Songs like this just take me back instantly. I close my eyes and take a deep clean breath and I can feel the sunshine of the 70's on me, it's unexplainable and probably weird for some to understand but it's the best feeling in the World to me.
Musical genius. Produced Meatloaf Bat out of Hell. He is the step father of Steven Tyler's (Aerosmith) actress Liv Rundgren Tyler. She didn't know ST was her father till one day she said to her mom hey this guy has my lips and I look just like him.
Have seen Todd live about 5 times. The first time seeing him it was a bar on the west side of Indy. After the concert My friends talked me into going up to his trailer and meeting him. I went by myself Knocked softly. No answer. I was walking away when Todd opened the door. I had no fricking idea what to say. But I knew I didn’t want him to think I was a groupie (I wasn’t) and that I was a totally cool music fan. He invited me in without asking why the hell I was there. Thank God. His blonde backup singer (whom I think he married later on was there too). Anyway I rambled on about seeing him on Midnight Special and other ridiculous stuff. He was very friendly and nice. So I feel like I need to leave and I asked him for an autograph. He said sure so I frantically looked in my purse for paper. All I could fine was my mini address book. He asked “Should I put it by Lionel Ritchie?” I had no idea what that meant at the time but realized later his last name started with R and he probably thought I do this all the time. Hahaha. Anyway still got that little address book and will never forget that meeting. I made an ass out of myself but he and his girlfriend were very cool.
Lol 🤣 Great story! i met him outside Radio city music hall walking in to do a sound check before the 1st Utopia tour . He was very friendly funny & nice ,i still can see him with that brown leather jacket big rabbit fur collar & that long multi -colored hair he use to have .
The song is about a break up, getting dumped. In real life Todd’s high school girlfriend broke up with her because her father didn’t like “hippies” but, he flipped the story so he was breaking up with the girl
So Lex was correct and Brad was clueless. 😆 To be honest, .500 is better than I expected. 😂 I didn’t know the backstory, but the meaning of the song seems pretty evident. I think it’s ambiguous who broke up with who or if it was mutual, just that there’s bittersweet regret. Also, the offer to occasionally have sex is funny, either way (“and spend the night if you think I should”).
Once again, Lex nails it in one! "Grown apart childhood sweethearts vibe" Exactly!! He wrote this when he was a teenager, about a failed relationship that he was not quite ready to let go of.
I recently discovered this song and was hooked! I was watching that 70s show re-runs and they played a bit of this song and sounded nice so decided to check it out.
I already knew the song from the 70's as a kid, but now when I hear it, I always think of That 70's Show. They used it in the pilot episode and the finale episode. I liked they did that. It was my favorite show.
This is a heartbreaking song.....of trying to let go but still keeping in touch....holding on to hope.......trying to remain civil about it......that's what I get out of it. Memories of the seventies....in fact, it always reminds my of That Seventies Show, now......there's a point in the first season where the gang is singing it all together while it plays on the radio in "the Vista Cruiser".....and at the end of the final episode, they revisit that scene.....very touching, actually.
...letting her go but hoping she'll come back one day...but that never happens. Once you realize that you're better off without her is when you take your power back. It may take days, months, sometimes years. This song is about the first few weeks of losing a girl before you realize you have options. I was there when I was 17. Losing my girl due to being a runaway because of an abusive home life. That was the first time I thought about somone else first rather than me. I told her to remove herself from that situation. She did just that and I never saw her face to face again. That was 33 years ago.
Love this track. Todd Rundgren is a great artist, producer, songwriter. Also dig one of his side projects, UTOPIA. Very cool early 80s Utopia track..... Set Me Free
Todd's ballads are all great: "I Saw the Light", "Can We Still Be Friends", "We Got to Get You a Woman", "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference", "Love is the Answer", "Couldn't I Just Tell You", etc.
I remember when I was visiting my sister in New York City at that time and we went to an Italian restaurant and Todd Rundgren was sitting across from us having dinner. This was in the 80s.
I always thought this was a song about a couple that it didn't work out but always remained friends with the occasional "benefits" but they both knew it wouldn't work out.
This wonderful song is from Todd's album, Something/Anything. It is a 2 record set. He played all the instruments on the first 3 sides and the last side, which this song is included, was recorded live with an exceptional group of studio musicians. Todd is an incredible musician and accomplished producer. George Harrison asked Todd to produce the rest of Badfinger's Straight Up album when George was called away mid recording. Others Todd has produced include The New York Dolls, Meatloaf, Grand Funk Railroad, and XTC. Other songs to check out: A Long Time and a Long Way to Go, Long Flowing Robe, I Saw the Light, Wolfman Jack, Dust in the Wind, Just One Victory, I could go on and on. Great reaction y'all!
I been busy working on a project all my spare time is taken, haven't listened to a 45 in almost a year. But I had the turntable set up next to my computer so I could do computer stuff and play 45's in chronological order of release. I have about 1,000 45's left including this 45 by Todd. I also have I saw the light, can we still be friends and Utopia Set me free.
Now you have surely opened another person you must explore, including the whole album as one listen: A Wizard A True Star. I think it is his opus and he is famous for many areas of the industry.
I saw the Light is the next song you need to listen to. Same era and similar sounding. This guy was one of the biggest influences on Daryl Hall from Hall and Oates.
But Todd credits Daryl Hall (both from Philly) with teaching him how to "sing out soulfully" and I'm so glad he did! Two guys who have accomplished so much, but not without making enemies because they also just say what they feel apparently! Oates is less abrasive, but hugely talented also, so I've always hated the way people don't seem to see his talent--he has a beautiful voice, too, but Daryl just naturally dominates in almost every way. It's amazing that the duo lasted so long--long enough to be the most successful duo ever, so people should remember Oates was part of it!
Music is universal. I'm a metal drummer but I got to study under the percussion director of the Phoenix Symphony in college. We didn't clash at all. He tightened up my playing and I taught him double bass techniques. This was early 80's.
I loved this double album set at a young, emotional age and in my old age it brings to mind So many people from that time--most gone now. I think Todd covered an amazing amount of emotions and touched a generation, but he isn't usually acknowledged for that, being so talented at Everything! I think he helped a generation of men to feel just a little deeper--I saw them listen to Todd while they were high, and get a little emotional at beautiful songs, but also listen to the words, too! They knew he was kidding on adorable songs like "We've Got To Get You A Woman" where the character is speaking, not Todd! "One More Day" with no letter from his girlfriend, "The Viking Song" in our Vietnam era meant something different to us!
Todd's amazing! Saw him in Portland, Oregon about 20 years ago. Such a performer, it really felt like a revival. The music was so very lucid! "Hello, It's Me" "Sweet" "Bang the Drum All Day" "Stood Up" "Worldwide Epiphany" "Can We Still Be Friends?" "I Saw the Light" "Soul Brother" "Tables Will Turn" "Love Is the Answer" "2nd Wind" "Real Man" "Time Stood Still" "Couldn't I Just Tell You?" "Truth" "We Gotta Get You a Woman" "Eastern Intrigue" "Hot Espresso" "Don't You Ever Learn?" "Future" "Love Science" "Change Myself" "The Individualist" "Stood Up" "A Dream Goes On Forever" "The Last Ride" "Wondering" (many, many more)
Btw he was a pioneer. Produced Meatloafs Bat Out of Hell. Did first interactive concert. Behind first music videos with David Bowie. This album Something Anything he did the whole thing live in the studio. Straight through.
I was 15 when this came out. I still admire how Todd reflected a mature & nuanced way to deal with break-ups and heartbreak... And how women and men can respect each other even through heartbreak. Respect being the operative word. (Also, by Todd is one of the musician/producers who early on recognized the talent of the wonderful composer and singer Laura Nyro...)
He’s been in several episode of Live From Daryl’s House. He and Daryl Hall are good friends and harmonize beautifully. You should check out their performance of - I Saw the Light - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-N48-K9z-HA4.html
Not many people know this but Liv Tyler the actress full name is Liv Rundgren Tyler. She was essentially raised by Todd Rundgren and still considers him her father along with Steven Tyler. Todd Rundgren essentially stepped in to be her dad because her biological parents weren't really there to raise her. He took responsibility for her. She didn't learn Steven Tyler was her biological father until she was 11 years old.
The venue i worked at in the 90's, he played there about 5x's. Finally, one of those shows i met him backstage. This man is super sweet, very down to earth, he asked to stay with him during meet & greet with fans. He included me in all the pictures people took, including one of just him & I while hugging me. That little girl in photos is Liv Tylor who he thought was his daughter & loved her like his own but turns out to be Steven Tylor from Aerosmith's daughter. She's in his "Crazy" video.
The little girl is his daughter ( or who he THOUGHT was his daughter...Liv Tyler. He raised her and his ex broke his heart- the father was Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. I always thought this was to his daughter (but I could be wrong)..."come around to see you, spend the night if you think I should. He wants her to love her real father if she want to- He wants to be with her, but doesn't want her to ever feel guilty ....He really IS a sweet soul. Ornery too.
Maybe the most underrated singer/songwriter there is. Todd wrote hit songs for many other artists besides himself. He was at his peak of popularity in the 1970s. Great talent. Thanks for playing this song.It holds some great old memories. But that's what music does, it's a time machine, that takes you back to when you first heard a song, or some significant event was going on, and this song takes you right back to that time.
The little girl is the actress, Liv Tyler. Her father is Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Todd Rundgren married Liv's mother and raised Liv as his daughter. Liv Tyler has good relations with both of her fathers.
He did this four years earlier in 1968 with a group called Nazz and a fellow in the band called Stewkey sang the lead vocal and it’s a softer more heartfelt ballad where the tempo of this version that became a hit is a little more upbeat.
Ugh, not me. I like Nazz, but that version of "Hello It's Me" is too slow and Stewkey too off-pitch. And the bongos? If I'm listening to Nazz I want "Open My Eyes."
There has been a few versions of this song, the first, which was done in his 60's psychedelic band The Nazz. A man who has done it all in rock, You should try his off-beat song Bang The Drum All Day.. but so many others with different bands & solo. (plus a duet with Bonnie Tyler).. thanks for another cool reaction..
Lex's 1st words were what it is...."this is beautiful". this is hot tea on a rainy day in warm sweats and blankets, looking at your honey and admiring them🙂
'Can We Still Be Friends' and 'We Gotta Get You a Woman' are two excellent Rundgren songs you can do, and Brad would LOVE We gotta get you a woman. It tells a story.
Todd Rundgren is also a record producer. One of the albums he produced was "Mother's Pride" by Fanny - an all-female band from the early 1970's. You should check out Fanny especially their live performances.
Every Friday when I picked up the grand kids from school, I'd play "Bang the Drum". Still do when pick up from work on Fridays. "I don't wanna work, I just wanna bang on the drum all day".
Hey Brad and Lex, it’s a joy to watch you engage these wonderful artists, with such diverse sounds. But, because of their otherworldly talent it’s impossible to claim a favorite. Todd Rundgren is one of the multi faceted artists of the seventies whom had “SERIOUS SKILLS”, for writing and performing music. Another superb reaction video guys, very well done, thank you.
Brad&Lex, you’ll love his "I Saw the Light", "Can We Still Be Friends" and "Bang the Drum All Day"!!! He’s a singer/songwriter, musician, producer, engineer, does it all in music. Rundgren is a pioneer in the fields of electronic music, progressive rock, music videos, computer software, and Internet music delivery.
For whatever reason (s), they can no longer be together, but he's reaching out just to let her know he misses her & wishes they could be an item (again), but doesn't want to pressure or bother her -- just a little thought & touch. (Brad of course misses the heart/romance part & goes for the dark thud, lol
Todd Rundgren did some great tunes. Others are Bang The Drum All Day, We Gotta Get You a Woman, I Saw The Light, Can We Still Be Friends, & Change Myself. I knew several of the songs but became a big fan during a late night college trip, The driver played his latest Hermit of Mink Hollow album about 3 times thru! It’s full of great songs, but wasn’t very popular. Change Myself was the first music video, 100% computer generated. And on a popular home graphics computer at that, a Commodore Amiga.
I'm sitting out on my front porch as a kid with this playing on my transistor. He's singing about a girl that obviously he hasn't been with for awhile.
The lyrics - This is a man who is deeply in love and the woman - the object of his desire is not able or willing to requite - to love and commit to him. He is telling her that he is not going away - he is telling her that he loves her so deeply he is willing to give her space and to be ready to come to her if or when she calls. Today we call men who behave this way "simps" - although it is a lovely lovelorn song about unrequited love we all (my generation) fell in love with the song as it played from time to time on our AM pop music stations in our car radios.
Born in 62 wherever we went in the car, beautiful music played no matter what station came in or genre. It didn’t matter was all great musical 🎵🎶🎼 ☮️❤️🙏🌍🌎🌏🇺🇸❤️☮️
I listened to this directly after listening to your reaction to Carole King's "It's Too Late." It sounded as though he was answering her, in a very striking way.
Rundgren was a sound engineer, and producer first, and video tech pioneer, so he knew how to create a smooth, balanced sound quality, even with all of the various instruments. This song, has the epitome of 70's chords. It's mellow, but at the same time, filled with emotion. He had the group Utopia. His style is very eclectic, and experimental. Check out my favorite "International Feel", or for some fun songs, "Song Of The Viking", or "Bang The Drum All Day".
my very first concert ever, my older sister took me in 1975 to see him in columbus ohio. amazing …. became a musician because of that experience . keep up the great old music. 👍🏼💓
Arwen's (from "The Lord of the Rings") stepdad. Pretty much a musical genius, songwriter and producer, massively respected by people in the industry, not celebrated near enough among the crowd. This one here is probably one of the greatest pop songs in the 1970s, and, as you should know by now, that's incredibly hard to pull off.
The little girl in the video is Liv Tyler (daughter of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler). Up until she was a teenager, she thought Todd Rundgren was her biological father. Her mother was a model
My first rock concert was Rundgren (Rick Derringer opened). I saw him 2 or 3 more times after that. He has a fairly impressive song catalogue, like this one. One thing you can say about him and his music career: he always did it his way.
In September 1968 Delaware County native & Upper Darby High School graduate Todd Rundgren released 'Open My Eyes' as a single with his band NAZZ. on SGC (Screen Gems Columbia) records. The song was a flop peaking at 112 nationally & received no airplay in Philly. A DJ at a Boston radio station accidentally played the flip side 'Hello It's Me' on the air & decided to add it to the stations playlist. The song took off & reached #1 on their playlist prompting other area stations to add it & it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1969 charting 7 weeks & peaking at #71. Back in Philly both cuts were getting airplay on a new rock radio station WMMR-FM by late Summer. The local Top 40 stations noticed & started playing both tracks in December. The two-sided monster would reach #2 on WFIL in early 1970. The record (S.G.C. 001) would enter the Hot 100 once again with 'Hello It's Me' on January 17, 1970, chart for 6 weeks & reach a new peak of #66. It's interesting that although the label had cosmetic changes during the run, they never released new commercial copies & kept the same number. Of course we all know that Todd was far from done with 'Hello It's Me' as he would re-record & re-release the new version in 1973 as a single as a solo artist & it soared to #5 on the Hot 100. This makes Todd one of only a handful of artists to have hits with two different versions of the same song although his original version with Nazz was only a regional success.
Besides being a great musician / composer Todd is an amazing human. The child in the pictures is Liv Tyler his step daughter, , he raised her, (for a few years as a single dad))
No, it's inspired by a girl that broke his heart early on. Her dad saw he had long hair which was a taboo back then. He told her to breakup with him, then turned cold toward him. After he became famous, guess who started calling him, yep, her. He treated it like a business call. I respect him. He raised Steven Tyler's daughter as if she was his
Brad,Lex, Todd Rundgren is a true musical genius. I recommend listening to I Saw the Light next. Still get goosebumps listening to these two songs by Todd. For some reason they really bring back memories and great times from my youth.
According to SongFacts: “Rundgren wrote this song, which takes us through a phone call where the singer breaks up with a girl. It's a remarkably realistic account, devoid of sweeping metaphors typically found in breakup songs.”
Todd has done it all. Multi-instrumentalist, music producer, singer/songwriter and can rock with the best of em. The young girl in those pics is none other than Liv Tyler. For years it was unkown if she was actually Todd's daughter, or Stephen Tyler's (Aerosmith). But he was her father figure as she grew up.
Other than being a unique wonderful talent, Todd was very compassionate. He actually stepped in when Steve Tyler was out of control and adopted and raised Liv Tyler. Liv’s name was Liv Rundgren Tyler. There are many photos on the internet with Todd, his wife and a young Liv Tyler. They gave her a beautiful childhood filled with love ❤️
Todd Rundgren is a rare musical genius. A major producer, writer, arranger, singer, musician, and all-round great human being. The Wizard is a true star.
