TODD RUNDGREN
Space Force (Cleopatra)
Todd Rundgren’s musical brilliance rests upon decades of exploration and craft, emergent on his early 1970s solo records Something/Anything? and A Wizard, A True Star. Take his rendition of Carole King’s I Saw The Light, as illuminating as the title suggests. He is a singer, songwriter, sound engineer and producer, and has previously worked with acts from Meat Loaf to XTC.
On his new album, Space Force, the artist takes an abrupt turn. From the producer’s seat and in command of his ship, Rundgren brings forward various collaborations: hip-hop artists The Roots and Narcy, electronic wizard Thomas Dolby, alt-rock icon Rivers Cuomo and more. Although ambitious, the album lacks cohesion, which is self-explanatory given the range of stylings. There are highlights, however, such as the groovy Down With The Ship and the gentle electronic Head In The Ocean. Though falling short of excitement, Space Force is infused with fun elements that make the experience worthwhile.
words PETRE-ADRIAN BANUTA