No World Order

Todd Rundgren: No World Order album review

Todd Rundgren: No World Order

Actually, No World Order isn't a Todd Rundgren album, it's a concept called Tr-i, a digital development of Todd, who raps! Hmmm. Frankly, like many Rundgren fans I washed my hands of it and dismissed it as a middle-age panic. Goodness, why couldn't he buy a red sportscar like other guys? Over the last few years, I may have changed my mind! Curiously, I even may consider No World order a minor masterpiece, possibly! Well, certainly:

it's fragmented and strange, much like A Wizard, A True Star
but some of the rap is really amateurish
and Todd really goes over the top with some silly Fire & Brimstone-like rants
but there's nevertheless something very brave about this virtually unheard curio

Todd Rundgren: No World Order

There are few "songs", as such but beware, Boy Bands might make a comeback if one of them ever got hold of the immensely hummable Property.

Todd Rundgren: Property

(see also: a fan's-tastic LEGO video)

The final track, too, Fever Broke, in which the whole album is revealed as delirium, is one of the most unusual love songs ever. It's very compelling and not so much desperate as genuinely grateful for having someone who cares. Hmmm.

I'll be writing a more detailed review in 2009 and go into more detail but presently, you can pick up a used copy of No World order for $0.01, which is a bargain, if I say so myself!

Todd Rundgren: No World Order

"...One of the coolest things about Todd is that he continues to create new and different styles and ideas. He has reached the point (actually reached it long ago) where I doubt he is terribly concerned with reviews. Those folks who hang on to a specific 'Wizard' or 'Hello' sound will for the most part be completely lost in this thing. This work is a marked departure from his 'Toddness'..." Amazon reviewer F. Betz

"...This album got me through college: I found out quite by accident that this album is perfect to listen to while writing term papers! The lulling rhythm of the overall album is tempered by the blended changes of mood and tempo in each individual thought - wonderfully effective background music for someone like me who can't have caffeine. Todd has once again proven his musical genius!..." Amazon reviewer Lee