Todd Rundgren’s solo debut album, Runt, released in 1970, remains an enduring testament to his boundless talent and the eclectic musical landscape of the era. This album is a kaleidoscope of sound, emotion, and innovation that defies easy categorization. From the moment the needle hits the vinyl, “Runt” embarks on a musical journey that takes listeners through a multitude of genres, moods, and lyrical landscapes. In celebration of Rhino Record’s 45th Anniversary, Rhino is reissuing classic titles from their catalog on “Rhino Red” vinyl. Each reissue includes a bonus 45” with two selections from the record and all titles were pressed at Third Man Records. The 45” for Runt contains “We Gotta Get You A Woman” b/w “Baby Let’s Swing/Last Thing You Said/Don’t Tie My Hands.” Rhino originally searched for a rumored 2nd pressing of Runt but couldn’t find the tapes however they did find an unissued early version so they have released a 3rd version with alternate mixes, edits and sequencing.
Rundgren’s ability to seamlessly shift between styles is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s evident right from the opening track, “Broke Down and Busted,” which showcases his knack for crafting infectious melodies and delivering them with heartfelt sincerity. One of the standout tracks, “We Gotta Get You a Woman,” is a pop-rock gem that oozes with catchy hooks and Rundgren’s distinctive vocal charm. The song’s honest and relatable lyrics about love and relationships resonate as strongly today as they did over four decades ago. Runt also exhibits Rundgren’s prowess as a songwriter and musician. Tracks like “Once Burned” and “Devil’s Bite” showcase his intricate guitar work and ability to create lush, multi-layered arrangements. His production skills shine throughout the album, adding depth and texture to each song. The album takes several unexpected detours. “Wailing Wall” delves into a bluesy, soulful territory, while “The Range War” brings a folk-rock element into the mix. Rundgren’s willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries is evident on tracks like “I’m in the Clique” and “Baby Let’s Swing/The Last Thing You Said/Don’t Tie My Hands,” where he seamlessly merges multiple songs into a single epic medley.
Runt is a showcase of Todd Rundgren’s incredible versatility as an artist, with his songwriting, singing, and instrumental talents on full display. His introspective and often introspective lyrics provide a glimpse into his creative and emotional depths. The album’s production, while not as polished as some of Rundgren’s later work, possesses a raw and organic quality that adds to its timeless appeal. It captures the spirit of a young artist on the cusp of greatness, experimenting with his craft and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in popular music at the time. Runt by Todd Rundgren is a masterful debut that remains a testament to Rundgren’s musical genius. It’s an album that defies easy classification, constantly surprising and delighting the listener with its diversity and innovation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Todd Rundgren’s work, Runt is an essential addition to any music collection, a true masterpiece of eclecticism that continues to stand the test of time.
2 Responses
This should have been proofread before release. “Wailing wall” and ” The Range War” are not on this album but on his next album” The ballad of Todd Rundgren”. Also, on this release there is no medley. ” Baby let’s swing” is it’s own song, as ‘The last thing you said” and ” Don’t tie my hands” are full length songs.
@Jonathan Risen – Thank you for reading and for the feedback. I apologize for not proofreading. I meant to delete all references to “The Ballad of Todd Rundgren,” and it looks like I missed a sentence. In regards to the medley, there actually is a medley of “Baby Let’s Swing/The Last Thing You Said/Don’t Tie My Hands” on this release. As stated in the first paragraph, this is an alternative master found by Rhino with alternate mixes and an alternate track listing. The medley is also included as the B-side to the included 45”.