Whatever happened to TR-i?

In the early days of the internet revolution, Todd Rundgren remade himself as TR-i. I’m off to see him at the Academy this evening, but since the new album’s called “Arena”, I’m expecting more of the real than the virtual. His Wikipedia entry is flagged as “resembling a fan site” which is only right, since Rundgren is one of those artists who has rarely troubled the mainstream. I came across him when I picked up a couple of cutout albums from Manchester’s much-missed Powercuts records, and I’m sure most of the audience tonight will reflect one of rock music’s more diverse careers. The mention of TR-i with his albums from that period released on the CD-i platform (!) shows the risks in being too innovative for your own good. Like Bowie bonds and Durutti Column DATs it seems like from another age!
Yet, in an age of music that – to be frank – could often have been recorded any time since 1980, it’s good to find that the envelope is still to be pushed. Although I’m not sure I’ll be able to get along after the Social Media Cafe, lovers of musical innovation are pointed in the direction of the RNCM to see the Bays and the Heritage Orchestra next Tuesday. Taking improvisation to an extreme by allowing “live composition” to digital music stands. Truly a unique experience, as this video from the RLPO earlier in the year shows.