A Wizard A True Star Interview

This interview was in the "pre-show countdown" of the recent webcast of Todd Rundgren's 2009 tour of "A Wizard/A True Star". In late 2009 and early 2010, Rundgren began touring the album after hearing it had a new audience of young fans (most famously the British electropop band Hot Chip). The idea originated with a promoter in London but when he didn't make an offer for the tour two fans from RundgrenRadio.com, a fan-based internet radio program, started a limited U.S. tour of the album in 2009 which was followed the next year by two shows in Europe.

The following four videos constitute the interview in it's entirety, courtesy of Garrett Woon:

Todd Rundgren and "The American Dream"

In 1969 Todd Rundgren produced his first album, the self titled and only album by the band "The American Dream". Here is band member Nicky Indelicato talking about working with Todd:



The following is the first track on the album, "Good News". You can definately recognize the influence of Todd's early work with Nazz.



While the band never made another album, they will go down in rock history as the first group ever to be produced by the prolific producer. A CD version of the album is still available, while vinyl copies are quite rare.

Dumb & Dumber Original Soundtrack

The movie, Dumb & Dumber, was released December 15, 1994. The original soundtrack, by Todd Rundgren, was never realeased commercially. Here it is:



Todd does appear, along with several other artists, on the officially released soundtrack:

Picture of the Week - Santa Todd

Each week we will be choosing the best picture posted by one of our Facebook Toddities Group members and put it on our blog for the world to enjoy. This week it's Santa Todd contributed by Rose Wassel. Thanks Rose, and Happy Holidays!

Todd Rundgren Fan Holiday Gift Guide

There's only a couple of weeks left until Christmas and many of us are still trying to figure out what to get for that special Todd Rundgren fan on our list. Here are a few ideas that they will really love.

Music is always appreciated.



There are some excellent Todd Rundgren related books for the reader in your life:



For the true Todd fan, how about a little fanfare memorabilia?



And finally, here's an little item that every Todd Rundgren fan should find in her or his stocking:



Happy Holidays from all of us at Toddities!

Tame Impala Talks About Todd Rundgren

Tame Impala, the Australian based psych-rock band has been steadily gaining popularitiy over the past few years. One of their great influences is Todd Rundgren. Recently they talked about Todd and their favorite TR album.



This summer the band released a cover of Todd's International Feel.



In October, Tame Impala, released their album Lonerism worldwide (originally released in Australia in July). The project drew heavily on the inspiration of AWATS. Todd responded by agreeing to do a remix of their song, Elephant, from that album:



Tame Impala is obviously a band that Todd Rundgren devotees should keep an eye on. Given their heavy TR influence and Todd's willingness to collaborate, I suspect that there will be more good things to come.

Todd Rundgren to Appear on New Pirates Album

Johnny Depp, star of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series has recruited Todd Rundgren, along with many other popular musicians to contribute to an upcomming album of traditional pirate songs. In addition to Todd Rundgren, the album will feature songs performed by Kieth Richards, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop and many others.

Todd Rundgren will be performing "Rolling Down to Old Maui", a sea chantey, which has roots dating back to 1858. It recounts a group of sailors on their way back to Maui after a whale hunt. The song has been performed by many musicians over the years, most notably Stan Rogers (1949-1983).



The album is a follow up to to Depp's compilation album Rogues Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys which was realeased in 2006 and is available on Amazon:



It is anticipated that the the new album will be released in February, 2013.

Marlene, Marlene.

Marlene, Marlene. Your the prettiest girl I've ever seen.

An interesting minor charector in Todd Rundren's life recently came to my attention. Her name is Marlene Morrow. She was Playboy's Miss April, 1974. She dated Todd briefly and was his inspiration for the song "Marlene" on the Something/Anything album.

Sadly, several years ago, Marlene was reported to be homeless and living on the streets of Los Angeles.

Here is a picture of Marlene, purportedly from 2005.

In December of 2010 she was reported to be off the streets and living in Van Nuys, California.