TODD RUNDGREN - 1971 - "Runt, The Ballad of Todd"

$

54

FIVE STAR RATED ALBUM FROM MUSIC.COM

SYNOPSIS

Upon its release, Rolling Stone called The Ballad of Todd Rundgren "the best album Paul McCartney" never made, and even if the album doesn't sound particularly McCartney-esque, it does share the homespun, melodic charm of the best of his early albums. Arguably, it's better than Paul's solo work, since it is focused and subtle, never drawing attention to Rundgren's considerable skills as a writer and producer. He tones down the hard rock and his impish wit, lending the album a sense of direction missing on Runt. That's not to say he abandoned his sense of humor -- as if the cover shot of Rundgren sitting at a piano with a noose around his neck left any doubt. This time around, it takes some careful listening to hear the jokes, such as the opening Floyd Cramer piano lick on "Range War." On such clever in-jokes as "Chain Letter," as well as ballads like "Hope I'm Around," the artist reveals himself as an exceptional craftsman and songsmith. In fact, Ballad is considerably more song-oriented than its predecessor, with very little of the jams and instrumental sections that occasionally bogged down Runt. Here, even propulsive pop tunes such as "Bleeding" and "Long Flowing Robe," along with the hard rocker "Parole," are as much about the song as the performance, which is probably appropriate for an album called The Ballad of Todd Rundgren. Another thing about that title -- it may be a joke, but the album inarguably offers a glimpse into Rundgren's inner world through a combination of introspective ballads, off-hand jokes, musical virtuosity, outright weirdness, and unabashed showmanship. And that's the charm of The Ballad -- it's the slyly sardonic masterwork of a loner who may be sensitive, but is certainly not shy.

PAYMENTS

PAYMENT PROCESS: Following auction completion, eBay will send the buyer a draft invoice notification. In the case of a simple one itme transaction the buyer can pay from that draft invoice.In the case of multiple, combined, purchases where discounted postal costs are warranted a manual invoice must be initiated by the seller to reflect the applicable discount.                                                                            

PAYMENT METHOD: PayPal is the required payment method as it resuls in a more streamlined and expedited process for both the buyer and the seller                                                                                   

PAYMENT DEADLINE: The seller has thoughtfully committed to shipping within one day following payment. If would be apprciated if the buyer would recipricate with payment by one day after receipt of invoice (this is much appreciated).                                                                                                                                                                                                  

SHIPPING

Disclosure of Shipping & Handling (S&H) Fee: This fee is for the safe delivery of you item to your doorstep. It is a cost reimbursement for the follow: (1) specialize lp mailer of $.92, (2) polyurethane sleeve for jacket protection ($.14) and deliveray confirmation ($.19). Therefore no other costs are reimbursed only those that end up on the buyers doorstep. Postals cost can be mitigated by combining purchases thereby reducing both the fixed and variable costs.

Postal Calculation:  I use the eBay/USPS postage calculation tool in order for determining postage costs. This tool calculates postage amounts based upon the shipments destination, shipping type, weight, options, and S&H fee.

Packing Procedure: As many inquire and/or request about the packing process I thought that I would disclose it upfront as follows: (1) Vinyl is removed from jacket to prevent seam splits, (2) Jacket is inserted in 4 mil. poly sleeve for jacket protection. (3) Vinyl is placed in inner sleeve and placed inside the poly sleeve along with the jacket (but not in the jacket). (4) Protected item is then shipped in a 200 lb. test "bend resistent" corrugated cardboard protective lp mailer with packing material inside to ensure that the record does not slide side to side.

Shipping options:

Domestic: Buyer decides on method he prefers normally either Media Mail (cheaper) or Priority Mail) quicker. Buyer's priority of time over money is the determinator.

Internatinal (non-U.S. includes Canada): Buyer decides on method he prefers normally either First Class International (cheaper) or Priority International (quicker, more dependable and traceable)/

"ESTIMATED" costs for International shipping: These costs are averages based upon average weights but will give the buyer an ideal of what the costs will be. As some pieces of vinyl weigh more than others, some records are two, three of records sets and many contain inserts which add to the weight and subsequently the cost.

   Quantity   Weight(lb/oz)   S&H Fee    Canada 1st Class   Canada Priority      1st Class AVG Rate all others     Priority AVG. Rate all others

1 Single LP       1.2               $1.25                $8.25                     $27.50                             $14.75                                      $40.00

2 Single LP's    1.13              $1.25                $9.80                     $27.50                            $19.50                                       $40.00

3 Sincle LP's     2.8               $1.25               $12.50                    $30.00                             $22.75                                       $44.00  

4 Single LP's     3.3               $1.25               $15.00                     $32.50                             $27.50                                      $48.00

5 Single LP's     3.15             $1.25               $17.75                     $32.75                             $32.25                                       $48.00

RETURNS

PBuyers have a fourteen (14) day period, from delivery date, to exercise their option of returns. The only stipulation that I request is that it is for an objective, and not subjective, reason. Vinyl collectors and enthusiasts are well aware that grading is extremely subjective and in the end is simply just one persons opinion. A difference of opinion on a vinyl's "Proper" or "Correct" grade is a someething that is difficult to agree on. That being the case, gradine alone will not be grounds for a refund. I make a concerted efort grade (conservatively) each record the very best that I can ensuring a fair grade. I have no intention of taking advantage of any buyer which is also why I don't sell my vinyl that is less than VG+ condition (those get donated and many are very collectible). On the other hand, if the reason is objective such as I adverttised a "Original " release but it turned out to be a "Resissue" or if it was advertised as "Still Sealed", but arrived otherwise then those would also be returnable. Items not delivered, or delivered damaged, shoud FIRST be address with your local postal servce.

GRADING SCALE

Vinyl is graded on a visual basis, primarily due to time constraints and the sheer volume (thousands) of records that I am selling. I use very bright lights and magnifiers to look for flaws and have been doing so for almost forty years. Grading scale is as follow:.

MInt (M): -  Still Sealed, if opened the grading should NOT be Mint

 Near MInt (NM): - Looks like if just came from the retail store and opened for the very first time (i.e. nearly perfect). Shiny vinyl with NO visible defects. No writing, stickers, markings etc either on the jacket or vinyl. Near Mint records do not have to be "unplayed" as an used record can also be in Near Mint condition after many plays providing it had been properly cared for.

Excellent (EX) This is a record that appears to be Near Mint at first glance but upon thorough evaluation can be seen to have a blemish or minimal mark. As a Near Mint is in perfect condition, this grade is just a small step down  in the grading level.

Very Good Plus (VG+): - These records will show some slight signs of wear, including scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK and can fall into this category. Minor signs of handling are OK also, such as telltale marks around the center hole where repeated playing could have enlarged or damaged the hole. There may also be light ring wear or discoloration, but is should not be overwhelming. Very Good Plus jackets should have minor wear such as a very minor seam wear or split (less than one inch long) at one of the seams most likely the bottom       which iis the most vulnerable location. A VG+ may have some defacing such as cut-out markings (corner cut or punch holes).

Very Good (VG): - These records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in NM, EX and VG+ condition. They may lack the original gloss found on factory fresh records, groove wear is evident as are light scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. The Very Good Plus record could have minor surface noise and some scratches may be audible most likely in the intros and space between songs but not at a level to overpower the music. - Minor writing, tape or sticker may exist on the jacket and/or label. These records remain a fine listening experience. Very Good Plus jackets will have many sings of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or around the edges of the cover will be obvious