"So I send you the gift of empathy, if you'd once in your life acknowledge me; I have visualized so thoroughly that when I think of 'me' I think of 'we'." Art.
It is so rare to hear a song about the ending of a relationship expressed with such intelligence and passion. ..very moving. This is when a pop song achieves art.
Bitter tears run down my cheeks as I type this. My first time hearing this masterpiece and I've loved Todd since 1978. His genius works often provoke me to tears as he beautifully writes, sings, etc. the very same things inside my heart, past and present. I am SO PROUD of Todd Rundgren!!!!
Yes it would. He is so personable, talented. And I wished 1 had the opportunity to meet him. He has inspired my life more than I can put in words. Forevergreen.
This was during the production of Todd's musical, "Up Against It" at the Public Theatre in the 90's. I was in the band- fantastic!!! This was how the song was done in the show (tempo and feel) Was a real gas working with the genius.
Wow. What a vocal performance. And those lyrics remind me exactly of a relationship I was in where we never could quite hook up. This song brought tears to my eyes remembering that.
I have been a Todd fan since 1973, seen him a gazillion times...but this clip tops pretty much any recording, both audio & video, that I have ever seen or heard. A treat for the senses. Absolutely amazing.
This song has always felt mournful to me, despite it's upbeat (studio) tempo...I'm so glad to hear a song that reflects the somber mood. Beautiful....just beautiful.
Several songs on "Nearly Human" are written about Todd's relationship with Liv Tyler, daughter of Todd's then-girl, Bebe Buell. Liv was raised thinking Todd was her father; when she was 11, in 1988, she realized, and was told, that her father was in fact, Steven Tyler. Some of the "Nearly Human" songtrack are about Todd's "family life" in 1988 -- "I have visualized so thoroughly That when I think of me I think of we".
I agree that this is better than any version of this I've heard. In fact, it may be the definitive performance of this time period. It is intimate, moving, and the emotional slowed-down tempo before the last chorus reminds me of his Laura Nyro influence.
Some peeps are going to say I'm crazy, but I'd love to see them do a Todd night on American Idol. It would be great to see David Cook pick a Todd song, or to see David Archileta sing Parallel Lines.
It's a song about knowing when to give in .. give up. One of the hardest things to do. I love the song , it's deep feeling. But.. I don't agree that anything is ever completely hopelessly over .. That said this song and so many Todd songs are so brilliant and the lyrics so meaningful. Yeah, I wish more people would $buy$ music of this quality so the piles of shallow pointless trash would stop be shoved down the public throat and into the public eye. Sorry 'bout the rant. Long Live Todd!!!
You are right, ellisrose, I must admit. Further, there would be the issue of the contestants not knowing the material well enough to pick the right song. I can just imagine someone attempting Onomatopoeia and what Simon would say about that. Still... it might be fun.
What goofy? I think you must be goofy. How can you be so critical AND if that is distracting you, you cant be very much into the music. Todd fan? I think not.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
His songwriting abilities are...unparalleled.
Todd's gestures and flawless vocals are stunning. Words are useless to describe the way this moves me. Genius.
"So I send you the gift of empathy, if you'd once in your life acknowledge me; I have visualized so thoroughly that when I think of 'me' I think of 'we'." Art.
I couldn't agree more. Been a true follower since 1972.... And I follow willingly, because the journey is what life is about.
It is so rare to hear a song about the ending of a relationship expressed with such
intelligence and passion. ..very moving. This is when a pop song achieves art.
Bitter tears run down my cheeks as I type this. My first time hearing this masterpiece and I've loved Todd since 1978. His genius works often provoke me to tears as he beautifully writes, sings, etc. the very same things inside my heart, past and present. I am SO PROUD of Todd Rundgren!!!!
This man has so much soul and feeling.
Wouldn't it be an honor to know him.
Yes it would. He is so personable, talented. And I wished 1 had the opportunity to meet him. He has inspired my life more than I can put in words. Forevergreen.
when the instrumentalists applaud the singer at the end of the song you know they are as impressed as you are.
A true Artist and a Star!!!! He and Utopia did one hell of a show at the Akron Civic November 2011 Thank God He and the Band are still touring.
This was during the production of Todd's musical, "Up Against It" at the Public Theatre in the 90's. I was in the band- fantastic!!! This was how the song was done in the show (tempo and feel) Was a real gas working with the genius.
wayne abravanel fantastic buddy!
That’s awesome!
Wow. What a vocal performance. And those lyrics remind me exactly of a relationship I was in where we never could quite hook up. This song brought tears to my eyes remembering that.
I have been a Todd fan since 1973, seen him a gazillion times...but this clip tops pretty much any recording, both audio & video, that I have ever seen or heard. A treat for the senses.
Absolutely amazing.
Absolutely beautiful!
Incredible lyrics
The arrangement matches the lyrics perfectly. Todd is brilliant anyway but this is the version everyone loves when they hear it.
A True Soulful Genius, a magician with words....
timeless. genius.
Unbelievably Beautiful!!!
now this is a perfect song!!!
wasn't his voice so lovely during this era?
thank you!
Truly inspired and awed ...and once again enthralled by this man's genius.
Genius, simply magnificent!!
Absolutely amazing. Todd is Godd
Great version of this incredible song. Love the lyrics. It's Todd Rundgren. Enough said. Thanks for posting.
Beautiful version of this song. Brings tears to my eyes. Makes me think of someone very special to me.
Thank you.........
Todd should be in the Music Hall of Fame. Sheer genius. I can't think of one song of his that I don't like. Correction... Love.
The most enduring and wonderful song
This song has always felt mournful to me, despite it's upbeat (studio) tempo...I'm so glad to hear a song that reflects the somber mood. Beautiful....just beautiful.
This the most impactful song i have heard for about 2 years now.
Can't believe it, incredible
Great version of a Great song from the Master !
I was at that show. Unbelievable lineup. Great Todd moment.
GOOD GOD! Why doesn't he play this in concert? SOOOO GORGEOUS!!! Sing it Todd!
surely one of the finest vocalists EVER!
Todd is the most awesome entertainer on the planet! Thanks for posting:)
Several songs on "Nearly Human" are written about Todd's relationship with Liv Tyler, daughter of Todd's then-girl, Bebe Buell. Liv was raised thinking Todd was her father; when she was 11, in 1988, she realized, and was told, that her father was in fact, Steven Tyler. Some of the "Nearly Human" songtrack are about Todd's "family life" in 1988 -- "I have visualized so thoroughly
That when I think of me I think of we".
What can one say. Todd has been touched by the greatness gods. We are lucky. Not often done.
Fantastic song!!! Moved me to tears!!!
Wish all the Night Music shows would make it to dvd someday soon.
This is a great example of why.
One of my favorite Todd works.
I wish I could play this for the one that got away (or was just on another level all the time)... love and loss and sweet memories.
I agree that this is better than any version of this I've heard. In fact, it may be the definitive performance of this time period. It is intimate, moving, and the emotional slowed-down tempo before the last chorus reminds me of his Laura Nyro influence.
awesomely brilliant!!!!
The man truly is a wizard! Can't understand why only a select few can realize his genius..
Why isn't one of the best voices of the last thirty years recognized?
thanks, jeanette - LVEMEDO - for sharing with me! great post, rundgrenfan!! five stars!!
david
I saw Todd at Westbury Music Fair 2x, and he did the hand gestures then too -- it drove me bonkers. And I am goofy.
From the series Night Music, broadcast on October 29, 1989.
love this version!
thanks for putting this back :)
As good of an interpretation as it gets .... of as good of a song as it gets!!
Outstanding!
LOVETHATTODD! The Merlin of Music.......
I'm still looking for the version from The Letterman Show - him with just piano accompaniment.
I agree...this version is better than the LP...
You're so right.
Great!!!!!!
I love this version of the song too, but the dude on the piano?? At the end- Yeah! Bring it home.
Some peeps are going to say I'm crazy, but I'd love to see them do a Todd night on American Idol. It would be great to see David Cook pick a Todd song, or to see David Archileta sing Parallel Lines.
Better than the studio version; the slower tempo gives depth to the song.
It's a song about knowing when to give in .. give up. One of the hardest things to do. I love the song , it's deep feeling. But.. I don't agree that anything is ever completely hopelessly over ..
That said this song and so many Todd songs are so brilliant and the lyrics so meaningful. Yeah, I wish more people would $buy$ music of this quality so the piles of shallow pointless trash would stop be shoved down the public throat and into the public eye. Sorry 'bout the rant. Long Live Todd!!!
this is 0 so cool
❤️
@jflinn210 Always my favorite line.
The more i think of it, he didn't do it in the bigger venues (jones beach w/hall&oates) - just the more intimate settings.
This would make one killer duet.
ADG
You are right, ellisrose, I must admit. Further, there would be the issue of the contestants not knowing the material well enough to pick the right song. I can just imagine someone attempting Onomatopoeia and what Simon would say about that. Still... it might be fun.
@criguit you sound like you just discovered The Wizard . We've all had that moment.....
Todd was god at this time.....
UA-cam bring back Wailing wall.
How none of his songs have become standards is beyond me.
It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference, Hello It's Me, Can We Still Be Friends, Bang on the Drum, Love is the Answer
Hello it’s me is pretty standard
I think andy42x is goofy.
What goofy? I think you must be goofy. How can you be so critical AND if that is distracting you, you cant be very much into the music. Todd fan? I think not.
I'm a huge Todd fan, but I wish he didn't make those goofy hand/arm gestures while singing... it's distracting.
Why isn't one of the best voices of the last thirty years recognized?
❤