Open Web Player
Most likely, if you're reading this review, you already know what I'm about to say. But just in case you're only now becoming aware of Rundgren in a serious way, congratulations on your good fortune. Rundgren was a pop music footnote to me until recently, when I picked up "It's Alive," the New Cars CD he fronted in '06. That peaked my curiosity, so I ordered HERMIT OF MINK HOLLOW on the advice of other Amazon reviewers. As a jaded old hippie who thought I could no longer be surprised by anything in pop music -- frankly, I'm in awe.
To be accurate, this CD isn't new -- it's 30 years old and just one of many Rundgren projects over the years. The sound isn't radically different from what was being produced 30 years ago, it's just better: more emotionally charged, inventive, original, profound, funny, and flat out beautiful. The first track, "All The Children Sing," created an immediate impression. I didn't know whether to jump up and down, weep, laugh, or all of the above. I've listened to it about 50 times in the last few days. I was not surprised to learn that Rundgren enjoyed musical theater as a child and admired Richard Rodgers, because "Bag Lady" sounds like something Kurt Weill could have written. Rundgren is undoubtedly a genius, a true artist committed to the honest expression of a personal vision both musically and lyrically. But he's not self-indulgent; in fact, he focuses a lot on the sorrows of the world: homelessness, hunger, heartbreak, cruelty and deceit between people, the hypocrisy of religion, the sanctimonious expectations of family...in other words, the dude is deep. I don't hear a false or pretentious note on this entire album which, by the way, is 100% Todd -- all the writing, singing, playing, producing -- ALL OF IT -- by him. Another reviewer compared him to Brian Wilson in terms of creativity, and I'd have to agree. Only once in a blue moon does somebody this uniquely gifted come along. Todd, where have I been all your life?
HERMIT covers a range of styles from Motown to bossa to hard rock to light pop, so each track is a unique experience. At the same time, Rundgren's surprising lyrics, harmonic changes, full arrangements, and vocal flexibility unite the album as a cohesive whole. He's not a particularly happy camper on most of these songs but, like Steely Dan, he sometimes gives his irony an upbeat feel. Unlike Steely Dan, however, he's not ashamed to wear his heart on his sleeve. It's no wonder that he's a sought-after producer, since he's so comfortably eclectic. I can't wait to hear more of his work.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2009
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2011
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2005
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2003
Top reviews from other countries
J. Chesterton
great production, wonderful playing and his voice has never ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2015
