2ND WIND

Todd continued to release albums, both in a solo capacity and as a member of Utopia throughout the 1980's. Towards the end of the 80's, Utopia most definitely ran out of steam, while in contrast the solo albums continued to at least show a willingness to experiment and work outside the box. As the 80's became the 90's, Todd decided that a solo career was to be his only way forward in terms of his music creation at least.

The songs here were recorded "live" before a totally silent audience, without subsequent overdubbing or enhancement. Thus, for obvious reasons, this is not one of those albums where Todd does everything himself. Indeed the line up extends to no less than 11 supporting musicians. Quite a contrast to many previous solo releases.

Three of the songs on the album ("The Smell of Money", "If I Have to Be Alone" and "Love in Disguise") were written by Todd for the musical "Up against it", an adaptation of a film script originally written by Joe Orton for the Beatles. The compositions Todd wrote for the musical, which enjoyed a run on Broadway, have never been released in full commercially, other than in demo format in Japan.

The album has all the feel of a studio recording, essentially the audience were simply witnesses to the studio performance. The songs are mostly from Todd's power pop and ballads catalogue. The opening "Change myself" makes for a fine initial statement. Todd gives a fine vocal performance backed by a well arranged chorale. He pleads "How can I change the world, when I can't myself?" in an appealing chorus with a strong hook.

"Love science" is a funky pop rock song with new wave overtones. The song is very much of its time, with little lasting appeal. As "Who's sorry now" begins, it becomes apparent that the album is by and large configured as a rather predictable mix of alternating ballads and upbeat songs. "Who's sorry now" is a pleasant slow song, and in isolation it is a highly polished and creditable work. Those familiar with Todd's output though may feel that they have heard it all before.

The three tracks from "Up against it" are placed consecutively in the track listing. There is a distinct stage show feel to them, "The smell of money" being particularly un-Todd like. "If I have to be alone" reverts to the more conventional power ballad style, the demands on Todd's vocal prowess being among the most demanding he has ever encountered. The third and final song from "Up against it", "Love in disguise", features a female lead vocal (possibly Todd's future wife Michele Gray) in addition to Todd's, immediately setting it apart. Once again, the composition is very much in the modern stage show mould.

The album reverts to standard album material with "Kindness", a further soft ballad with an interesting arrangement and a captivating melody. In contrast, "Public servant" is a frantic, muddled rock song with high pitched backing vocals and a wall of sound. Reverting again to ballad mode, "Gaya's eyes" has an oriental atmosphere through the instrumentation. The song is a little reminiscent of "Fair warning" from "Initiation", complete with some fine sax.

The album closes with the title track which at 7½ minutes is also the it's longest. The song is a curious mix of stage show like passages, 10CC style pop and classic Rundgren rock. It is almost as if Todd has thrown everything he has left for the album into a melting pot to see what would come out. This is certainly the most prog number on the album, the track weaving its way through a myriad of themes and sounds.

"Second wind" is a difficult album to summarise and indeed to categorise. While I believe few will list it as their favourite Todd album, most Todd fans will find much to enjoy along the way. Many of the tracks may have an air of familiarity to them, but curve balls such as the songs from the musical and the ambitious closer reassure us that Todd has indeed found his second (but more likely one hundred and second!) wind.

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