TODD RUNDGREN (EX-NAZZ) - 1970 - "Runt"

$

43

SYNOPSIS

Reluctant to start a full-fledged solo career after leaving the Nazz, Todd Rundgren formed Runt, a band that was a front for what was in effect a solo project. Such isolationism lends Runt its unique atmosphere -- it is the insular work of a fiercely talented artist finally given the opportunity to pursue his off-kilter musical vision. From the moment the slow, bluesy psychedelic grind of "Broke Down and Busted" starts the album, it's apparent that Rundgren could never have made Runt with the Nazz -- and that's before the introspective ballads or the willfully strange stuff kicks in. Throughout the record, Rundgren reveals himself as a gifted synthesist, blending all manners of musical styles and quirks into a distinctive signature sound. He's as interested in sound as he is in song and while he would later pursue these tendencies to extremes, Runt finds him learning how to create an effective sound with the studio, which may be the reason why the album runs the gamut from hard rockers like "Who's That Man?" to ballads like "Once Burned." Although these songs are instantly appealing, the album really gets interesting when he reaches between those two extremes, whether it's in the classic pop medley "Baby Let's Swing," the bizarrely tongue-in-cheek "I'm in the Clique," or the equally impish "We Gotta Get You a Woman," which gave Rundgren his first hit. All the details buried within these songs -- not only in the deceptively direct productions, but within the writing itself -- confirm Rundgren's exceptional skill at song-craft. He occasionally slips on Runt, delivering tracks that rely on production instead of a blend of studio-craft and song-craft, but it remains a thoroughly impressive debut and one of his finest pop records. *

* Per AllMusic.com  

PAYMENTS

PAYMENT PROCESS: Following completion of the auction, eBay will send the buyer a draft invoice notification. In the case of a simple one item transaction the buyer can pay from that draft invoice. If there are multiple items purchased and combined discounted shipping is required then a manual invoice must be initiated by the seller.

PAYMENT METHOD: PayPal is the required payment method as it results in a more streamlined and expedited process beneficial to both the buyer and seller. bother                                                                               

PAYMENT DEADLINE: The seller has thoughtfully committed to ship within one day of payment receipt. It would be much appreciated if the buyer would reciprocate with payment by one day after receipt of invoice (this is much appreciated so time is not wasted chasing down payments). The absolute deadline for payment before eBay becomes involved is 96 hours (4 days) after auction completion. Please be thoughtful and make payments in a timely manner.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                       SHIPPING

SHIPPIPNG & HANDLING FEE (S&H): This fee is directly related to the safe delivery of your item to your residence. It is a cost reimbursement for the following items: (1) specialized LP mailer ($.92), (2) polyurethane sleeve for jacket protection ($.28) and delivery confirmation ($.20). Therefore no other costs  (e.g. supplies, time, gas, etc.) that are reimbursed instead they are absorbed by the seller. Shipping costs can be mitigated by purchasing multiple items.

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. During some promotional times, I offer free shipping for  domestic media mail only. In these situations the seller will be paying the shipping costs so if there are any returns that result in refunds the seller will withhold the shipping amount from the refund.

PACKING:: 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 the jacket/cover in order to prevent seam splits, (2) Jacket /cover is inserted into a 4 mil. poly sleeve for jacket/cover protection. (3) Vinyl is also placed in this poly sleeve outside,  but next to, the jacket/cover.  (4) The 4 mil. poly sleeve, containing the vinyl and the jacket/cover are then placed 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 Shipping is normally accomplished by "Media Mail". This is the least expensive method of shipment but it can also be the least dependable. At the other end of the spectrum, some buyers select "Priority Mail" which is a little more expensive but it is also a quicker delivery, a more dependable delivery and has better tracking capabilities. Either way, the selection of the items shipping method will be the responsibility of the buyer. International Shipping  is normally accomplished via "First Class International",  This is he least expensive method but it is also the most undependable, weak tracking systems and no opportunity to purchase guarantee for ease of mind in the situation of an expensive item. The more dependable method of international shipping is "Priority International" which has improved tracking systems and increased odds of a safe delivery. Like Domestic shipping, the method of international shipping will be the responsibility of the buyer.  

                                                                                                                                              RETURNS

Buyers 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 something that is difficult to agree on. That being the case, grading alone will not be grounds for a refund. I make a concerted effort 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 advertised a "Original " release but it turned out to be a "Reissue" or if it was advertised as "Still Sealed", but arrived otherwise then those would also be returnable. Items not delivered, or delivered damaged, should FIRST be address with your local postal service. That being said, I can also make an error in grading therefore some situation  will need to be discussed.

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 is 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