Nearly Human

Todd Rundgren - Nearly Human

Nearly Human
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Music CD Cover

Artist: Todd Rundgren
Brand: Warner Bros.
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1989-05-18
Music Label: Warner Bros / Wea
Soundtracks:
  1. Want of a Nail
  2. The Waiting Game
  3. Parallel Lines
  4. Two Little Hitlers
  5. Can't Stop Running
  6. Unloved Children
  7. Fidelity
  8. Feel It
  9. Hawking
  10. I Love My Life

Free Music Notes for Nearly Human

Free Music Review: The best from a songwriting genius.
Hit: 5 Stars

This is easily Todd's best album in the 80's (though it came out in '89), and certainly the 90's. It is my favorite, though 'Something/Anything' is certainly not far behind. I read a review of 'Nearly Human' when it came out, in either Spin or Rolling Stone, that was so enthusiastic, positive and glowing, that I went out and bought it, notes unheard, and having owned no TR prior to that. I found everything contained in that review to be true!
Always hated the term 'blue-eyed soul', as if caucasions are not capable of singing soulfully! OK, most ain't! I digress .... Todd pours plenty of soul into this album. Everything here is immaculate .. Todd's lyrics, his melodies, his singing, the musicianship, arrangements, performance, sweet playing on piano, accordian and keyboards by the late, great Vince Welnick (ex-Dead, who co-wrote 'Feel It' with Todd and the Tubes), and on top of that the damn thing was recorded live on the day the musicians were presented with the material.
The intro to the album is one of my favorite things on it, (with harp strums!) the lyrics of a dejected, lonely guy who has 'no one to love me'. The track's very bold and brash, with lots of horns, and big background vocals, and a sweet soulful (there's that word again) vocal appearance by Bobby Womack.
My favorite song (and there are many on this album) is probably the second tune, 'The Waiting Game', whose lyrics rang so true to me that it felt like Todd's voice had become my own as he sang it. The bright keys, the heavenly harmonies, and Todd's schoolboy tenor, and his passion on the pre-chorus and chorus. Love Michael Urbano's drums on this, and throughout most of the album. The chorus is simply irresistable.
'Parallel Lines' also should have been a number one hit, in a world that had taste in music and a record company that should have had more faith in a 40-something songwriting legend. Warner's had a bonafide rock star performer on their roster, which only required a little more push in marketing. Again, another brilliant chorus in 'Parallel Lines', immaculate vocals and backing vocals all around. Sublime keyboard playing, especially in the bridge. "When I think of me, I think of 'we''.
'Can't Stop Running' is another gem, with gritty, beautiful, bluesy guitar riffs by Lyle Workman.
Let me address some of the other reviewer's comments on the 'morals' of the lyrics to 'Fidelity'. Todd's line, "True love does not demand fidelity", is not some kind of callous, male-chauvinistic statement from Todd on modern-day love. If you listen to the words a little closer, they'll break your heart. The song is about denial, heartbreak, self-deception and desperation. The singer is so in love with his object of affection, that he is making excuses for them. Hence the line, 'I tell myself .. true love does not demand fidelity'. Then, to explain his pain and his confusion, he tells the person, 'One day the glove is on the other hand ... just tell yourself, True love does not demand fidelity.' It's right there in the bridge. And on the outro, 'Though it hurt me so bad, I can't help but love you'. I could be wrong, but that's how I interpret the lyrics, the singer's making excuses and is in denial, doesn't want to lose his love so he lies to himself, tells himself maybe it's OK if she sleeps around on him. It's denial to me. Remember one thing about Todd .. he may appear cynical and even the chauvinist at times, but in truth, he's a hopeless romantic. No one could write the song 'Hello, It's Me' if they were not one. And that is why I love Todd's music, his heart and soul. The brilliant choruses, the brilliant harmonies, the truth and humanity in his lyrics, the pioneering songwriting and production, and the wonderful 'What's Todd gonna do next?' mystique that is so unique to him.
Anyway, 'Fidelity' is another priceless gem on this album. Even down to the flutes! When was the last time you heard flutes used cooly on a rock album? But here they are, transcendent and beautiful.
"Hawking" is everything all the other reviewers here have said it is, a song so wistful, and majestic that it's almost spiritual. The dynamic breakdown (at the 4 minute mark, vocals so sweetly sung by Todd) is another moving moment. The song just floats away into fadeout, leaving you speechless. If you are a Todd Rundgren fan, and have never heard this song, you must get it right away, as it's one of his best.
OK, I agree that the nearly 9 minute 'I Love My Life', is overlong and silly, (like this review) but it's so contagious, you can tell Todd and the chorus of twenty plus singers (of which Clarence Clemons, sax genius from Springsteen's E Street Band, is one!) is having so much fun, that you just go with it. BTW, Narada Michael Walden (amazing drummer, famous producer of Whitney Houston and others) is conducting the choir on that one. Sounds like a party everyone would love to attend.

'Nearly Human' is the perfect pop album, full of flawless, soulful singing, irresistable melodies, top-notch performing and lots of depth, truisms and substance in the lyrics.

This album deserves the full remastering treatment by Warner Brothers. Get on it, Bros! You've got another classic in your catalog and you don't even realize it.
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Nearly Human Poster

This CD is an out of print collectible! It is the original 1989 Warner Bros release. Catalog 9-25881-2. There is a drill hole through the spine of the case.

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