especially love (though they don't get the slams on Dan Quayle). They also love getting a mike and singing counterpoint to the Individualist (YES, I am!) though I will admit the first time I heard the song, I was thinking, "Oh my god, WHAT is Todd doing?!!) But it's a favorite now. Temporary Sanity and Ultimate Crime have a political tone to them, but that doesn't stop them from being very listenable and effective. All in all, another Todd album you've got to get."