Just watched a movie that included some music from one of my favorite Artists…
Todd Rundgren’s “Friends!”
Yes, Lloyd and Harry love Todd Rundgren music as much as they love food fights! This funny moment from “Dumb And Dumber” is just one reason to love the movie…the other is that they use Todd music, and Todd composed original soundtrack material for use in the film as well!
I wanted to have some fun with Todd’s incredible musical library, so I focused on songs that have been featured in movies – like the classic “Dumb And Dumber!”
“Can We Still Be Friends” is used as part of a montage for a love triangle in the film…the song was originally released by Todd on his masterpiece “Hermit Of Mink Hollow” – you can see more music and videos from the album here:
Todd also wrote the song “Lloyd Meets Mary”, “Finding the Money” and “Harry Is Killed” for the film’s sequel…
The Exhilarating “Camp” Finale!
Todd’s music has inspired many, perhaps no more so than this group of “Camp” kids:
This terrific film follows a failed Broadway songwriter who is inspired to create again by a group of kids at a summer acting camp…Todd’s music is used in the inspiring finale of the film.
Here are the closing credits from “Camp” – as the cast performs an upbeat, energetic and spirited version of Todd’s “The Want Of A Nail”:
Of course, that song opens one of Todd’s greatest albums: click here to see more videos from “Nearly Human”:
https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/26/todd-rundgren-is-nearly-human-todds-6-fingered-masterpiece/
Another unexpected treasure is found in this film:
Director Bruce Paltrow directed his daughter Gwyneth in this story about karaoke singers! It’s an interesting comedy/drama, with terrific performances by Huey Lewis, Andre Braugher, Maria Bello and Paul Giamatti, who sings a great version of “Hello, It’s Me!”
Paul really does a beautiful job with this song – here is the audio of it – not only does Paul do a nice job, but in the film he really gives a soulful performance as well:
See more clips and lots more about this terrific film here:
“Hello, It’s Me” has been heard in a number of films, and it and “A Dream Goes On Forever” appear in “The Virgin Suicides”.
In fact, if you search IMDB’s Todd Rundgren section, you will see that Todd’s music has been used in dozens of movies and TV shows one the years.
One of Todd’s singles is featured in this recent Netflix holiday special starring Bill Murray:
Yes, “I Saw The Light” makes an appearance, as it did in 1991 in the film “My Girl” – AND in “Kingpin” in 1996 – also starring Bill Murray!
Todd’s music is used a lot in film and TV, but I really appreciate when it is featured in a way that gives full appreciation of the work.
For example, Todd’s music is given a great tribute by one of Hollywood’s most interesting Directors:
Cameron Crowe’s Todd Shoutout!
Director Cameron Crowe told the “lightly fictionalized” story of his youth in the classic film “Almost Famous”. This story of a teenager traveling with a rock band in the early 70’s is a classic, and earned Kate Hudson an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of groupie Penny Lane…you can read more about the “groupie” world here:
Crowe is a big Todd fan. and “It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference” is included on the soundtrack, which is stuffed full of all kinds of incredible music from the 70’s…
Cameron’s Shout Out!
Cameron Crowe gives Todd special mention on his “Director’s Bootleg Cut” Blu-ray of “Almost Famous”, acknowledging “Something/Anything?” as one of the seminal albums of the 70’s…which of course it is!
You can read my story about the album, with lots of videos, here:
Crowe also included “Can We Still Be Friends?” on the “Vanilla Sky” soundtrack.
Todd has also done a number of TV appearances over the years, but I really love how often David Letterman would have him on:
Someone posted a great compilation of all of Todd’s Letterman appearances, which you can see here:
Todd recently celebrated his birthday, and I wrote a post about seven of his greatest songs, with videos…check it out here:
https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/22/happy-birthday-todd-rundgren-seven-todd-songs-of-celebration/
Let me know your favorite Todd movie moment!
