Todd Rundgren - Hello It's Me (1972) REACTION!

[@stephenclark1551]

I'll bet I've played this song over 10,000 times and I still love it.

[@kennethlatham3133]

I play it every week.

[@Lunatic4Bizcas]

@@kennethlatham3133 : Same here. Flawless tune.

[@miss_k3602]

Me too

[@debmoadd]

Ditto. I still have my 2 part "Something/Anything"album from 1973 AND this song on a 45 single..

[@mikerayland]

So do I brother...

[@Lee4364]

Todd played every instrument on his debut album and had to assemble a band to tour with, He is a genius

[@GratefulDeadForever]

Actually, he didn't. He plays a lot of the instruments on his first couple of solo albums but there are definitely other musicians on them including Tony and Hunt Sales, Mark "Moogy" Klingman, N.D. Smart, the band The American Dream and even Rick Danko and Levon Helm from the Band.

[@12JoeB]

Moreover, this song is from his 3rd solo album, Something/Anything, a double album where he played and sang all parts on the first 3 sides. This song, Hello It’s Me, came from the 4th side where he assembled studio musicians for live studio cuts. Although Todd is capable of some very high backup vocals (e.g., I Saw the Light on Side 1), this song features three female and two male backup singers and all the musicians along with Todd on lead vocals and piano. He is, indeed, a genius.

[@suesutton9226]

Yes . . . . he is!

[@cowlico]

Todd Rundgren wrote his first song, “Hello It’s Me,” in 1967, one year after a painful high-school breakup. In real life, Rundgren was the one getting dumped, but he flipped the story so he was breaking up with the girl. Speaking with Marc Myers in 2018, Rundgren explained that the girl was named Linda, and she was his high school girlfriend. He had long hair, and one day when he walked her home, Linda's dad saw him for the first time and turned the hose on him - no hippie kid was going to date his daughter. A few days later, Linda acceded to her father's wishes and broke up with him. She did it rather casually, which Todd didn't appreciate. Rundgren wrote the lyric thinking about how he would have liked Linda to break up with him: in a sensitive phone call where she tells him it's important that he's free. Many years later, Rundgren was in Tulsa for a concert (this was likely March 31, 2003) when Linda called his hotel asking for tickets to the show. He put her on the guest list, but never told her she inspired his most famous song. "Our lives had gone in different directions," he said. "We had nothing to say. I also wanted to hold on to the image I have of her in high school."

[@BritIronRebel]

Thanks Courtney! I've followed Todd since the Nazz days.... our boy from Upper Darby, PA! Back then was the Philadelphia Sound like Neil Sedaka and the Young Rascals. But Todd has done everything from soulish Motown sound stuff to progressive rock.

[@TuTuFox]

@@BritIronRebel The Young Rascals 👍 I have all their songs on my play list. Brings back memories of the good ole days

[@juaneato]

BritIronRebel My brother lives in UD.

[@jonsimon5779]

Todd is very good friends with Daryl Hall and John Oates. They are all from Philly area. Same thing happened to John Oates that inspired their song "She's Gone". John was dumped on a date on New Year's Eve and went home and wrote the song. Thanks, ladies!

[@k_spats]

I believe that she never even showed up at the concert? Do you know if that is true?

[@themusicmaniac84]

This song is the 70s as well as his other blockbuster “I saw the light.”

[@smbake]

Todd Rundgren ranks up there with the greatest this country has produced.

[@tiffanymcgillie7114]

The entire album "Something/Anything" is beyond incredible. And the story of how it was recorded makes it even more incredible.

[@BritIronRebel]

..... As is the 'A Wizard A True Star' LP as well!

[@countessratzass5408]

Hunt and Tony Sales played horns on S/A.

[@kenamasunsmith3976]

That’s what I am searching for! Please let me know where to find. This song feels so honest……All it’s elements.

[@tiffanymcgillie7114]

@@kenamasunsmith3976 This song comes from the double album "Something/Anything" by Todd Rundgren. It should be available on most streaming platforms; or you can search KZbin to find the whole album.

[@markb742]

This is one of those songs that always takes me back to my high school days in the early 70s. They played it all the time then.

[@TheGB1950]

Todds a super nice person. I met him and his wife, son and fellow musicians at Toddstock 2018, he likes to have a good time with his fans.

[@MrJoeyBionic]

A kid of the 70s, this song is so wonderful in so many ways.

[@rexrundgren6182]

Right on 🤙🏼 Love it when people discover my dads music for the first time. So much to listen too

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

I've been a fan of your dads from way back. Your Dad deserves to be in the RnR HOF. A few years ago he can in 3rd place in the popular vote, that should be enough. RnR HOF is so political. Greetings from Charleston, WEST Virginia and Semper Fi

[@kencody4287]

He has songs that having grown up teen years in70s will stay in our hearts forever

[@meheuck]

The Isley Brothers did a great slow-jam cover of this shortly after Rundgren's original became a hit.

[@meta4dagr8t22]

love todds version but i gotta say ron killed it tho

[@HidingFromFate]

'bout time someone got to Todd! Here are my short-list suggestions from the 70's classic-era of Rundgren: I Saw The Light Can We Still Be Friends? It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference Real Man Just One Victory Love Is The Answer (Utopia) We Gotta Get You A Woman A Dream Goes On Forever Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel The Waiting Game ok, so I cheated on that last one.

[@williamjackson6705]

You get a pass on The Waiting Game. The whole Human Being album is great and should have been a million seller.

[@wesmartyn3829]

For me, I love watching the younger generations, enjoy the music I grew up with. Thank you.

[@TheSib]

One of the most beautiful songs I know and love. I’ve listened to it over 1,000 times, and I love it as much as I did the 5th time.

[@luisalonsoecheverria]

React to these Todd Rundgren songs: I Saw The Light Can We Still Be Friends? Black Maria It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference Real Man Just One Victory Love Is The Answer (Utopia) Couldn't I Just Tell You Love of the Common Man Too Far Gone Cliche The Want of a Nail Compassion We Gotta Get You A Woman A Dream Goes On Forever Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel Determination Drive Black and White Buffalo Grass Bang The Drum All Day

[@pamelabryer9744]

I listen to "I saw the light" everyday...makes me so HAPPY

[@joycewalbert1413]

Yeah!!!! And We Gotta Get You A Woman!!!

[@charlest.velten6983]

Anything from the back to the bars double live album by him would be good !

[@themusicmaniac84]

You forgot “International Feel.”

[@angelinajacobs-howell4175]

Todd is one of my all time favorites, one thing many aren't aware of was his work as a record producer. He was instrumental in producing some of the greatest albums for other artists, as well as being a major influence for other artist. I've always liked his song "Can we still be friends" as it spoke to me personally when it was released in 1978 when I was going through a break-up.

[@irical100]

Todd does redeem these lyrics of break up with "I Saw The Light", check out that one too (studio version pls)

[@garylindsey5174]

Even though I had heard it so many times before,it makes me think of the episode of "That 70s Show" where they went to the Todd Rundgren concert

[@davidboivin7996]

There is an Eric and Donna tribute video to this song. 😎

[@jackndew2]

I never thought of this as a break up song. India, consider this angle... these 2 people are good friends that seem to have a mutual respect for each other and Todd is voicing his possibly growing affection without crossing any boundaries they may have already set between them. Hence the line "...and spend the night if you think I should". So basically, a platonic relationship that Todd might want to go to the next step, ending with the repeating phrase ..."think of me".

[@kevinsykes2549]

That's exactly how I always took the lyrics. That's why he says "maybe I shouldn't think of you as mine".

[@J_Gamble]

I think you nailed it.

[@xmillion1704]

I always thought that THEY had broken up and he was experiencing ambivalence but coming to acceptance, but maybe you're right. Thanks for doing a review of my favorite artist.

[@matsugo24]

He supposedly played every single instrument, separately, and then combined them together in this recording. The song was also done by the Isley Brothers, which was really good, IMHO.

[@brennisbooth9]

This is just an all round lovely song sung by a lovely man. “Can We Still be Friends” is also wonderful. Keep up the good work, dear..

[@Keedeeg]

Tod's music just gets to me. LOVE...LOVE...LOVE him!!

[@cyndybensema7189]

This song was a favorite of mine when it was first popular as "The Nazz" and then when he did the single. It was after a break up for me. I felt it was saying "I know you don't love me, but I want you to be happy, because that is what I want for you because I love you, and if you are happier without me, that is what I want for you." Two people that just weren't right for each other. It happens. I still love this song and feel it deeply.

[@googleuser5040]

Still sends chills down my spine. I once left this song on my boyfriend's answering machine - we've been married almost 18 years!

[@hungfao]

Good songwriter and producer extraordinaire.

[@clemdane]

Beautiful song

[@brittanywilliams4282]

This song was played on every station every hour of every day for weeks in late 1973 early 1974. What a great song. It is wonderful that you are discovering music that dwarfs anything you consider music in 2022.

[@runninamuk8947]

India, I know this video was dropped 2 yrs but I LOVE this song!!! His voice is melodious like melted butter - especially when he hits those notes in his upper register! To me the song is about a man who loves a woman but they don't work well as a long-term couple. She is the one that doesn't want to be tied down & is resentful towards him. He sees her for who & what she is. He just wants to see her every "once in a while" or if "he ever needs a reason to smile." He'd take her back in a heartbeat if that's what she wanted. Side Note: research Liv Tyler's mother (Bebe), stepfather (Mr. Rundgren), and biological father (Steven Tyler).

[@Jelsick]

He has such a pure voice. One of my favorite songs from the 70s. Definitely on my playlist.

[@victorhawkins3461]

Man, we Todd folks are nothing if not steadfast in our devotion to one of the finest writers/singers/guitarists/keys and synth players/drummers/sax players/producers on this or any other earth! I can only second pretty much what everyone before me has written. He's a great fella, enjoys meeting fans, puts on a helluva show (I've seen him in settings as diverse as solo piano/guitar to the huge first Utopia tour in 1975 to a 4-piece Utopia years later to a 5-piece Todd show here in the Cali desert a couple of years ago. He has NEVER failed me musically...it might take me a while to catch on (Utopia's SWING TO THE RIGHT would be one example of that, but I got there, TR!) but eventually I catch on. We all do. I'm crazy enough that when I moved to L.A. some 30 years ago, one of the first things I did was find the house on Astral Drive in the hills near Nichols Cyn. where he cut those first 3 sides of SOMETHING/ANYTHING?. I just parked outside and sat there a while. Thanks for the reminder. Now that you've ventured down the TR rabbit hole, enjoy the journey. He will NOT disappoint you...bewilder you sometimes (A TREATISE ON COSMIC FIRE, 31 minutes of recorded bliss!)...but he will not disappoint.

[@yesimsixtyfive]

One of the greatest songs to come out of the 70s. I remember when it came out, classic storytelling and performing. Thanks for posting.

[@dogstar7]

My high school friend and music mentor came home on break from his first semester at Berklee College with this album in 1972. He told me he had skipped most of his classes to follow Todd Rundgren up and down the Atlantic seaboard that summer. My guy went on to have his own band, make a lot of cash, open his own studio, yadda yadda... because Todd inspired him

[@rosiecosentino8124]

This wonderful song lives on….wow! Thank you for your talent and gift Todd!

[@lorivassallo8643]

One of all time favorites...along with, I Saw the Light, We Got to Get You a Woman, Could We Still Be Friends, he's a big producer of other artists and an incredible musician, plays every instrument...I saw him in concert for the first time two years ago...

[@11dsw]

You have to understand the "mood" of the 7os and it's struggle with personal freedom and commitment. 1975s "I'm not in love" by 10cc is another example. Along w/ Chicago's "Call on Me" from 1974......I really like your videos.😀

[@sulathenewfie4277]

Call on Me is also one of my all time faves (this one too)

[@stpnwlf9]

Todd Rundgren is arguably one of the finest musicians of the 20th century (and beyond) having attained huge success as singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, and producer. He was also a pioneer of creating rock videos years before MTV using Amiga computers to create CGI effects.

[@thecliffdweller1212]

As a poetic expression, this song ...and in particular this performance for recording... is a masterpiece. Todd performs every instrument and overdubs every vocal.The mixdown is incredibly textured and nuanced and the 'needle drop' presence, even if used on a flat PA system as mall music, is still arresting. The song's structure is classic verse-bridge-verse-bridge-chorus-vamp/repeat. Then Todd tosses in a key modulation and a swinging outro. Pure Henry Mancini arrangement for 70's pop combo

[@gelsol]

Please do more Rundgren. He has so much gold throughout a varied career. Philly soul. If you want to do the polar opposite of this, review The Ikon on Todd Rundgren's Utopia (1974). You might want to take some jazz cabbage prior...

[@isaackovitz4791]

One of the most beautiful songs of the 70's - a masterpiece!

[@murraywestenskow2896]

Suzanne Loney - If you come across this video by chance after 40+ years .... "Hello - It's Me!" Every time I hear this song, I think of you.

[@pushpak]

One of my fave singer/songwriters and producers.

[@itsme6018]

Listen to I Saw the Light. It's one of those songs that never fails to make me smile. Just a month or so ago it came on in the grocery store and I couldn't help but dance and sing along as I made my way down the aisles. Strange looks? Yes, but life is too short to worry about what other people think.

[@catherinethompson2525]

Todd is so talented producer song writer etc....this takes me back One of the best talents ever!!!! He is iconic 👍💕

[@dylanakent]

Such memories. This was on the radio all the time. Sends me back to when I was very young.

[@epe4742]

Love me some Todd Rundgren❤️

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Please do more Todd- any of the songs others have listed. His work is extraordinarily dynamic and lyrics can be quite poignant. My read of this particular song is the recognition that just because you love someone doesn’t mean that you are capable of loving them in the way that they need (and/or vice versa). Trying or expecting personal change to feed one side or the other disrespects the true nature of the individuals. “If you love something, let it go...” BTW digging your channel a lot!

[@RowdyRuth]

Thanks for doing this one India. I saw Todd Rundgren on his synthesizer tour in the San Francisco Bay area he was amazing.

[@markd9130]

I never get tired of this song. But, it also kinda hurts me because it takes me back to some of my youngest childhood memories and all the people that are gone.

[@BillPresson]

Loved this song since I first heard it shortly after it came out. He’s so talented.

[@toddleonard369]

i love this song. have not listened to it in decades.

[@debbieedwards711]

Oh to be young and hear this very special song for the first time. Love it!

[@AfterwardDeified]

Get into Todd. I saw him in concert last year. Among the best music ever.

[@groovechaser]

Any song of Todd’s you cannot go wrong. Some of his stuff is trippy, but he is all over the place as far as styles go. He also designed programs for apple, like video programs, etc. Just a well rounded genus! Multi instrumentalist, producer, you name it. Met him in ‘14 and was a super chill guy. Check out some of his songs he produced for other artists like XTC, Grand Funk, Meat Loaf, Sparks, just to name a few. Big fan!!!!!

[@ahibuddy1999]

Have been a fan since the mid 70’s. His song writing is creative and his success as a producer is impressive. His music background as a child explains so much, I could go on and on about Todd... I still listen to him and recently saw him in concert with Ringo Starr and his All Star Band.

[@TheYoguiMonster]

India- this song was featured in That 70s Show. When Jackie and Kelso were left in the vista cruiser and the two tickets were given to the mechanic and his boyfriend. Eric and Donnas first date. So many memories with this song

[@geokaragiannis]

Ahhhhhhh, the sweet 70's... Cheers!!

[@wesmartyn3829]

Just saw him in concert. I had his Hermit Of Mink Hollow album in blue vinyl. A treasured album. Can We Still Be Friends, was my favorite.

[@BrainHooligan]

This is one of my favorites of all time. It was a joy to watch you hear it for the first time.

[@aweebunny]

"I'm not in love" - 10cc

[@lmr1300]

This song brings back so many memories! I love this song! Thanks for reacting to it!

[@Jonni1027]

Todd Rundgren is also a renowned record producer (Meatloaf/Badfinger/Paul Butterfield and so many more). I’m sad cuz I have tickets to see him in early May in San Francisco but I’m sure that’s not happening now that we’re isolating☹️

[@mandolindleyroadshow706]

The song was written when Todd was 18. It's about his high school sweetheart, Linda, who blew him off after her father kicked Todd out of the house. Todd has said he flipped the script in the song where he is breaking up with her to give himself some power in a relationship that devastated his ego. Decades later Linda got in touch with Todd and went to see him perform. He gave her free tickets, but declined to meet with her after the performance.

[@victoriagrove5344]

Todd is life. Please pick out anything, or another! Tolld is brilliant!

[@kennethlatham3133]

This is about the greatest love song ever that does NOT contain the word "love" in it. I've seen Todd twice; in San Fran and Austin. He always (usually) closes his show with "Hello It's Me". Us Todd fans are an emotional bunch, and this one puts a lump in everyone's throat.

[@sharikraft1706]

A little jazzy, with that rock edge. I loved this song. 1973. I was a sophomore in high school

[@lillielangtry6907]

So glad you reviewed Todd Rundgren. LOVE< LOVE> LOVE

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

What a beautiful song with such heart ❤️

[@dianemalone9496]

This is one of my all-time favorite songs 🎶🎤💙. I could listen to it over and over again 🙂

[@fredericlandemaine2425]

Mélodie Imparable ! Du très grand Todd Rundgren ❤

[@williamjackson982]

This is one of my all time favorite songs.

[@lorilxn1597]

I haven't heard this in a few years now, love it so much

[@rickray606]

all the music, every instrument, all Todd

[@JeffBart]

I love her impressions. They are amazing

[@calebclunie4001]

I love the soundscapes he created for "International Feel". Don't forget, that he was also a pioneer of video effects, in addition to audio production. Any of his "The Midnight Special" appearances, or his Utopia stuff, are fantastic. I've been working on "Song Of The Viking" vocals. It's so much fun.

[@MartinR3166]

India thanks for reacting to this wonderful song

[@nancybellantoni6099]

Saw Todd live this year. He is amazing live

[@donnawalby7005]

I absolutely LOVE sharing your reactions as you listen to these songs, treasures, of my generation. Your appreciation moves me.... Imagine the artist's appreciation, those still with us. Don't forget to listen to Janis sing "Trust (in me...). SO much greatness to enjoy, young one. I love your interpretations 💕🙏

[@tsfmnlb]

Good song, I always liked Todd's music. Check out I Saw the Light, A Dream Goes On Forever, Love Is the Answer, and We Gotta Get You a Woman.

[@patrickvecchio8138]

One of the most underrated singer/songwriter/musicians ever.

[@stevenmurano7863]

Todd is a genius, amazing writer, singer, producer, plays every instrument under the sun....and is still doing it 50 years later. his production credits alone should have had him in the RRHoF years ago....but screw them. there is SO much to check out with T,R. solo stuff, Utopia, Nazz. i hope you will dive in. some good suggestions below. I will make a few more 'Healer'. 'Sometimes I don't know what to fee'. 'The verb 'to love' ' (live version from back to the bars), 'I think you know'. 'Bag Lady'. just barely scratching the surface here....

[@JoseSerrano-ct2rf]

Love your reaction Girl. This song is soulful. He’s thinking about a girl who has his heart and soul, but for some reason they’re apart and can’t be together, but only once in a great while. But you know there’s chemistry there, they have over years, still so special to each other. Maybe their in other relationships. Who knows. But no doubt a soulful song, with a little jazz. Knew you’d like it.

[@studlygrish]

Todd Rundgren can sing his own back-ups for the songs and play dozens of different instruments

[@womanonthinice1276]

Welcome to the 70s India! Lololol I love it!!! Todd Rundgren baby!!!!!

[@APipeRider2]

It's really addicting to watch someone discovering music from different genres and seeing your reaction. Please take a look at DEAD CAN DANCE OR DEEP FOREST OR THIS MORTAL COIL, please! I think you will be quite happy and surprised by how much you love the music. Thanks India!

[@mikeloomis687]

One of the BEST!! Love songs ever!!

[@clarissagafoor5222]

Song makes me cry every time! So many sweet memories!

[@andyjulia]

Great choice! I always loved Todd’s voice. Try “ I saw the light” next.

[@mikeloomis687]

Song never tires...and puts a tear in one's eye if you've ever been in Love.....

[@patriciawaring]

I Saw The Light! My Favorite! Thank You, India! From the Great State of Oklahoma!

[@melissadambro8873]

Todd and Daryl Hall are very connected and both have the "Blue-Eyed-Soul" sound! Todd has two episodes on "Live at Daryl's House" - one recorded at Daryl's house and one recorded at Todd's home in Hawaii. He has had an amazing long career solo and with the band, Utopia - "Can We Still Be Friends," ""I Saw the Light," "Bang on the Drum All Day," "Just One Victory," many, many more. Also did a lot of producing for other bands and a ton of background arrangements (Meatloaf - Bat Out of Hell albums, Grand Funk Railroad, XTC, Hall & Oates, Badfinger, just to name a few). He can do just about any type of musical genre, is an amazing guitar player, and has such a rich, soulful voice! Check out "Black Maria" for his heavier guitar, bluesy sound and "Hawking" for a completely different, spiritual, choral sound. Thanks for giving Todd a listen, India!

[@cttaylor7376]

Love Todd Rundgren tunes, this is my favorite in his . Great reaction. Hope to hear more of him on this channel

[@jeannieeakin1374]

An awesome man and an under appreciated talent. I’m 😭

[@roneyduarte2108]

Vai em português mesmo hoje! As caras e bocas da Indian é o ponto alto desse vídeo! Eu acho que eu já assisti todos por causa disso. Likes sempre.

[@TuTuFox]

LOVE THIS SONG! ALWAYS HAVE

[@maryschultz7154]

It was the 70’s girl, love was confusing! Love this song so much, love Todd!❤️

[@Stephensorrentino]

A magic tune written and performed and produced by a magic artist

[@Derrick1762]

I love your reactions- they make me smile

[@jeanettedegiulio8220]

So many memories. I love this going. Thank you for the videos

[@ksjanetka]

Todd is one of my favorite artists. Listen to "Bag Lady", very moving. He's an incredibly compassionate person.