Todd Rundgren

[Obo]

Can anyone tell me anything about this guy? He seems to crop up as an 'influence' for a lot of artist, would be interested to learn more. Cheers.

[mikewith]

Todd has been around since the late 60's - both as an artist (with his band The Nazz and solo) and, perhaps more tellingly, as an engineer/ producer. He worked at the Bearsville Studios in upstate New York with a bunch of soft-rock smoothies, but also produced Bat Out Of Hell and rockier stuff like that. As an artist he's had a few hits - more in the States - and continues to attract a hugely loyal (rather than huge) audience. He's a fan of new technology too - produces new material on his own website: http://www.tr-i.com/

[Obo]

Yeah I had a look at his impressive website, I'm under the impression (and could well be wrong) that he produced at least one really fantastic album which is seen as an influenece to a lot of later artists, but his discography seems to be v extensive so don't know where to begin looking.... any ideas?

[andy hughes]

Todd Rungren is indeed a pioneer of net-based music, but it is role as a producer, and solo artist that has made has name, and made him an influence. Todd has produced a wide spectrum of artists from Frank Sinatra to Grand Funk Railroad, and his most famous credit is the producer, and guitarist, on Meatloaf's mega-selling 'Bat Out Of Hell' album. If you want to check out Todd's own material - catch his 'Something / Anything?' album which was four sides of vinyl on release - Todd playing all instruments on the first three sides, and joined by some studio friends for the fourth. The album encapsulates his innate understanding of white soul music - his hit single 'I Saw The Light' is there, but the standout track is 'It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference', one of the greatest 'break-up' songs ever written.

[Obo]

Cheers Andy, great info (as always!) off to eBay to buy a copy!