TODD

A double album which marks, for me, the first album in which Todd branches away from the hit-making machine of Runt and Something/Anything, and just preceding his foray into true prog world with his "Utopia" album, this album crosses so many lines, experiments with so many styles and engineering techniques (not all for the best) while still remaining within standard lengths as was thought was limited by the of the vinyl formats of the time. Synthesizer mania, folk-poetry, heavy metal, live concert call and response, and, of course, sappy pop classics are all present along with some pretty awesome vocal and guitar performances. Plus, Todd's lineup of collaborators is pretty impressive--from his future Utopians to the jazz-rock icons in Randy and Michael Brecker. "The last Ride" is one of my most played songs of my life, while the wild and quirky Side One is to this day one of my favorite full-side play through. But, then, so is Side Four ... and Side Two ... not to mention Side Three. Just an amazing album of incredibly diverse entertainment.