Album of the Day

The title of Todd Rundgren's second solo set may be confusingly close to that of his debut, but RUNT: THE BALLAD OF TODD RUNDGREN was a big step forward for the performer. The cover sets the stage in a couple of respects; piano-led ballads are front-and-center, along with sly wit (though Sparks' Ron Mael helped put Todd's head in the noose). Musically inventive and with a McCartney-esque emphasis on melody, the songwriting is outstanding across these dozen originals, with “Long Flowing Robe,” “Hope I'm Around,” “Boat On The Charles” and “A Long Time, A Long Way To Go” among the highlights. Almost a one-man-show (session players handle bass and drums), RUNT: THE BALLAD OF TODD RUNDGREN is a tour de force and among Rundgren's very best albums, and we'll give it another spin to wish the man a happy birthday!