Back To The Bars

Sound DNA

• Rock
• Power Pop

• raw
• intense
• theatrical

About

Counting his solo projects and albums with Utopia, Todd Rundgren released an astounding 13 albums between 1970 and 1978. His record label was clamoring for a retrospective collection but rather than give them the typical “greatest hits” package Rundgren offered <i>Back To the Bars</i>, a double live album drawn from three concerts in May and August of 1978. The band helps bring a raw edge to “Love of the Common,” “Love In Action” and “Black Maria,” which come off as much more rocking in the live setting then they were in the studio. The band also brings an increased spaciousness to slower songs like “The Verb ‘To Love’,” the medley “I’m So Proud / Ooh Baby Baby / La La Means I Love You,” and “Last Ride,” which is played here with aching desperation. Special attention must be paid to the handful of Rundgren solo performances, especially “Cliché,” presented here in a naked acoustic form that is quite unlike the album version. Still the real treats are the last five songs, which were recorded at the Roxy in Los Angeles, and feature an all-star cast, including Hall & Oates, Rick Derringer, Spencer Davis and Stevie Nicks.

via Apple Music

Tracklist

Credits