Todd Rundgren: Before he was Banging on the Drum, there was Something/Anything

The first record I've chosen to share with you for an Album Listening Experience is Todd Rundgren's 1972 release Something/Anything. The combination of music, album art, and read along material is just the sort of album that fits the premise of this blog.


This double LP was actually Rundgren's 3rd solo album and showed him to be a force as a song writer, musician, and producer. On three of the four sides of music, Todd wrote all the songs, played every instrument, and was responsible for every sound the listener heard as the producer in the studio.. At the ripe age of 24,Rundgren was already the wizard and true star that he declared himself to be on his next album one year later.

First, the music: Todd separated the music by themes call side 1 "a bouquet of ear catching melodies". Side 2 is "the cerebral side". Side 3: "the kid gets heavy". Finally, side 4 is "Baby gets a new pair of snakeskin boots (a pop operetta)". Hello It's Me from side 4 is the highest charting single from Rundgren's career (#5 of Billboard) but there are plenty of other great pop melodies to choose from on the 4 sides including I Saw the Light, It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference, Sweeter Memories, Marlene, and One More Day. The guy could write a hit anytime of his choosing.

Side 3 is my favorite side of the album. Todd does get heavy and shows off his 6 string chops on songs like Black Maria and Little Red Lights. My favorite song on the album as well as my favorite Todd song (and among my all-time favorite songs) is Couldn't I Just Tell You. It features a great intro riff that shows up throughout the song, multi layered acoustic and electric guitars, and a soaring lead guitar break. Turn this one up loud to get the full effect!

Side 4?...This side is an interesting listen. Let's just say that with song titles like Piss Aaron, Slut, and You Left Me Sore, these aren't exactly radio friendly. That's not to say that they aren't fun and quite listenable.

Of course, the experience isn't complete without the album itself. Despite Todd's apparent ego, the front cover just features colorful flowers and he reserves the back cover for his picture. Open up the book style cover and there's Todd in the studio shot from behind, his Gibson SG strapped on and his arms triumphantly outstretched, his fingers give the peace sign (or is it V for victory?) Included in one of the record sleeves is a four page fold-out section with lyrics and the various credits including the guest musicians used for side 4...perfect for following along with as you listen to the 86+ minutes of music contained on the record.

Double albums are often full of self-indulgent filler material that bogs down the whole effort. give this one a chance. Todd uses his talent in all aspects of making music on this one and really delivered. Therre will be more to share about Todd Rundgren and his music on these pages in the near future.