Todd Rundgren's interests since the 1980s have encompassed a number of cutting-edge technologies, but the one that seems to hold the most revolutionary promise is Patro-Net, an online service that

One Long Year

Todd Rundgren's interests since the 1980s have encompassed a number of cutting-edge technologies, but the one that seems to hold the most revolutionary promise is Patro-Net, an online service that allows Rundgren fans a monthly subscription to his music. This collection represents the service's monthly singles releases for 1999 and it's a refreshing reminder of the restless musical talent that's too often been overshadowed by Rundgren's techno-geek impulses. Though still clearly a child of 1960s Top 40 radio, he's gratifyingly adopted its inclusive sensibility to absorb any number of trends into his work. Careening joyously from alt-rock sass ("I Hate My Frickin' ISP") through '70s rock-star histrionics ("Buffalo Grass," "The Surf Talks") to faux Stax R&B ("Hit Me Like a Train"), with some typical Rundgren loopiness thrown in for good measure ("Bang on the Ukulele Daily," a tongue-in-cheek Hawaiian war-chant take on "Bang on the Drum" that sounds uncannily--and uncomfortably--like Billy Joel). The odes to Rundgren's techno/trance pioneering with Utopia are a decidedly mixed bag, while "Where Does the Time Go" is another seemingly effortless pop ballad in the "Can We Still Be Friends?" mold. All in all, this represents a good year's work from an artist who deserves considerably more than cult status. --Jerry McCulley
Country USA
Manufacturer Artemis Records
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 751041
ReleaseDate 2000-06-27
UnitCount 1
UPCs 699675104122
EANs 0699675104122

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Artemis Records
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	751041
ReleaseDate	2000-06-27
UnitCount	1
UPCs	699675104122
EANs	0699675104122

One Long Year

You might also like...