"The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect" is the tenth studio album by American musician and producer Todd Rundgren. Released in December 1982, this album presented a more straightforward approach compared to his previous work, which was known for its experimental nature. The album's cover features a parody of the iconic Maxell cassette ad, which marks Rundgren's humor and adeptness at pop culture parody.
This album is famous for featuring the single "Bang The Drum All Day," which has since become an iconic anthem frequently played at sporting events and seen in commercial usage. Rundgren played all the instruments and performed all vocals on this particular track, showcasing his multi-instrumentalist skills.
The album contains a mixture of rock, pop, soul, and blues, reflecting Rundgren's broad stylistic range and musical versatility. Critics generally praised the album for its energetic and catchy songs, pointing out its back-to-basics approach that marked a departure from his more complex and layered work. Despite its apt name, "The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect" is often considered one of Rundgren's more accessible and enjoyable albums.
This album was recorded, owing to contractual obligations, performing as a contractual obligation album indicating Rundgren's business-like approach to its creation. While it might not be as transcendent or ground-breaking as some of his other works, the album still stands as a testament to Rundgren's exceptional talent and ingenuity, making it a noteworthy part of his extensive discography. By turns introspective and playful, it showcases many facets of Rundgren's musical ability.
