Remote Control by Tubes (The) (CD, Nov-2007, American Beat Records)

When the Tubes looked to Todd Rundgren to produce their 1979 effort Remote Control, he helped them create a concept album that was beyond the shocking repetoire the Tubes had employed to that time. Not only did the Tubes come up with songs that were a sarcastic statement of television's effect on society, but Rundgren helped create a sound that combines the excellent musicianship of the band with the vocal soulfulness Todd brings to the forefront on his own albums. Strong rockers like 'Turn Me On' and 'Telecide' are pure energy, and I believe the album's single, 'Prime Time', is as good as any of the pop hits the Tubes ever had.

I rated this album Excellent because the song selection, production and presentation (I love the cover photo of a baby 'nursing' on his television, as well as the Tubes borrowing the Hollywood Squares set) all hit high marks. Fans that enjoy concept albums should be very pleased with this in their collection. Rundgren later went on to produce their less-acclaimed 'Love Bomb' album, as well as touring with the Tubes with Todd's band Utopia.