Esoteric Antenna [Release date 13.04.15]
I think it’s fair to say that with the release of a new Todd Rundgren album no-one – not even his hardcore fans – quite know what to expect.
In the case of ‘Global’ Rundgren essentially continues the work he started with ‘State’ although some may bemoan the complete lack of an electric guitar. Others might simply think this synth-driven confection is just a bit too retro.
If you, like me, can tap into Rundgren’s muse and accept him for what he is – a damn creative talent who ploughs his own furrow regardless – there is much to like here. And as ever, the lyrical content is predominately, and perhaps predictably, eco- and politically aware as on ‘Fate’ and ‘This Island Earth’.
‘Soothe’ and ‘Blind’ are typical Todd vocal tour-de-force and on the latter he even allows himself the luxury of a sax-solo (Bobby Strickland) whilst ‘Earth Mother’ features a posse of lady backing vocalists including his wife Michele and Jill Sobule. The “title track” – ‘Global Nation’ – only lacks the pumping bass of ‘Welcome To The Pleasure Dome’ or we could be back in 1984.
It’s no good fretting that this lacks some of the killer punches of an album like ‘Liars’ or ‘Arena’. It’s easy to see why an album such as this will dumbfound some listeners (and reviewers) but there is no denying the attraction of songs like ‘Flesh & Blood’, ‘Terra Firma’ and ‘Skyscraper’ (with long-time henchman Kasim Sulton) which in their execution do echo former glories and at very least maintain the undoubted quality continuum. ****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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