Todd Rundgren – Determination
Well familiar with this record, Hermit of Mink Hollow (1978) – quite a strong one. This is “classic” Todd. Oh, the layers in the production and the molded sound. The bass even goes a little psychedelic towards song’s end – What’s not to love?
David Bowie – When I’m Five
Not as familiar with Bowie’s earliest recordings. He could charm in so many ways. A little Stones-ish in sound – always, also, the chameleon. Just darling – I want to pinch his cheeks.
Todd R– “Determination”. am only superficially familiar with his stuff and this is a new one to me. Highly crafty pop, very well produced of course except that the vocals are fuzzy at several points. but very enjoyable. my reaction improved on the second listen, which is a good sign.
David B. — “When I’m Five”. I knew this period of Bowie’s career existed but hadn’t heard any of it before. Intriguing alone for a glimpse of his professionally formative years, as well as at the British neo-folkie scene of the time. With a lovely melody, he convincingly inhabits the mind of a small child while throwing in faux-naive observations about the adult world (his daddy crying) and some Freudianism for good measure. Even at this early stage, you get the feeling he knows exactly what he’s doing, including the nascent theatricality (that yawn at the end!). Fascinating, and a good listen too.
The Todd – Pop hooks abound. Production has more layers than an ogre, or, if you prefer, an onion. A fun track where it seems odd shows off without being overly showy.
Bowie – First heard this when my friend’s band covered it back in ’83 or so (they also covered Eno and Floyd). Always a favourite of mine for the childlike wonder Bowie captures. Also on the first playlist I made for my kids.
Todd- It is hard for me to hear a Todd song and not bring up the image in my head of him performing “Healer” on Saturday Night live in the early eighties. I guess this song briefly predates that though you can hear many of the same elements of instrumentation on it. I don’t think I ever heard the song but I really dig it. Great energy–in fact so many of his songs have this underlying insistence to them that is hard to describe; sublime. Great layering of the vocals. The production is a bit dated (muddy-lots of ‘mids’) and I bet could be beautifully covered by some energetic young band. This was fun.
Bowie- Let me say 1st that I love Bowie (some of my best friends are Bowie). And I generally am a fan of the “When I…” genre of songs (cf: “When I was 17”, “When I’m 64”, “When I was one I sucked my thumb”, etc) I just did not like this song. I understand the concept, I understand what he was going for and appreciate the perspective taking of a 5 year old. I don’t think he pulled it off. I think if this was anyone other than David Bowie we might be making spinal tap comparisons. I hope I’m not breaking any My Five laws by suggesting that you go listen to “When I grow up” by Michelle Shocked as an alternative.
Determination: Definitely has a home studio feel to it or the wobbly tape effect was done on purpose not sure (or perhaps it was sped up slightly?). It Feels like the tempo is slightly faster than the sweet spot for the song AND I like it despite all that.
When I’m Five: I scratched my head through this thinking is this actually for kids? The tinkling keys and the child-like cadence to his voice….hmmm not sure……. through several listens has really grown on me and I am not sure exactly why…
Todd Rundgren – Wasn’t sure what I expected from this song but not what I expected Todd Rundgren to sound like at all. I don’t think i’ve ever identified a song as being a Rundgren song. Strikes me as something bridging the gap between 70’s and 80’s pop rock.
Bowie – I love Bowie but I’ve probably heard less than half of his music. This is a fresh one for me. Picking up a 60’s pop from this one, probably imitating the later beatles work. Simple and sweet song. Sounds like it was meant for kids =)
Bowie YouTube video link updated 4/6, 11:15 AM
T.R – Never heard this song before, quite different from the T.R I’ve heard before
D. B.
WOW! Almost everybody has heard of D.B. but man, what a song. Never heard this song either. again, not what I expected from D.B.
Great selections!
Todd Rundgren – Determination
Well familiar with this record, Hermit of Mink Hollow (1978) – quite a strong one. This is “classic” Todd. Oh, the layers in the production and the molded sound. The bass even goes a little psychedelic towards song’s end – What’s not to love?
David Bowie – When I’m Five
Not as familiar with Bowie’s earliest recordings. He could charm in so many ways. A little Stones-ish in sound – always, also, the chameleon. Just darling – I want to pinch his cheeks.
Todd R– “Determination”. am only superficially familiar with his stuff and this is a new one to me. Highly crafty pop, very well produced of course except that the vocals are fuzzy at several points. but very enjoyable. my reaction improved on the second listen, which is a good sign.
David B. — “When I’m Five”. I knew this period of Bowie’s career existed but hadn’t heard any of it before. Intriguing alone for a glimpse of his professionally formative years, as well as at the British neo-folkie scene of the time. With a lovely melody, he convincingly inhabits the mind of a small child while throwing in faux-naive observations about the adult world (his daddy crying) and some Freudianism for good measure. Even at this early stage, you get the feeling he knows exactly what he’s doing, including the nascent theatricality (that yawn at the end!). Fascinating, and a good listen too.
This should clear up any questions on fuzzy vocals and/or production noise in general.
The Todd – Pop hooks abound. Production has more layers than an ogre, or, if you prefer, an onion. A fun track where it seems odd shows off without being overly showy.
Bowie – First heard this when my friend’s band covered it back in ’83 or so (they also covered Eno and Floyd). Always a favourite of mine for the childlike wonder Bowie captures. Also on the first playlist I made for my kids.
Todd- It is hard for me to hear a Todd song and not bring up the image in my head of him performing “Healer” on Saturday Night live in the early eighties. I guess this song briefly predates that though you can hear many of the same elements of instrumentation on it. I don’t think I ever heard the song but I really dig it. Great energy–in fact so many of his songs have this underlying insistence to them that is hard to describe; sublime. Great layering of the vocals. The production is a bit dated (muddy-lots of ‘mids’) and I bet could be beautifully covered by some energetic young band. This was fun.
Bowie- Let me say 1st that I love Bowie (some of my best friends are Bowie). And I generally am a fan of the “When I…” genre of songs (cf: “When I was 17”, “When I’m 64”, “When I was one I sucked my thumb”, etc) I just did not like this song. I understand the concept, I understand what he was going for and appreciate the perspective taking of a 5 year old. I don’t think he pulled it off. I think if this was anyone other than David Bowie we might be making spinal tap comparisons. I hope I’m not breaking any My Five laws by suggesting that you go listen to “When I grow up” by Michelle Shocked as an alternative.
Determination: Definitely has a home studio feel to it or the wobbly tape effect was done on purpose not sure (or perhaps it was sped up slightly?). It Feels like the tempo is slightly faster than the sweet spot for the song AND I like it despite all that.
When I’m Five: I scratched my head through this thinking is this actually for kids? The tinkling keys and the child-like cadence to his voice….hmmm not sure……. through several listens has really grown on me and I am not sure exactly why…
Todd Rundgren – Wasn’t sure what I expected from this song but not what I expected Todd Rundgren to sound like at all. I don’t think i’ve ever identified a song as being a Rundgren song. Strikes me as something bridging the gap between 70’s and 80’s pop rock.
Bowie – I love Bowie but I’ve probably heard less than half of his music. This is a fresh one for me. Picking up a 60’s pop from this one, probably imitating the later beatles work. Simple and sweet song. Sounds like it was meant for kids =)