Album Information:

About Todd Rundgren:

Todd Rundgren is a highly versatile and accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has made significant contributions to popular music over the past five decades. Born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania in 1948, Todd began playing music in his youth and quickly developed a keen interest in various musical genres, including rock, pop, soul, and R&B.

As a teenager, Todd formed his first band, called Woody's Truck Stop, which played a mix of rock and blues. In the late 1960s, he joined the band Nazz as the lead guitarist and songwriter, and they released three successful albums, including the critically acclaimed 'Nazz Nazz'.

After leaving Nazz in 1969, Todd began his solo career with the release of his debut album 'Runt' in 1970. The album showcased his musical versatility and included elements of rock, pop, soul, and folk. Over the years, Todd continued to explore different musical styles, experimenting with synthesizers, electronic music, and progressive rock.

In addition to his solo work, Todd has also been actively involved in producing and engineering for other artists, including Meat Loaf, Grand Funk Railroad, and XTC. He has worked on over 50 albums for various artists, helping to shape and define their sound in the recording studio.

Todd has also been recognized for his innovative work in the digital realm. In 1985, he released the world's first interactive album, 'A Capella', which allowed listeners to manipulate the different layers of sound in each song using a special CD-ROM device. He has continued to push the boundaries of technology in his music, incorporating virtual reality and other cutting-edge techniques into his shows and recordings.

Throughout his career, Todd has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to music. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, both as a member of the group Nazz and as a solo artist. He has also received multiple Grammy nominations and won the prestigious Les Paul Award for his technical innovation in music.

In conclusion, Todd Rundgren is a highly accomplished and innovative musician, producer, and songwriter whose music has influenced countless artists over the years. Through his unique approach to music-making and his willingness to experiment with new technologies and techniques, he has carved out a distinct and lasting legacy in the world of popular music.

About the album Nearly Human:

Sure, I'd be happy to describe the album Nearly Human by Todd Rundgren in detail for you.

Nearly Human is the twelfth studio album by Todd Rundgren, released in 1989. The album features a mix of upbeat pop and rock tracks, as well as some more mellow and introspective pieces. The overall sound of the album is characterized by its use of polished production values and upbeat, catchy hooks.

The album opens with the song 'The Want of a Nail,' which is a driving, guitar-heavy track that features a strong lead vocal from Rundgren. The song is an anthem of perseverance, with lyrics that encourage listeners to keep pushing forward even in the face of difficulty.

Other standout tracks on the album include 'The Waiting Game,' which features a catchy chorus and a driving rhythm section, and 'Can't Stop Running,' which is a propulsive and danceable track that features a funky bassline and a soaring lead vocal.

In addition to the more upbeat tracks, Nearly Human also features a number of more introspective pieces. 'Fidelity' is a slower, more contemplative track with delicate guitar picking and heartfelt vocals. 'Parallel Lines' is similarly introspective, with a sparse arrangement that puts Rundgren's vocals front and center.

One of the key elements of Nearly Human is the use of backing vocals. Rundgren is joined by a group of talented vocalists, including Bobby Strickland and Mark Rivera, who add a rich layer of harmony to many of the songs. The backing vocals are particularly effective on the song 'Courage,' which features a soaring chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.

Overall, Nearly Human is a polished and enjoyable album that showcases Rundgren's songwriting and production skills. The collection of catchy pop and rock tracks is sure to please fans of Rundgren's work, as well as anyone who appreciates well-crafted, upbeat music.

Members:

Todd Rundgren has had a long and prolific career with many different band lineups and collaborators. Below are some of his key members and their biographies:

1. Mark 'Moogy' Klingman: Born in 1950 in Great Neck, New York, Klingman was the keyboardist for Rundgren's band, The Nazz, as well as for Rundgren's early solo work. He also co-wrote several of Rundgren's songs, including 'We Gotta Get You a Woman' and 'I Saw the Light.' Klingman later went on to play with other bands, including Bette Midler's and Meat Loaf's.

2. Ralph Schuckett: Born in 1948 in Passaic, New Jersey, Schuckett played keyboards for Rundgren in the 1970s and early 1980s. He contributed to many of Rundgren's albums during this time, including 'Something/Anything?' and 'A Wizard, a True Star.' Schuckett also played with other artists, including Steely Dan and Carole King.

3. Kasim Sulton: Born in 1955 in Staten Island, New York, Sulton began playing bass for Rundgren in the 1970s and has continued to work with him on and off ever since. Sulton has also played with other artists, including Meat Loaf and Joan Jett.

4. Roger Powell: Born in 1949 in Middletown, Connecticut, Powell played keyboards for Rundgren in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He contributed to albums like 'Hermit of Mink Hollow' and 'Healing.' Powell later went on to play with other bands, including Utopia (which also featured Rundgren).

5. Jesse Gress: Born in 1955 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gress has played guitar for Rundgren since the 1990s. He has also played with other artists, such as the Tony Levin Band and the Mahavishnu Project.

6. Prairie Prince: Born in 1950 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Prince played drums for Rundgren in the mid-1980s. He has also played with other bands, including The Tubes and New Cars.

Overall, Todd Rundgren has worked with many talented musicians over the years, each contributing their own unique sounds and styles to his music.

Track List for Nearly Human:

1. 'The Want of a Nail' (6:05) - This is the opening track of the album and features a powerful chorus and a driving beat. The lyrics express a longing for unity and personal redemption.

2. 'The Waiting Game' (4:19) - This track features a catchy melody and soulful vocals. The lyrics describe the frustration of waiting for love and the uncertainty of romantic relationships.

3. 'Parallel Lines' (4:25) - This song has a distinctive synth-pop sound and a danceable rhythm. The lyrics explore the idea of parallel lives and the possibility of different paths in life.

4. 'Two Little Hitlers' (3:17) - This is a satirical song that critiques fascist leaders and authoritarian regimes. The lyrics are clever and the melody is upbeat.

5. 'Can't Stop Running' (4:45) - This track has a lively and energetic sound, with a catchy chorus and driving beat. The lyrics describe a person's struggle against addiction and personal demons.

6. 'Unloved Children' (3:56) - This song has a slower, more melancholic tone, with introspective lyrics that explore the pain of growing up feeling unloved or neglected.

7. 'Fidelity' (3:32) - This track has a simple, yet memorable melody, and features heartfelt vocals. The lyrics describe the importance of faithfulness and commitment in relationships.

8. 'Feel It' (5:16) - This song has a funky groove and a lively beat. The lyrics encourage listeners to let loose and dance, and embrace the joys of life.

9. 'Hawking' (3:08) - This is an instrumental track featuring experimental soundscapes and electronic elements. The title pays homage to the famous physicist Stephen Hawking.

10. 'The Want of a Nail (Reprise)' (3:36) - This track is a reprise of the opening song, with a slower tempo and more introspective arrangement. The lyrics emphasize the theme of unity and personal growth.

Discography for Todd Rundgren:

Here is the complete discography of Todd Rundgren in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:
1. Runt - 1970
2. Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren - 1971
3. Something/Anything? - 1972
4. A Wizard, a True Star - 1973
5. Todd - 1974
6. Initiation - 1975
7. Faithful - 1976
8. Hermit of Mink Hollow - 1978
9. Healing - 1981
10. The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect - 1982
11. A Cappella - 1985
12. Nearly Human - 1989
13. 2nd Wind - 1991
14. No World Order - 1993
15. The Individualist - 1995
16. With a Twist... - 1997
17. Up Against It - 1997
18. The Desktop Collection - 1998
19. Reconstructed - 1998
20. One Long Year - 2000
21. Todd Rundgren and His Friends - 2001
22. Liars - 2004
23. Arena - 2008
24. Johnson - 2010
25. Todd Rundgren's Johnson Live - 2011
26. State - 2013
27. Global - 2015

Singles/Others:
1. We Gotta Get You a Woman - 1970
2. Be Nice to Me - 1971
3. I Saw the Light - 1972
4. Hello, It's Me - 1972
5. A Dream Goes on Forever - 1974
6. Real Man - 1975
7. Love in Action - 1976
8. Can We Still Be Friends - 1978
9. Time Heals - 1981
10. Bang the Drum All Day - 1983
11. Something/Anything? (reissue) - 1985
12. Parallel Lines - 1989
13. Tiny Demons - 1990
14. The Individualist (Limited Edition) - 1995
15. Property - 1997
16. Love Science - 1997
17. The Messenger - 2013
18. Deaf Ears - 2015

Note: This discography includes only Todd Rundgren's solo work and does not include his collaborations with other musicians or his work with Utopia.