Rhino's Record Store Day (RSD) releases are always a treat for music enthusiasts, and this year's offerings are no exception. The label has announced the CD releases of Todd Rundgren's 'Runt Live: The Necessary Cosmic Frenzy' and John Prine's 'BBC Sessions', both of which are must-haves for any fan of classic rock and folk. These releases are a testament to Rhino's commitment to preserving and sharing the music of these iconic artists.
Personally, I think it's fascinating that Rhino is continuing its tradition of releasing RSD titles in CD format, providing a wider audience with access to these limited-edition releases. What makes this particularly interesting is the fact that both artists have had a significant impact on the music industry, and their music has stood the test of time. In my opinion, these releases are a great way to introduce new generations to the work of these legendary musicians.
One thing that immediately stands out is the variety of music on offer. 'Runt Live: The Necessary Cosmic Frenzy' is a live recording from 1971, featuring a mix of Todd Rundgren's own songs and covers of other artists' classics. The album showcases Rundgren's unique style and his ability to blend different genres, from rock to pop to folk. What many people don't realize is that this album was originally broadcast live over WMMR, and the full version was only released on CD in 2016 as part of the 'Box o' Todd' collection.
From my perspective, the inclusion of 'Lady on the Terrace' in two different mixes is a highlight of the album. It's a beautiful, ethereal song that showcases Rundgren's songwriting prowess and his ability to create atmospheric, cinematic music. The album also features rare tracks like 'I Got My Pipe' and 'Broke Down and Busted', which are a treat for fans of Rundgren's early work.
The John Prine release, 'BBC Sessions', is a collection of nine tracks from the archives of the British broadcasting titan. The album features a mix of Prine's own songs and covers of other artists' classics, including 'Spanish Pipedream', 'Illegal Smile', and 'Sam Stone'. What makes this release particularly interesting is the fact that it includes a sidelong set from 'In Concert', the landmark 1970-1976 program bookended with performances by Joni Mitchell and Johnny Mercer.
What this really suggests is that Prine's music was not only popular in the US but also had a significant impact on the British music scene. The album also features 'Rocky Mountain Time' and 'Everybody', which were later included on Prine's second Atlantic set, 'Diamonds in the Rough'. These tracks showcase Prine's ability to blend different genres, from folk to rock to country, and his unique songwriting style.
In conclusion, Rhino's RSD releases are a must-have for any music enthusiast, and the CD releases of 'Runt Live: The Necessary Cosmic Frenzy' and 'BBC Sessions' are no exception. These albums are a testament to the enduring legacy of Todd Rundgren and John Prine, and they offer a fascinating insight into the music of these iconic artists. If you're a fan of classic rock and folk, these releases are a must-have for your collection.
