Saw Todd walking down the street once. I called his name and he looked completely surprised that I knew who he was. humble genius is the best kind of genius.
I was fortunate to find his CD "With a Twist" where he sings his music with a bossa nova beat. One song is totally Martin Denney. Outstanding as usual. I listen to this all the time - very relaxing.
Glad to seed this again. I went to two shows on this tour and it was the first time I saw John Ferenzik, Jesse Gress and Prairie Prince in the band. And always great to see Kasim. Who knew they would play together for nearly 20 years later. Also happy to say that I found a full audio recording of the Irving Place gig that was most memorable. The Hawaiian influence is present because he had just moved to Hawaii in 1996. This act was to be the setting of a cheap hotel off the Hawaiian strip. There were 3 sets and a comedian act during one of the intermissions. Great concept show, and an amazing performer, musician, engineer, song writer and philosopher. The only reason why he has not won a televised music award is that he is critical of the music industry's vampire policies and is extremely unconventional. He marches to his own tune and has a dedicated fan base. Rock on Todd !
Todd has said that if he had to sing this song the same way for the rest of his life he would not be able to continue singing it. He wrote this arrangement to keep things interesting for him. He's too creative to be robotic about anything, including his own music. Love it or hate it, you gotta love Todd for always pushing the envelope.
very nice and beautiful new arrangement. .. something of an off beat tempo but still with blended perfect timing!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!! He really is such a rare talent!!!
I saw the show Conan was talking about in Boston. It was so cool to see Todd in an intimate setting like that and the bosanova arrangements really came off well live. This is cool to see this.
A Great American Music Icon, who just keep getting better!! Bravo Todd!! I love this version. Really sexy:) This video is worth more than the price of gold!
For everybody complaining about why he changes it. For one thing, he did it for whatever reason, he just felt like redoing it. But a big reason it's a the way it is is the song is naturally a typical jazz progression, so he brought that out a lot more in this version
Todd Rundgren is still a special artiste.He is a great composer and is right up there with Dylan.Young,gamble and huff,smokey,lennon and mc cartney ,charlie parker,Kurt,and booker t regards jimmy
Todd is awesome! I love this Bossa Nova version. I am a bossa nova singer and one thing American's misunderstand is that you don't have to sing softly...he could amp up his voice a little bit and it would give the song a bit more life. BTW...I just know he's Liv Tyler's dad...look at his face and then look at hers.
I love Todd, always have, but I have to admit, I saw him on this the tour for "With a Twist" and it was a little snoozy for sure. I mean, it was cool to see him in this setting, but a whole show of it...well, let's put it this way: "I Saw The Light" was one of the more rockin' songs of the show. Still, I listen to Todd all the time, still love him. Such a talent.
There are lotsa mixed opinions on this, the With A Twist cd is remarkable,the most gorgeous harmonies you ever heard and beautiful renditions of some Todd classics...
Have you heard Todd in the last year or so? He's playing his brilliant compositions in a four-piece rock band at mind-boggling volumes. It's totally unlistenable -- and I love Todd. Have no idea what his problem is.
electracoyote, you are missing the fun of Todd's re-working of his compositions into another genre. Do you realize how many fellow Brazilians now know who he is? And love his music? Also, he did a amazing job on the arrangements just to make them work in this other, totally different style. I mean I like Rock, AND I like Jazz, AND I like Reggae, AND I like Bossa Nova. Not many artists sound just as good in two or more of those styles. He is just amazing!
get lost if you don't get this man's talent. Todd I have loved your work all my music enjoying years. Utopia rocked! You rock. I want to do your hair and be a part of your current contemp fun. call me dude.
saw him in austin twice about 6 years ago or less. once, he did the song this way, it's the bosa nova, once he did it wild, like the old song, that was at la zona rosa. either way, todd is WAY talented. handsomer now than then, too!
At first it sounded odd how Todd's vocals seemed to be ahead of the melody but after listening a few times to "With a Twist" it really won me over. Great rendition of "Never Never Land" on this albumn too. I still like the original versions better except for "A dream goes on forever."
It seems to me ( not a musical expert) that Todd is doing something incredibly difficult here. He is a master of so many instruments he has to go to a simple percussion instrument for the 'with a twist' concept. Then he is such an artist he wants to make it interesting for himself, hence the challenging beat hence the unusual phrasing. Mellifluous voice! What a master.
Not since Feliciano did his version of Light My Fire have a I heard a more souful version of a previous hit song - and this one by the same artist ! how cool ! It's his material ..nuff said.
think again...put on your musical thinking cap...this guy has more musicality in his fingertips than most of us have in their entire spine...let it wash over you....
I agree Wingman. If he sang the whole cd with the original phrasing it would have been better x10 IMO. Singing ahead of the music is what bad karaoke singers do when they are too drunk to listen to the backing tape. :D Todd will forever be my #1 hero though. :)
to DESIFINADO: You're the only one telling the truth here! Todd has some LOYAL fans, that's for sure. I like him. Esp. "Couldn't I just Tell You" -- but is he hearing the monitors? seems like he ain't
it's the piano bar effect. if those that don't understand it, don't chop the style! a live performance is SUPPOSED to be different than the original radio recording. Ya!
my guess is he was just bored with this song, so he wanted to do something different with it. anyways, i saw todd perform a wizard, a true star this weekend and it was incredible!!! he's even better now!
gosh im beginning to prefer this version to the original too...its so laidback!:> his timing is fine. he is , like someone else has already said, not singing in the pocket, but in skipped beats..
Very strange timing indeed, but on purpose of course, he then did this song many times live this way. Besides, his instrument (a rather fragile percussion device from Uganda) helps to build a sensual atmosphere. He's using it with a lot of delicacy.
When I was 19 I met a girl one night. And then i got roaring drunk. As i emptied my bladder against a wall, I was singing this song in her honor. Well, it's not a pretty story but it was for reals. You want good writing? Go to the library !!!
This timing is classic Bossa Nova...I suspect if this song was translated into Portuguese that the vocal rhythm would be quite similar. I like the time warp at 3:40.
now see, them riding out the fundamental mistiming is quizzical because there's always a human factor involved. the bandmates might all be looking at each other like "what the hell is todd doing? i dont know, just get through the set". but, if youve seen this done live, i cant question you. as far as unresolved tension & mathematical timing; i feel you then i dont. yes, it's all a math function but that's also a very empirical appreciation of an emotional value (to me). dissonance can be good.
hey if you listened to the CD you'd get the same impression bout the tempo. and yeah, it could sounds ways a plenty and he'd still render it cool. peculiar.
And what is it with a lot of these singer/songwriters who play instruments stopping that when they get older? Rundgren plays guitar and piano excellently, but he opts out for the banaanamaraca?!?!
@philipleanza3 I agree.....the lyrics were stuffed in some obscure timming gap but did not fit....typical square peg in a round hole attempt. That being said...Was the main reason the re-make was a flop. All forgiven Todd..... You still remain on my all time favorite artist list !
Seems as if he didn't realy feel the time of the song. If I saw them perform in a pub like this I would think they don't know what they are doing. Musicians did. Todd didn't to be exact. Still I love the song and perform it too with my music set up in bossa nova style.
Saw Todd walking down the street once. I called his name and he looked completely surprised that I knew who he was. humble genius is the best kind of genius.
I was fortunate to find his CD "With a Twist"
where he sings his music with a bossa nova beat. One song is totally Martin Denney.
Outstanding as usual. I listen to this all the time - very relaxing.
Glad to seed this again. I went to two shows on this tour and it was the first time I saw John Ferenzik, Jesse Gress and Prairie Prince in the band. And always great to see Kasim. Who knew they would play together for nearly 20 years later. Also happy to say that I found a full audio recording of the Irving Place gig that was most memorable. The Hawaiian influence is present because he had just moved to Hawaii in 1996. This act was to be the setting of a cheap hotel off the Hawaiian strip. There were 3 sets and a comedian act during one of the intermissions. Great concept show, and an amazing performer, musician, engineer, song writer and philosopher. The only reason why he has not won a televised music award is that he is critical of the music industry's vampire policies and is extremely unconventional. He marches to his own tune and has a dedicated fan base. Rock on Todd !
Todd has said that if he had to sing this song the same way for the rest of his life he would not be able to continue singing it. He wrote this arrangement to keep things interesting for him. He's too creative to be robotic about anything, including his own music. Love it or hate it, you gotta love Todd for always pushing the envelope.
very nice and beautiful new arrangement. .. something of an off beat tempo but still with blended perfect timing!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!! He really is such a rare talent!!!
Smooth rendition of a great 70's hit. love both !
I saw the show Conan was talking about in Boston. It was so cool to see Todd in an intimate setting like that and the bosanova arrangements really came off well live. This is cool to see this.
Thanks for Uploading Another Live Performance from this Wizard/True Star. R&R HOF doesn't know what they've missed,
One amazing artist!! Bravo Todd, what a gift :)))))))
A Great American Music Icon, who just keep getting better!! Bravo Todd!!
I love this version. Really sexy:) This video is worth more than the price of gold!
I like this arrangement! Great integration of samba rhythms. It shows what a sophisticated ear TR has.
Todd on the Conan O'Brien show! There's a combo I would watch ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!
Thanks for posting this friend!
I Saw the Light slow bossa nova, Todd does it all, c00L suit, mood and gr00ve... RUNGREN FOREVER
For everybody complaining about why he changes it. For one thing, he did it for whatever reason, he just felt like redoing it. But a big reason it's a the way it is is the song is naturally a typical jazz progression, so he brought that out a lot more in this version
Todd Rundgren is still a special artiste.He is a great composer and is right up there with Dylan.Young,gamble and huff,smokey,lennon and mc cartney ,charlie parker,Kurt,and booker t
regards
jimmy
I'm so stoked - Todd is going to do a very short tour doing the entire Todd and Healing albums. I'm heading to Ohio for this for Labor Day weekend!
I have always loved his avant garde musical sense.
This was a great show and a great tour!
Todd "twisted" his own songs and breathed new life into them.
delicious both ways... so gifted... thanks Todd!
Love me some Todd!
one of my fav songs ever,i still have the original 7inch vinyl.this a cool version too
I was with Todd when he played here in concert in 1994 in Spain.
Todd is awesome! I love this Bossa Nova version. I am a bossa nova singer and one thing American's misunderstand is that you don't have to sing softly...he could amp up his voice a little bit and it would give the song a bit more life. BTW...I just know he's Liv Tyler's dad...look at his face and then look at hers.
Of course he is. ;)
He is brilliant, though I would have been disappointed to see him in concert and hear this version after hearing the other for all of these years.
thanks for posting this - I liked it anyway but you have made me listen with appreciation
I love Todd, always have, but I have to admit, I saw him on this the tour for "With a Twist" and it was a little snoozy for sure. I mean, it was cool to see him in this setting, but a whole show of it...well, let's put it this way: "I Saw The Light" was one of the more rockin' songs of the show. Still, I listen to Todd all the time, still love him. Such a talent.
Great version... I really enjoy this version, quite a range He has
There are lotsa mixed opinions on this, the With A Twist cd is remarkable,the most gorgeous harmonies you ever heard and beautiful renditions of some Todd classics...
Have you heard Todd in the last year or so? He's playing his brilliant compositions in a four-piece rock band at mind-boggling volumes. It's totally unlistenable -- and I love Todd. Have no idea what his problem is.
Love this song!!!
I think I love every version he does:)
Love the jazz rendition 👍
Love this guy!
electracoyote, you are missing the fun of Todd's re-working of his compositions into another genre. Do you realize how many fellow Brazilians now know who he is? And love his music? Also, he did a amazing job on the arrangements just to make them work in this other, totally different style. I mean I like Rock, AND I like Jazz, AND I like Reggae, AND I like Bossa Nova. Not many artists sound just as good in two or more of those styles. He is just amazing!
It's a plastic banana with beads inside, used as a shaker. Cool, subtle sounds. I love this version of the song!
the conversation known as music refuses to be tethered.
get lost if you don't get this man's talent.
Todd I have loved your work all my music enjoying years. Utopia rocked! You rock. I want to do your hair and be a part of your current contemp fun. call me dude.
saw him in austin twice about 6 years ago or less. once, he did the song this way, it's the bosa nova, once he did it wild, like the old song, that was at la zona rosa. either way, todd is WAY talented. handsomer now than then, too!
I like how Todd hits the A, U, G notes in this song!
At first it sounded odd how Todd's vocals seemed to be ahead of the melody but after listening a few times to "With a Twist" it really won me over. Great rendition of "Never Never Land" on this albumn too. I still like the original versions better except for "A dream goes on forever."
His voice touches the Soul.
This was during a tour were he did calypso lounge versions of all his songs. It was an interesting show but I liked the energy of a Utopia show more!
He's awesome.
It seems to me ( not a musical expert) that Todd is doing something incredibly difficult here. He is a master of so many instruments he has to go to a simple percussion instrument for the 'with a twist' concept. Then he is such an artist he wants to make it interesting for himself, hence the challenging beat hence the unusual phrasing. Mellifluous voice! What a master.
incredibly sexy music, Todd. you always rocked our world!
GOD Bless Todd- And Kaz...
I've heard other performances of this arrangement, and he does it the same way each time. I guess Todd just digs that tricky syncopation!
The banana is Todd's sly nod to the "Save the Rainforests" people in Brazil.
Since I was having dinner with Todd, and his wife, and sign me the tickets of concerts........
I saw the light in BOSSA NOVA rhythm! Awesome!
Not since Feliciano did his version of Light My Fire have a I heard a more souful version of a previous hit song - and this one by the same artist ! how cool !
It's his material ..nuff said.
If I could this song from Todd send out o' space ...
This was just his "bossanova" stage, I guess!?! Will Always luv Todd no matter whut!!
Amazing ! I will never sing a long the same.
Cool banana to match the tropical vibe...Todd with a twist!
this album was from 1998, he made original albums after that
Liars is excellent and Arena last fall
think again...put on your musical thinking cap...this guy has more musicality in his fingertips than most of us have in their entire spine...let it wash over you....
haha Todd you were too kewl man ..
STILL ARE!!!
TODDISGODD
I agree Wingman. If he sang the whole cd with the original phrasing it would have been better x10 IMO. Singing ahead of the music is what bad karaoke singers do when they are too drunk to listen to the backing tape. :D Todd will forever be my #1 hero though. :)
to DESIFINADO: You're the only one telling the truth here! Todd has some LOYAL fans, that's for sure. I like him. Esp. "Couldn't I just Tell You" -- but is he hearing the monitors? seems like he ain't
agreed - I liked this version
it's the piano bar effect. if those that don't understand it, don't chop the style! a live performance is SUPPOSED to be different than the original radio recording. Ya!
in my opinion...a very good live performance
Interesting how he sings it against the beat. It makes you feel like your gonna fall off your seat. I like it..
my guess is he was just bored with this song, so he wanted to do something different with it.
anyways, i saw todd perform a wizard, a true star this weekend and it was incredible!!! he's even better now!
Gotta love that package.....you go Todd!!!!
wooooooooohoooooooooooooo!!!!!
gosh im beginning to prefer this version to the original too...its so laidback!:> his timing is fine. he is , like someone else has already said, not singing in the pocket, but in skipped beats..
Very strange timing indeed, but on purpose of course, he then did this song many times live this way. Besides, his instrument (a rather fragile percussion device from Uganda) helps to build a sensual atmosphere. He's using it with a lot of delicacy.
my second concert
When I was 19 I met a girl one night. And then i got roaring drunk. As i emptied my bladder against a wall, I was singing this song in her honor.
Well, it's not a pretty story but it was for reals. You want good writing? Go to the library
!!!
This timing is classic Bossa Nova...I suspect if this song was translated into Portuguese that the vocal rhythm would be quite similar. I like the time warp at 3:40.
now see, them riding out the fundamental mistiming is quizzical because there's always a human factor involved. the bandmates might all be looking at each other like "what the hell is todd doing? i dont know, just get through the set". but, if youve seen this done live, i cant question you. as far as unresolved tension & mathematical timing; i feel you then i dont. yes, it's all a math function but that's also a very empirical appreciation of an emotional value (to me). dissonance can be good.
@ShinLvlGod It is a banana shaped shaker, a percussion instrument, like a maraca.
That's his trademark :) Looks better in person.
thanks :)
hey if you listened to the CD you'd get the same impression bout the tempo. and yeah, it could sounds ways a plenty and he'd still render it cool. peculiar.
its the new shaker-banana! c r a z y-- man
PAKARPIS IS THE SCIENTIST OF THE MUSIC !
TECKMASSE
"house is in the air"
I think he brought two bananas to the stage.
Hadn't ever seen the new, modern Todd. Nice banana though, reminds me of some fraternity initiations at my undergrad school.
I totally agree. I'm a musician as well and the timing is bizarre.
You know where he got the banana idea from? Ernie Kovacs and his Nairobi Trio. Check it out.
I love the fact that he went bossa nova on the hits. He stretched it too far though when he tried to move the melody forward in the meter.
Too funny, Your comment reminds me of SNL with Christopher Walkins, "More cowbell".
don't apologise my friend! you're english is far far better than many englishmen!
bossa nova , I saw the light .
cool!!!
And what is it with a lot of these singer/songwriters who play instruments stopping that when they get older? Rundgren plays guitar and piano excellently, but he opts out for the banaanamaraca?!?!
@philipleanza3 I agree.....the lyrics were stuffed in some obscure timming gap but did not fit....typical square peg in a round hole attempt. That being said...Was the main reason the re-make was a flop. All forgiven Todd..... You still remain on my all time favorite artist list !
Yes,so hot & yet so very kewl...hmmm. so TODD
Cool Brazilian beat rendition
Seems as if he didn't realy feel the time of the song. If I saw them perform in a pub like this I would think they don't know what they are doing. Musicians did. Todd didn't to be exact. Still I love the song and perform it too with my music set up in bossa nova style.
try the reggae disco rockers they have the version of this so cool..
Bossa Nova?!!!!Brasil influência!
Is he actually singing to the music that's playing. Sorry Todd - been a fan for many years but this is pure pants
i like the old one too! this one seems like the band cant keep up with him....oh well
@ShinLvlGod I agree.
does anybody know a female singer who also sings this beautiful song? :)
Mellow version~~very nice~~~only musicians would understand :) All of you that don't get it..sorry for your"empty head"
He's a good Canadian, drinking is a way of life...
By the way, this is an interesting arrangement. Not sure I like it as much as the original.
Is that banana the percussion? Wow...didn't even know you could get that sound out of one...