REVIEW: Todd Rundgren at The House of Blues, Chicago
In the last 10 years, I have seen Todd Rundgren six times and each show was very unique, so I was greatly anticipating his show at House of Blues with a full band and full-blown production. . .

The start of the show did not disappoint, the first 15 minutes feeling almost like a rock opera.   Todd's new CD, "Liars" is all about the subject of Truth (and lack thereof.)   The ingenious beginning had each member of the five piece band dressed to represent a different faith.   One dressed like a Catholic bishop, one as Confucius, a collared pastor, a Muslim, and Todd, who came out covered head to toe in what looked like a black burka.

They powered through Truth, Buffalo Grass, Mammon, Fascist Christ and I Hate My Frickin' ISP, until they came up against Unloved Children, which seemed an odd choice for a live set list but fit into the theme of the evening.   Unfortunately, things began to deteriorate from here.

Chicago is the 2nd stop on the tour and the band is not nearly as tight as they will be in 2 weeks.   There were a few miscues, lost looks, and Todd did a good share of directing, having to count off many of the songs.

Todd usually includes a few well selected covers but While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Beatles) didn't seem to go anywhere.   (The other, Lunatic Fringe (Red Rider) was spot on.)

Some highlights of the evening were Liar (not the best song on the new CD, but amazing live) God Said (IMHO the best of his new stuff) the closer Want of a Nail and encores Just One Victory and World Wide Epiphany.   Todd is really trying to communicate a specific message* and you can tell by the strength and breadth of emotion he conveys.   He has something to say and wants you to listen, often looking like he was sermonizing the masses. To drive the point home, the show ended with the band dressed as cheesy televangelists (crossed with a pimp.)

I'd say the show was good, somewhat disappointing at times and the "least good" of TR shows I have seen.   This was the first time I'd seen him do a full production including set and amazing lighting (which are a new invention of his.)   Another of his new creations is a sound setup which has no monitors and can be controlled from a Palm Pilot like touch screen mounted on stage.

When I saw Todd in Boulder last fall, it was the best I had seen him, so last night was a little more disappointing coming off of that.   When he's solo, he talks a lot more and is more intimate with the crowd.   But as I said before, in a few weeks the Liars tour will be a stellar show.

*If I had to sum up Todd's message I'd say, "The world is run by liars and people trying to inflict their view of God on you."   That's just what I think, I'm sure it's different for everybody.

My TR-i experience

• 1995 - with band at Liberty Hall (Lawrence, KS)
• 1995 - with band New Years eve at the Vic Theatre (Chicago)
• 1996 - Solo with his Mac at The Filmore (San Francisco)
• 2000 - with the power trio at Beaumont Club (Kansas City)
• 2003 - Solo at the Boulder Theatre (Boulder, CO)
• 2004 - with The Liars at House of Blues (Chicago)