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May 11, 2004 12:00 a.m. - KINGBLIND: Music, Art & Entertainment
Todd Rundgren- Webster Hall, NYC 5/7/04 (CONCERT REVIEW)
I had the template ready for the Todd Rundgren concert review.
"Todd Rundgren’s performance at (insert venue) was a disaster. Once again he forgot the lyrics to (insert 4 song titles) and the chord changes to (insert most of the set list.) His bitter rants about (insert name of more successful rock star) and (insert name of politician) drew more attention than the music."
Todd’s recent performances have been cringe-making embarrassments, thanks to the lack of new material, and quite frankly, the lack of inspiration. This really hurts me to say. You see, I’ve been a fan for over 30 years, and I remember a time when a Todd Rundgren concert needed days of preparation, both mentally and emotionally. Once a prolific artist with his finger on the pulse of all things relevant, Rundgren has spent the better part of the last 10 years, touring with an Alan Parsons led Beatles tribute show and performing solo shows that were just plain sad. (I’ve seen better piano playing from chimps wearing mittens.) So, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I say TODD IS BACK!!! This past weekend’s performance at NYC’s Webster Hall was cathartic. Or, more appropriately, "utopian!" (sorry) Not since the now legendary, mid-70’s performances in New York’s Central Park has Rundgren been more inspired! Touring behind "Liars," his masterful new release on Sanctuary, and backed by long time cohorts Kasim Sulton on bass, Prairie Prince on drums, Jesse Gress on guitar and John Ferenzik on keys, Todd tore up the house for 2 solid hours! I challenge every member of the 1000 plus, diehard audience, to find anything wrong with the show. (well, there was one thing, which I’ll get to in a minute) Rundgren’s voice and guitar playing were flawless, and the ensemble’s Intensity was more like a young band of teenagers showcasing their act in hopes of getting a deal, than that of an aging rock star trying to stay relevant. Complete with light show and costume changes, Todd took command of the evening’s material, which was mostly from the anti-Bush inspired new record, and made his point with awesome harmony, heartbreaking guitar playing, and gut busting vocals! Early in the set, he paid tribute to the recently departed "quiet Beatle," with an earnest version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which featured a guitar solo that one Todd fanatic described as, "Better than anything Clapton has ever attempted!" (Okay, that was me, caught in the moment. It was damn good, though) A brief acoustic set which gave the band an opportunity to change their outfits, featured a beautiful rendition of "Beloved Infidel," one of the highlights of the flawed 1995 release "The Individualist," as well as a cover of 80’s obscurity "Lunatic Fringe." Okay, here’s the one complaint I referred to earlier. This guy has like, 400 amazing songs. Why is he wasting our time with a Red Rider cover? This, along with a sleepy version of the classic "Born To Synthesize," which featured each band member soloing for way too long, would’ve been time better spent, revisiting the deep catalogue that fans have been yearning to hear since 1984. How about a Nazz medley? (minor complaint? maybe not) If all this was more than enough to digest for the famished fans of the Philly wizard, he pushed the envelope and closed the show with "the Utopian National Anthem," "Just One Victory," from one of the greatest records of all time, "A Wizard/A True Star." It might’ve been my imagination, but I swear I heard 1000 people sighing!
Review by: Sal Nunziato:: NYCD www.NYCD-Online.com (NYCD is one of the greatest record stores on the planet.. Visit them next time you are in NYC)
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