How a studio-obsessed musician created a pop masterpiece while living in isolation
In short: In 1972, Todd Rundgren set out to record an entire double album single-handedly. By playing every instrument himself and embracing spontaneous mistakes, he crafted a landmark of the decade. The resulting record, Something/Anything?, remains a masterclass in studio experimentation that shifted the boundaries of what a pop album could be.
Released in February 1972, Something/Anything? marked a pivotal moment in Todd Rundgren's career. Following his work with the project Runt, Rundgren sought to prove his independence by recording the majority of the album alone. Driven by a dissatisfaction with session musicians and a prolific output fueled by Ritalin and cannabis, he utilized multi-tracking to layer instruments at I.D. Sound Studios in Los Angeles and his rented home on Astral Drive. He often started with drums—a novice skill for him—and would adapt songs to fit his own performance errors rather than re-recording them.
The album's structure is famously eclectic, divided into four distinct thematic sections. While the first three sides showcase Rundgren's solitary studio prowess, the fourth side, titled 'Baby Needs a New Pair of Snakeskin Boots', features live sessions recorded in New York and Woodstock. After an earthquake in Los Angeles prompted a change of plans, Rundgren recruited a rotating cast of musicians, including Moogy Klingman, Randy Brecker, and Rick Derringer, to capture a spontaneous, sing-along energy. These sessions were marked by minimal rehearsal, with some studio banter even making the final cut.
Despite peaking at number 29 on the Billboard 200, the album's legacy grew significantly over time. It produced hits like 'I Saw the Light' and a re-recorded version of 'Hello It's Me', the latter reaching the top five in 1973. Critics have praised the work for its adventurous variety, with some labeling it a foundational text for power pop. Rundgren himself remained ambivalent about the commercial success, viewing the project as a departure point before moving toward more experimental, progressive rock in subsequent releases like A Wizard, A True Star. Today, the album is widely considered a landmark of the 1970s, celebrated for its unique blend of pop accessibility and avant-garde studio craft.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Something/Anything?
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