SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TODD RUNDGREN – SOLO IN CLEARWATER

TODD RUNDGREN
SOLO IN CLEARWATER
CLEOPATRA RECORDS

In 2003, Todd Rundgren embarked on a lengthy tour. These three dozen shows were different, in that Rundgren was going out on his own, with just his guitar, piano, and foot pedals. Of course, the foot pedals were connected to various sounds and instruments to fill out his sound, but one thing was clear: this was a very solo tour. And, being Todd Rundgren, I am sure the audiences had no idea as to what they would see and hear. And they were not to be disappointed. Solo In Clearwater is a concert from that tour. This show was recorded on January 23, 2003, and was made available through streaming and download platforms. Cleopatra is making sure it gets a proper release on CD and vinyl.

There are not a lot of certainties in life, but there are two when it comes to Todd Rundgren. One, he is going to perform and play brilliantly, and two, any album he decides to release is going to sound exceptionally good. Both of these statements apply to this album. Rundgren’s career as of 2003 had spanned over four decades, and he was always very prolific. So, I am sure he had a hard time picking the songs for this collection,

Of course, the hits are here. “Hello It’s Me” (which he introduces by saying, ‘let’s get this out of the way…’), which he strips down to just him and a piano, is absolutely wonderful. He then goes into “Bang The Drum All Day” (which features a two-minute introduction that is hilarious), the sublime “Can We Still Be Friends” and my personal favourite, “I Saw The Light.” Here, it is really Rundgren and an acoustic guitar, and it brings out the rawness and beauty of the song. Plus, his voice is outstanding. The songs are not altered significantly to be performed in this manner, which is an indication of the strength of the song. Rather, the versions are just more intimate with Rundgren doing what he does so well.

But it is the deep, album cuts that prove the most interesting. Opening the album with “Love Of The Common Man” (from the criminally overlooked Faithful album released in 1976), Rundgren sets the stage for a stripped, almost unplugged show. But he is plugged in, and he arranges the song perfectly. Again, it is that voice with just an acoustic guitar, and it is so full of emotion and power. There is also a great version of “Tiny Demons” from 1981’s Healing. Here, he turns an almost prog rock song into an acoustic journey into music appreciation. It is quite wonderful. And a cover of “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” which he does effectively with just an acoustic guitar.

Although Solo In Clearwater is a brilliant album, live or otherwise, it might be designed for Rundgren fans rather than the general population. Having said that, it is also an important historical document of the tour that Rundgren seemed to find joy in some of his songs. He sounds like a kid in a toy shop. He is at ease with the audience, and remarkably funny. He sounds comfortable with the hits and the lesser-known songs. Solo In Clearwater sounds amazing, and fans will enjoy hearing Rundgren, very solo, and having the time of his life.

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