2ND WIND

While this is not a prog album, there is a bit of progressiveness in the production. Always experimenting with recording processes, Todd Rundgren had an array of isolation booths built on a stage, and recorded this album in front of an audience, who were told to stay quiet for the performance. Because of this, Todd needed a full band for this album, as the process did not allow for his usual overdubs.

The result is a very well produced album, with a lively and exciting sound from the band, which included his Utopia keyboardist, Roger Powell, and two veterans from The Tubes, Prairie Prince and Vince Welnick.

The music is just average. You get ballads, upbeat dance songs, and even three songs that Rundgren wrote for a Broadway musical, "Up Against It". What you don't get are any songs that stick with you after the album is over. For that, despite the ambition, I can only give it twob stars.