Believe it or not, Rundgren has had quite the career--noted as an engineer and producer for acts as diverse as The Band, XTC, Patti Smith, Hall and Oates, Meatloaf, Badfinger, and the New York Dolls (among others); he began making music in 1966 and is still going today, releasing over twenty-five albums, including Something/Anything? (whence came "Hello It's Me") which appears at #173 on Rolling Stone's list of the five hundred greatest albums of all time; more than forty years after their respective releases "Hello It's Me" and "I Saw the Light" are still staples on AOR stations: and his influence on power pop and progressive rock is immeasurable (some consider Rundgren's "Couldn't I Just Tell You" to be the first and/or greatest power pop song ever).
"Hello It's Me," which reached #5 (with a bullet!) on the Billboard Hot 100 was originally recorded in a much sparser version with Rundgren's first band, Nazz in 1968. Rundgren re-recorded the song for Something/Anything? and our world is a better place for it. The song opens with a jaunty piano (somewhat reminiscent of Carole King) and Rundgren's heartfelt vocals and as it progresses it incorporates a lively organ, a plethora of horns (sax, trumpet, and one you don't hear too often in pop songs, a trombone), and some gospel tinged backing vocals. Toss in some wise beyond their years lyrics about the nuances of a relationship and you have a pop song for the ages. Listening to it as a whole, it's not hard to see why Rundgren's reputation as a producer is well deserved.
Aside: If you're going to listen to one old fart album this year, make it Something/Anything? Hell, it would be worth the time and effort just in reading the libretto (penned by Rundgren himself).
Just sos you knows, it's a great song to listen to if you "...ever need a reason to smile."
Enjoy:
Peace,
emaycee
