Episode 173 Summary: Todd Rundgren - Something/Anything with W. Kamau Bell

The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers delves into Rolling Stone Magazine's ranking of Todd Rundgren's seminal album, Something/Anything, with special guest W. Kamau Bell. Released on February 12, 2025, this episode offers an in-depth exploration of Rundgren's influence on music, his multifaceted artistry, and the personal connections that shape the discussion.

Introduction

Josh Adam Myers opens the episode by welcoming listeners and introducing W. Kamau Bell, renowned comedian and host of CNN's United Shades of America. The hosts set the stage for discussing Something/Anything, a cornerstone in Rundgren's discography and its placement at number 173 on the Rolling Stone list.

Josh Adam Myers [04:29]: "Where are we?"

W. Kamau Bell [04:31]: "Todd, this was a longy, but a strongy."

W. Kamau Bell’s Musical Journey and Connection to Todd Rundgren

W. Kamau Bell shares his personal musical evolution, heavily influenced by his high school friend Rob Nasseter, a passionate guitarist inspired by Rundgren. This relationship ignited Kamau's appreciation for diverse musical genres, from Miles Davis to Motown, laying the foundation for his love of Todd Rundgren.

W. Kamau Bell [07:01]: "So, I really wasn't listening to, like, music other than whatever my mom would play on the stereo..."

Josh Adam Myers [09:08]: "I met him as Walter."

Kamau recounts attending Rundgren's concerts, emphasizing Rundgren's ability to personally connect with his audience, which fostered a lifelong admiration.

W. Kamau Bell [10:53]: "Well, welcome, welcome."

Deep Dive into Something/Anything

The conversation shifts to Something/Anything, Rundgren's ambitious double album released in 1972. Kamau highlights the album's structure:

1. Side One: A "bouquet of ear-catching melodies."
2. Side Two: The "cerebral side."
3. Side Three: "The kid gets heavy inside."
4. Side Four: "Baby needs a New Paris, A Snakeskin Boots, a Pop Opera."

Kamau praises Rundgren's versatility and technical prowess, noting his ability to produce, sing, and play all instruments on the first three sides.

W. Kamau Bell [12:22]: "So how does that come about? Like, and how do doing it and explain your process?"

Josh draws parallels between Rundgren's solo control and his own experiences in stand-up comedy, emphasizing the dedication required to master multiple aspects of a craft.

Rundgren’s Artistic Control and Influence

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Rundgren's reputation as a "control freak" in the studio, meticulously crafting his sound without relying heavily on session musicians. This approach is likened to the creative processes in comedy, where both Josh and Kamau strive for authenticity and personal expression.

Josh Adam Myers [13:04]: "I'm a natural born control freak who has to learn how to work with other people."

Comparisons are made between Rundgren and artists like Prince, highlighting their commitment to artistic integrity and innovation.

W. Kamau Bell [08:18]: "One of the greatest musicians that might have ever existed. I put him up there with, like, Beethoven and Mozart."

Album Highlights: I Saw the Light and Hello, It's Me

The hosts delve into standout tracks such as "I Saw the Light" and "Hello, It's Me." Rundgren's ability to write a quintessential pop song quickly is both praised and critiqued by Kamau, who notes the song's commercial success juxtaposed with Rundgren's personal dissatisfaction.

Josh Adam Myers [40:36]: "It's a perfect pop song."

They discuss how "Hello, It's Me" exemplifies Rundgren's mastery of melancholy storytelling, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across generations.

W. Kamau Bell [58:13]: "That plays into Todd Rundgren. He also was a man of his time."

Personal Anecdotes and Broader Reflections

W. Kamau Bell shares a poignant story from his documentary work, detailing his encounter with the Ku Klux Klan. This narrative underscores the intersection of art, personal experience, and societal issues, reflecting the depth of both Rundgren's and Kamau's creative endeavors.

Josh Adam Myers [37:53]: "So we went to an open field. We stayed there for hours until it got dark..."

The discussion touches on the enduring impact of Rundgren’s work and his ability to influence both peers and emerging artists through his innovative techniques and collaborative spirit.

W. Kamau Bell [46:38]: "Are you nervous leading the KKK?... It was super scary..."

Concluding Thoughts and Legacy

As the episode wraps up, Kamau reflects on Rundgren's lasting legacy in the music industry, including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his pioneering efforts in electronic and progressive music. Both hosts agree that Something/Anything deserves its place on the Rolling Stone list not just for its commercial success but for its artistic significance.

W. Kamau Bell [66:55]: "But I understand, like, do you feel like this record should be on the 500 greatest album list?"

Josh Adam Myers [67:36]: "I think that this... it's a very great... you want some outliers on this list."

Final Promotions and Sign-Off

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation for each other's work, promotions for upcoming projects, and a nod to future episodes covering other iconic albums. Kamau encourages listeners to explore Rundgren's discography and stay engaged with both his musical and comedic endeavors.

W. Kamau Bell [73:01]: "So we got to get you out of here soon. We gotta ask you the same question we ask everybody."

Notable Quotes

• W. Kamau Bell [08:23]: "But then I gotta ask you, because I know we only have an hour, is like, what are you... What are you doing here? For Todd Rundgren, which I'm excited about."

• Josh Adam Myers [40:31]: "So, yeah, you may not agree with it, but it's still an album you should reckon with."

• W. Kamau Bell [57:55]: "How did you meet and how did you start working with Chris Rock?"

Key Takeaways

• Todd Rundgren's Mastery: Rundgren's ability to control every aspect of his music-making process sets him apart as a true auteur in the music industry.

• Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success: The tension between creating authentic art and achieving mainstream appeal is a recurring theme, mirrored in both Rundgren’s and Kamau’s careers.

• Influence and Legacy: Something/Anything not only showcases Rundgren's diverse musical talents but also his lasting impact on peers and future generations of artists.

• Personal Connections: W. Kamau Bell's personal anecdotes and professional relationship with Rundgren enrich the discussion, providing a deeper understanding of both figures' artistic journeys.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary offers a comprehensive overview of the rich dialogue between Josh Adam Myers and W. Kamau Bell, celebrating Todd Rundgren's Something/Anything as a pivotal work in the landscape of modern music.