Key Highlights
- Todd Rundgren took over producing Badfinger’s album ‘Straight Up’ after George Harrison abandoned the project.
- The album produced two major hits: “Baby Blue” and “Day After Day.”
- Rundgren credits Harrison for bringing a Spectory production style to the sessions.
- Better known as Apple Records’ most successful group post-Beatles breakup, Badfinger faced challenges with management and personal issues.
Breaking Down ‘Straight Up’
In 1971, Todd Rundgren was thrust into a high-stakes scenario when George Harrison abandoned his production duties on Badfinger’s album. Harrison left the project unfinished as Apple Records scrambled to salvage it from the clutches of uncertainty.
From Unfinished Tracks to Cohesive Album
Rundgren, known for his no-nonsense approach and quick turnaround in producing projects, was called upon to take over. He inherited a chaotic mix of tracks recorded by Geoff Emerick and George Harrison’s own contributions. Rundgren had to undo some of the heavily layered production techniques that Harrison favored, moving towards a more cohesive sound.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn Meets Harrison
“They got maybe five songs in and George got completely involved in the Concert for Bangladesh,” Rundgren recalls. “That’s when I got the call — producer number three.” It was clear that Harrison’s heart lay elsewhere, with his humanitarian efforts consuming much of his time.
The Making of ‘Baby Blue’
One of the standout tracks, “Baby Blue,” was recorded early in Rundgren’s tenure. He describes it as “the very first thing we recorded,” and how he had to make all the recordings sound like one cohesive album. The result was a hit that reached number nine on the US charts.
Legacy and Tributes
“Straight Up” is now widely regarded as Badfinger’s finest work, with its two major hits serving as testaments to Rundgren’s skill. The album’s enduring legacy is underscored by its use in “Breaking Bad,” where it gained a new lease on life.
Post-Production Reflections
Rundgren’s reflections on the project are candid and revealing. “He gave up on the project,” he says of Harrison, adding that they met only once after the production was complete. The producer’s work speaks for itself, producing an album that stands the test of time.
You might think this is new, but Rundgren’s story echoes those of countless producers who had to step in when plans went awry. The tale of ‘Straight Up’ is a reminder of the often tumultuous and unpredictable nature of music production.
