Album Information:
Album ID: 10377
About Todd Rundgren:
Todd Rundgren is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer with a career spanning over four decades. He was born on June 22, 1948, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a musical family. As a teenager, he formed several bands, including Woody’s Truck Stop and The Nazz, which gained some success in the late 1960s.
As a solo artist, Rundgren debuted with the album “Runt” in 1970, which yielded the hit single “We Gotta Get You a Woman.” He continued to release a string of solo albums throughout the 1970s, including “Something/Anything?,” “A Wizard, a True Star,” and “Todd,” which showcased his experimental pop-rock sound and his talents as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and arranger.
In addition to his solo career, Rundgren produced albums for other artists, including Grand Funk Railroad, Badfinger, Meat Loaf, and The Tubes. He also formed the band Utopia in the mid-1970s, which released several albums and toured extensively.
Rundgren’s musical style combines elements of rock, pop, soul, and electronic music, and he has been praised for his innovative use of technology in the recording studio. He is also known for his activism and involvement in environmental and political causes.
Throughout his career, Rundgren has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Hollies and has been recognized for his work as a producer and engineer.
Overall, Todd Rundgren is a visionary artist, prolific producer, and a highly respected figure in the music industry.
About the album Something/Anything?:
Something/Anything? is a double album by Todd Rundgren, released in 1972. The album is a highly acclaimed work that showcases Rundgren's versatility as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
The album is divided into three sections. The first section is recorded live in the studio with Rundgren playing all the instruments himself, except for a few guest appearances. The second section features the same approach, but this time with a full band. The third section features a series of well-crafted solo recordings by Rundgren.
The opening song 'I Saw The Light' is a catchy pop tune that sets the tone for the album. This song is followed by 'It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference', which showcases Rundgren's more introspective side with its emotive lyrics and melancholic melody.
Other highlights from the first section of the album include 'Black Maria', a hard-rocking track that features a virtuosic guitar solo, and 'Sweeter Memories', which features a catchy vocal melody and a memorable piano riff.
The second section of the album features Rundgren backed by a full band. The songs in this section are generally more upbeat and rock-oriented, with tracks such as 'Couldn't I Just Tell You' and 'Hello, It's Me' showcasing Rundgren's songwriting and production skills at their best.
The third and final section of the album is more experimental and eclectic, featuring a range of different styles and moods. 'Torch Song' is a beautiful ballad featuring Rundgren's falsetto vocals and a haunting string arrangement, while 'The Range War' is a quirky instrumental that showcases Rundgren's guitar skills.
In conclusion, Something/Anything? is a highly diverse and well-crafted double album that showcases Todd Rundgren's incredible range of talents as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. It is widely regarded as a classic of 1970s rock and is still enjoyed by music lovers to this day.
Members:
As an AI language model, I can provide information about Todd Rundgren, but I don't have any information about his key members' biographies. However, I can give you a list of some of the key members who have collaborated with Todd Rundgren throughout his career.
- Kasim Sulton (bass guitar, vocals)
- Willie Wilcox (drums, percussion)
- Roger Powell (keyboards, vocals)
- Ralph Schuckett (keyboards)
- John 'Willie' Waldman (trumpet)
- Bobby Strickland (saxophone, vocals)
- Kevin Ellman (drums, percussion)
- Jesse Gress (guitar)
- Greg Hawkes (keyboards, guitar)
- Prairie Prince (drums, percussion)
- Michele Gray (background vocals)
Each member has made significant contributions to Todd Rundgren's music, and all are accomplished musicians in their own right.
Track List for Something/Anything?:
Sure, I can do that for you. Here are all of the tracks on Todd Rundgren's album 'Something/Anything?' in order with their playtime and detailed descriptions:
Disc One:
1. 'I Saw the Light' (2:56) - A classic pop song that opens with a catchy guitar riff and features Rundgren's smooth vocals. It reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2. 'It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference' (3:50) - A slower ballad that showcases Rundgren's piano playing and emotional delivery.
3. 'Wolfman Jack' (2:54) - A fun, upbeat track that pays homage to the radio DJ Wolfman Jack, featuring catchy horns and a grooving beat.
4. 'Cold Morning Light' (3:58) - A haunting, atmospheric tune with eerie guitars and synths that create a sense of foreboding.
5. 'It Takes Two to Tango (This Is for the Girls)' (2:40) - A swinging, jazzy number with a playful vocal delivery that celebrates women.
6. 'Sweeter Memories' (3:35) - A soulful ballad with a powerful vocal performance from Rundgren and a memorable piano melody.
7. 'Intro' (1:11) - A short instrumental interlude that sets the stage for the album's second half.
8. 'Breathless' (3:16) - A frenetic, high-energy rocker with driving guitars and a propulsive beat.
9. 'The Night the Carousel Burnt Down' (4:29) - A melancholy ballad about lost innocence and fleeting memories, with a wistful piano melody and poignant lyrics.
10. 'Saving Grace' (4:13) - A funky, upbeat track with a catchy bassline and horns, featuring Rundgren's falsetto vocals.
11. 'Marlene' (3:54) - A funky, disco-inspired tune with a catchy chorus and Rundgren's trademark playful vocals.
12. 'Song of the Viking' (2:36) - A stripped-down acoustic ballad with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics.
13. 'I Went to the Mirror' (4:05) - A psychedelic, experimental track with swirling synths and trippy vocal effects.
14. 'Black Maria' (5:21) - A hard-rocking tune with driving guitars and a blistering solo, featuring Rundgren's powerful vocals.
15. 'One More Day (No Word)' (3:48) - A tender, heartfelt ballad with a gorgeous piano melody and emotional vocals.
Disc Two:
1. 'Couldn't I Just Tell You' (3:34) - A power-pop classic with soaring harmonies and catchy guitar riffs, it also became a fan favorite.
2. 'Torch Song' (2:51) - A torch song in the classic sense, featuring a sultry vocal performance by Rundgren and a slow, smoldering melody.
3. 'Little Red Lights' (4:51) - A trippy, psychedelic track with swirling synths and a dreamlike melody.
4. 'You Lost Your Head' (3:49) - A funky, upbeat tune with a catchy horn riff and Rundgren's trademark humor and wordplay.
5. 'Is It My Name?' (4:02) - A grooving rocker with driving guitars and a catchy chorus, featuring Rundgren's powerful vocals.
6. 'Just One Victory' (4:53) - A triumphant, anthemic song with soaring harmonies and a powerful message of hope and perseverance. It became a live favorite and is still one of Rundgren's most beloved songs.
Overall, 'Something/Anything?' is widely regarded as Rundgren's masterpiece, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter, performer, and producer, and highlighting his talent for crafting memorable pop songs with emotional depth and creative ambition.
Discography for Todd Rundgren:
Here is a complete discography for 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. One Long Year (2000)
19. Todd Rundgren and His Friends (2003)
20. Liars (2004)
21. Arena (2008)
22. Johnson (2010)
23. Global (2015)
24. White Knight (2017)
25. Space Force (2021)
Singles:
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 (1973)
5. A Dream Goes On Forever (1974)
6. Real Man (1975)
7. Can We Still Be Friends (1978)
8. All the Children Sing (1981)
9. Bang the Drum All Day (1983)
10. Hideaway (1991)
11. Love Science (1993)
12. Soul Brother (1995)
13. I Hate My Frickin I.S.P. (1999)
14. Happy Anniversary (2004)
Other Releases:
1. Todd Rundgren's Utopia (1974)
2. Another Live (1975)
3. Utopia (1982)
4. POV (1985)
5. Oblivion (1987)
6. Trivia (1992)
7. Something/Anything? (1997 reissue)
8. The Very Best of Todd Rundgren (1997)
9. The Ultimate Todd Rundgren (1998)
10. The Best of Todd Rundgren Live (2000)
11. The Essential Todd Rundgren (2013)
12. At the BBC 1972-1982 (2015)