Todd Rundgren - 'Best Of Todd Rundgren Live' (Santuary Records) Released 21/11/05

Having struck out as a solo artist way back in 1969, Todd Rundgren has been garnering a following with his song-led albums and production work which includes the likes of Hall & Oates, Patti Smith, XTC, Meatloaf, Cheap Trick... Musically, its the tamed U.S. soft-rock affair that gives backing to the songs delivered, well written and some of them etched in our memories; the kind of rock that compares with Jackson Browne, Hall & Oates, early Genesis. This live album is cleverly remastered by Todd who takes in concerts that bridge the years 1979 to 2004, bringing 13 well segued tracks with differing band line-ups including The Liars, and a songbook laid bare. 

'Real Man' and 'Love Of The Common Man' are the themes that speak to the working man/woman in the way Springsteen has mastered, easy on the ear with rounded band performances. 'I Saw The Light' comes from an A Capella tour of 1985 where Todd has a tape recording playing of the song with the Acapella orchestra of 11 vocalists singing over the top - whilst the recording is are lesser sound quality, it's lifted by the vocal harmonies which bring all the shine and splendour to this classic song and Todd's chipper delivery, rich with the gospel loveliness. 'It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference' and 'Can We Still Be Friends' talks like Elton John love songs, with Todd busy with the candlelight and piano, narrating the intimacies and uncouplings of relationships. Dancing shoes required for 'Soul Brother' - a rhythmically strong track with soulful blues or bluesy soul, the organ gluing the rhythm and leading things into a shimmy and shake, a groovy wiggle of a track with flute to boot. Segueing into 'Love In Action' which has those Meaty Loaf signatures of thrusting rock and emphatic chorus "...you can't stop, love in action...", a Harley in the drive and some bland U.S. beer to slug. Todd gifts a distinctive version of one of rock's greatest tracks - the late George Harrison's 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' from a 2004 tour - Todd's voice showing at it's most unique, stalwart and crystal, respectful of the majesty of this track, the strat given a good stretch, bringing to mind 'Freebird'. Phew wee, a classic recording! 'Rock Love' marries those two themes of Rock and Love with a bow, "love is the answer...", and rock the gist of the persuasion, Todd working out with his Big Band sound. Signing off with that old chestnut - 'Love Is The Answer' - a gentle rock signature with female harmonies helping to keep things lush and simple, the customer satisfied. 

A singular recording in that it encompasses so many years of Todd's touring history, this 'Best Of Live' will fill those holes in collectors bootlegs copies, and will bring glee to the ardent fans worldwide, given that Todd has cherry picked these tracks and these recordings. To the new listener who cocks an ear this way, there is much to be found in Todd's craftsmanship, style and delivery - the proviso being a love of U.S. soft-rock.