Todd Rundgren – An Evening with Todd Rundgren, Live at the Ridgefield

“An Evening with Todd Rundgren: Live at the Ridgefield” is the fourth live release from Todd Rundgren.  It’s a surprisingly low number for a man who released his debut album in 1970 and has released a steady stream of studio albums ever since.  As well as his own musical career he’s also worked widely as a producer, producing albums for acts such as New York Dolls, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, Hall & Oates, and Meatloaf.

The show filmed for this release took place at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Richfield, Connecticut in December 2015 and features songs from right across Todd Rundgren’s career, ranging from songs dating back to 1968 from his 60’s band The Nazz right through to 2015.  There are very few artists still around with a career that spans such a long period of time without having long gaps.

It is a great set and one that will appeal to fans and more casual listeners alike as it includes a mix of hits and some songs that he hasn’t played live in a long time.  For the more casual listener who knows some of his songs, the surprise will be to discover just how versatile a performer he is with a wide range of sounds being demonstrated during the show.  I certainly heard songs that I hadn’t heard before and thoroughly enjoyed them.

While the sound quality is excellent, the video leaves more to be desired.  Firstly the lighting failed to take the filming into consideration leading to some of the band being completely blown out by the coloured lights, and the choice of camera angles is frankly bizarre with lots of unflattering upward shots of Rundgren and others from the side or behind at an angle.  The video was diappointing overall, especially when you see so many live DVD’s done well.

It’s a great live album and one that will appeal to fans and more casual listeners alike.  The video quality compares poorly to live releases from many other artists but it isn’t enough of a problem to spoil your enjoyment of this release.

Track listing (DVD/BluRay)

1. Intro/I saw the light
2. Love of the common man
3. Open my eyes
4. Remarks
5. Sometimes I don’t know what to feel
6. Black and white
7. Love science
8. Buffalo grass
9. Determination
10. Lost horizon
11. Bang the drum all day
12. Soothe
13. Kiddie boy
14. Black Maria
15. God said
16. Drive
17. I’m so proud
18. Ooh baby baby
19. I want you
20. Secret society
21. Love in action
22. Couldn’t I jsut tell you
23. Can we still be friends
24. Hello it’s me
25. One world
26. credits