The late 80's production is kind of confusing at first, as the album was actually released in 2008, but for an album recorded entirely on a laptop it consistently rocks, sonically at least. "Mad"**** may have a riff similar to U2's "Vertigo", but unlike Bono's blather the song makes some sort of sense. "Mercenary"**** is even more intensely angry, the complex riff a hammer of rage like the best licks by King's X. "Gun"**** falls into the trap of over-processed guitars, but the diatribe about gun nuts is still amusing. Even on the most raucous material Rundgren can't keep himself from working in a polished, poppy middle 8. "Bardo"**** is an interesting anomaly that eschews this typical pop song structure for a haunting dirgy blues, similar to "Bridge Of Sighs". "Weakness" and "Afraid" have too much pop gloss of the blues singer-songwriter variety, but these are issues of aesthetics rather than quality. Though these songs may be out of step with the times, they are examples of accomplished songwriting, including the surprising changes in the chorus of "Courage". 80's rock "Pissin" and Joe Jackson-ian "Today" add to this consistent album, though by the end of the album we are left with stock 'motivation rock', the worst of late-Queen, especially "Strike" (with: is that Brian Johnson?).
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