Search - 12 Rods :: Separation Anxieties

Unbelievable

Martin R. Harper | Chicago, IL USA | 04/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is fantastic. I've had it for about a year and a half and I still can't believe it never took off. I really believe it may be one of the best albums ever recorded. Certainly it's one of the best that went undiscovered.While I appreciated, but never loved his solo work, Todd Rundgren's production here is genius. This is pure pop - a beautiful mix of early Weezer, XTC, Thomas Dolby and Prefab Sprout. Check out Kaboom, Radioaction, Marionette, You Gotta Go, Everybody and Repeat. The production and mixing are flawless."

If you could wear CD's out, this one would be a goner!

Scott M. | Indianapolis, IN USA | 01/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every few years, a recording comes along that I instantly become addicted to and the 12 Rods record, Seperation Anxieties is the most current. I bought this title when it was released in July 2000 and I'm still listening to it a few times a week. Seperation Axieties, produced by Todd Rundgren, harkens back to those power pop/punk sounds of the eighties(think XTC, Police, The Replacements etc.), but unlike most bands today, they don't mine that era of music for the vintage synth sounds. What they do take from the eighties are the catchy melodic hooks, tight songwriting a blend of synth and guitars. Mr. Rundgren's production is excellent, as he does something similar to what he did with XTC on Skylarking. He has taken the songs and made them into a cohesive collection, polishing all the rough spots as he finds something that sonically links all the tunes. Ryan Olcott's songwriting is key to this record. The melodic hooks in songs like Everybody, Repeat and Your Secret's Safe are nothing short of addictive. The lyrics are self reflective but he never takes himself too seriously. Anyway, I could go on, but I'll stop myself. If you're one of those pretentious people who think everything needs to aggressive, atonal or cutting edge, then forget about this record. If not you should buy this CD!! I can only hope that the 12 Rods get some well deserved media attention.Cheers!"

Todd's Toy Shop

K. Owen | Avon, Indiana United States | 11/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A truly brilliant album, morphing an obviously talented and tight trio with Todd Rundgren's most imaginative production since XTC's "Skylarking" and the (little heard, Japanese import) Hiroshi Takano CD "Awakening".Quirky and memorable... unlike anything else you'll hear this year."