Search - Todd Rundgren :: One Long Year

One Long Year: Portrait of an artist at work

tomato cow | Surprise, AZ | 08/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I had to finally take a listen to 'One Long Year' tonight. (only first realized it existed as of last week!). Basically, because I always expect Rundgren to be a mixed bag, and because I totally respect his penchant for musical exploration, I tried to have no specific expectations. However, after reading many conflicting reviews of this CD, I really didn't know what I'd be subjecting my ears to. Well, overall, I was pleasantly surprized! 'Buffalo Grass' absolutely knocks me out! Its such an interesting tune in that the overtones of the chorus do some real unexpected things. The mix and instrumentation is great and his voice is top notch. I consider it among Todds better career efforts (its a long list). I also find the infectious 'Where does the time Go?' full of the classic Rundgren hooks and impossible to sit still to. Next, 'Hit me like a Train'. Crisp modern 'soul' music, with real interesting cadance... Great singing.



I absoultely loved 'With a Twist' and I converted several of my unenlightened music lover friends to the ranks of the Todd faithful through sharing that CD with them. (women really dig it). So, I was delighted to hear 'Love of the Common Man' done in that style. Smoooooooth. I loved his bossa-nova stuff on 'Twist', but I think this song here has a fresher sound. Hard to put my finger on it, but it has a special life to it. "Surf Talk's' is one very bizarre tune. And, I love it. It continually surprizes me, and unlike some of the other even more experimental tracks, I find this one very listenable. Great layers of vocals and mix of textures.



Todd Rungren is an amazing creative talent, and he's better than he has ever been... In all departments: songwriting, creativity, sound engineering, musicianship and singing. And, it makes me smile to think of the musical gems yet to be created by this very gifted individual. (consider: 'Liars'!!!) I am convinced it takes quite a refined musical taste to fully appreciate what Todd is doing. It is not music for the lowest common denominator, that's for sure. I suggest we all give the guy a break and stop telling him how to create his art. He's doing just fine."

Todd makes me so happy!

mc | USA | 11/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Based on the unlistenable bile that's been passed off as music over the last decade or so, I was convinced people were no longer capable of writing and producing great music. It was as if the human spirit had broken. That is, until I heard 'One Long Year'. It has all the charm and spirit and light of Todd's music from the '70s and '80s without sounding forced and retro. AND THAT VOICE! Todd still has it."

Open your ears!

Onesky | Lodi, OH usa | 03/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Todd always gives up the the goodies, sometimes we need to grow into what he does. it's worth it for "ISP" alone."