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 enlarge | Artist: Todd Rundgren
Label: Hi Fi Recordings
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy New: $7.24
You Save: $6.74 (48%)
New (30) Used (7) from $7.24
Rating:  64 reviews
Sales Rank: 163
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
UPC: 796019365925
EAN: 7960193659252
ASIN: B001EZ6OLE
Release Date: September 30, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New and Factory Sealed Item Fast Shipping
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 64
 Todd , Oh my Godd ! October 1, 2008
M. Huiskamp (San Antonio, TX formerly Geleen, Netherlands)
9 out of 16 found this review helpful
So what's up. Todd captured the "Arena Feel" pretty well. Completele with a mediocre sounding mix at best. Guitars up front vocals way in the back. Now that's okay with a mediocre singer and a brilliant guitarplayer in a crowd filled Arena. Todd however, accomplished guitarplayer as he is, shines with his vocal and vocal arrangements.
CD's,in contrast to gigs, are made for a lasting experience and should be handled as such. Despite some signature, brilliant songs this won't be an album I will put in the player much.
Please remix this album Todd. Turn down them rhythm guitars and bring the vocals up. One of us should check out those ears.
 Is This Todd? October 1, 2008
John (Branford, CT United States)
9 out of 16 found this review helpful
Not sure if everyone else got a different CD in their box than I did. I have been listening to Todd for over 30 years and I could not wait to hear his new release. I listened once and almost put it away. His vocals can hardly be heard over the heavy bass and noisy drums. It's probably a good thing because his lyrics are the angriest he has been. Too much volcanic ash in the Hawaiian air I guess. You would think living in paradise would mellow him out. He's angry and lost. I'll keep listening because I still like Todd - maybe the CD will grow on me. But my first impression left me cold. Hope His tour is not all Arena! Sorry Todd - I've heard you do better...
Todd Finds His Guitar, Loses His Voice October 2, 2008
cordell jeffries (webster groves, mo)
8 out of 18 found this review helpful
It's hard to put a finger on what's missing from this release. The guitars are there...and there's no shortage of great soloing and memorable riffs. The vocals are fantastic, but as one reviewer has already said, they are SO behind "the band" that practically every song almost sounds like a mistake. There's plenty of passion, plenty of typically-great lyrics and no shortage of power.
But despite his best intentions and no shortage of high-quality ingredients, Arena simply doesn't come together the way so many of TR's releases do. What's more, I wouldn't put Arena in the category of other TR CDs which require additional listens to fully appreciate (like The Individualist and 2nd Wind IMO).
With that said, the making of Arena would make an outstanding documentary. It really feels like a labor of musical love, and seeing Todd play all those guitars, laying down vocals and so forth would be fascinating, because there is a lot to be heard on this CD.
As other reviewers have pointed out, there are some high points. "Courage" is another Todd tune that won't become a hit, but should've. "Weakness" is an emotional ride that manages to feel ballsy and vulnerable at the same time.
Beyond those, fans will undoubtedly dig a handful of the rockier tracks, if that vocals-in-the-back mix doesn't bother them too much.
Despite its shortcomings, Arena has the sound of a music legend who is having a good time while showcasing many of his underappreciated talents. Perhaps it was released slightly prematurely.
 The Incredible Genius of Mr. TR1 October 3, 2008
Russ Bellinger (Bradenton, Florida USA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Straight from an old Todd fan (my first Todd concert was with the original Utopia back in 1973) - buy this CD! It is incredible in the sense that few care to, or are capable of making music of this quality anymore. Todd has remained true to the musical spirit that inspired us all back in those days and continues to do so today. He is pushing 60 years old and still sounds as fresh and alive as he did when he first took us to Utopia. So don't you ever learn? Apparently the masses don't. As we watch rock and roll die the doors are once again opened to the "Arena". So take it in and enjoy! I don't like comparing one CD (album) to another because each of Todd's work offers something very different from the last. All worth hearing again and again. "Liars" was one of the most brilliant of all his work and really put the truth on the map in his own difinitive lyrics. It was also sonically perfect, futuristic and rich in sound. "Arena" is somewhat a return to the Todd era post "Initiation". The kind of stuff that brought us that updated and streamlined Utopia ala "RA", "OOPs Wrong Planet", "Adventures in Utopia", "Swing To The Right", "Oblivion" and "POV". But as always it offers something new that you can't quite put your finger on. That is what has kept me listening as a fan all these years. His guitar work also stands out on this CD and it is great to hear him cutting lose on the strings a little more often. There is only one Todd. So if you have half a brain you won't hesitate to lay down your ten bucks for this great music.
 Todd's Rock Encyclopedia October 9, 2008
Juan Mobili (Valley Cottage, NY USA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is a crazy album to review. You can absolutely love Rundgren for his willingness to write and play whatever he feels like it or be disappointed with his songwriting indulgence. Really, it could go either way, and you'd probably have evidence for either conclusion.
One thing, though, you can't blame the man for is lying to you. He said he wanted to make an album harking back to big stadium rock, and this is what it is, including a couple of power ballads to boot. Also, you got to give Todd credit for his vast understanding of Rock history and his prowess as a writer.
This is the kind of album that will remind you of many, many bands. From George Thoroughgood and ZZ Top to Boston or Kansas and everyone in between will come to mind--and in some cases, within the same song. Now, whether you love every track or not, the performance and productions of these songs is superb.
Bottom line, this is a fun album. It may not have the Pop genius of Something/Anything, the introspective beauty of Hermit of Mink Hollow or the far-reaching imagination of A Wizard, A True Star but it does serve up a plate full of well-crafted stuff played with major gusto.
I dare you to go on a long car ride through some boring road, play this album and not set it on repeat.
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