51: Todd Rundgren’s Something / Anything? (1972)

Rundgren’s third solo album proved to be the epic statement of his brilliance. Four gorgeous sides of eccentric pop performed almost entirely by Rundgren himself, dabbling in rough-housing rock and dainty ballads. Only side four features performers other than TR. In the liner notes, the first side of the album is described as “a bouquet of ear-catching melodies”, the second as “the cerebral side”, the third as “The kid gets heavy”, and the fourth is titled “Baby Needs a New Pair of Snakeskin Boots (A Pop Operetta)”. More than anything, the record demonstrates his complete command of his studio, and his genre-less devotion to rock’n'roll.

Todd Rundgren: “I Went to the Mirror” (mp3)