Todd Rundgren
(Hi Fi Recordings)
The bittersweet pop sensibility that often made it hard to tell Todd Rundgren's early hits apart from Carole King's is nowhere to be found here. And the title tells you all you really need to know about it.
There's an almost prog-like quality to "Mad," the lead-off track, with Rundgren blustering like Roger Daltrey in Who's Next mode after easing you in with a Yes-like sigh. He goes metal with devil horns flying on "Mercenary," does his best to filter every AC/DC song you've ever heard into the cowbell-rocking "Strike," and steals a riff from ZZ Top on the "Tush"-tapping "Gun." At least that last one has some funny moments.
A few songs do at least attempt the soulful magic of his most enduring hits, but even then, they fall just short enough to pass for lukewarm Hall & Oates (see "Courage").
Standout Tracks: "Gun," "Courage" A. WATT
