Todd Rundgren - Arena
Monday, 22 September 2008 18:00 | Written by Tracy Farnsworth | 
Artist: Todd Rundgren
Album: Arena
Release: September 30, 2008
Label: Hi-Fi Recordings
Rating: 6 out of 10
Website: http://www.tr-i.com
Known for his work with Utopia in the 1970s ("Love is the Answer") and his solo effort that led to the hit song "Hello, It's Me," Todd Rundgren's lengthy career has covered both sides of music as an artist and also as a producer (Meatloaf, XTC, The Tubes, Cheap Trick, etc.)
Arena is Rundgren's latest album. It's heavier than what I'm used to from this artist. His vocals are still good and his skill with the guitar—Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck are two of his biggest influences—shines on this album. There's more screaming on this album than I'm used to, however. On the song "Gun" there are times when he sounds almost demonic. That loud, screamer is followed by "Courage," a song I find reminds me far more of Rundgren's earlier career. The very bluesy "Weakness" is a standout track.
{mosgoogle right}I do feel Arena is going to take a number of music fans by surprise. Those who expect Rundgren to be the balladeer found in songs like "Hello, It's Me" will be bowled over. Rundgren really can rock and he's proud to show it off in this album with guitar-driven rockers like "Gun" and "Mercenary." Meanwhile, the first few lines of "Strike" brought images of AC/DC to mind, AC/DC's influence and vocal infliction comes through strong on that track.
If you visit Todd Rundgren's Web site, plan to spend a bit of time. The site uses Flash and takes a while to get through. While at his site, I found it interesting that he states: "I'm really not a big fan of rock 'n' roll." Arena is quite definitely a rock 'n' roll album.
Album: Arena
Release: September 30, 2008
Label: Hi-Fi Recordings
Rating: 6 out of 10
Website: http://www.tr-i.com
Known for his work with Utopia in the 1970s ("Love is the Answer") and his solo effort that led to the hit song "Hello, It's Me," Todd Rundgren's lengthy career has covered both sides of music as an artist and also as a producer (Meatloaf, XTC, The Tubes, Cheap Trick, etc.)
Arena is Rundgren's latest album. It's heavier than what I'm used to from this artist. His vocals are still good and his skill with the guitar—Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck are two of his biggest influences—shines on this album. There's more screaming on this album than I'm used to, however. On the song "Gun" there are times when he sounds almost demonic. That loud, screamer is followed by "Courage," a song I find reminds me far more of Rundgren's earlier career. The very bluesy "Weakness" is a standout track.
{mosgoogle right}I do feel Arena is going to take a number of music fans by surprise. Those who expect Rundgren to be the balladeer found in songs like "Hello, It's Me" will be bowled over. Rundgren really can rock and he's proud to show it off in this album with guitar-driven rockers like "Gun" and "Mercenary." Meanwhile, the first few lines of "Strike" brought images of AC/DC to mind, AC/DC's influence and vocal infliction comes through strong on that track.
If you visit Todd Rundgren's Web site, plan to spend a bit of time. The site uses Flash and takes a while to get through. While at his site, I found it interesting that he states: "I'm really not a big fan of rock 'n' roll." Arena is quite definitely a rock 'n' roll album.
