Customer Reviews

With a Twist

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This album is stunningly beautiful. I remember reading that Rundgren recorded it as a slap in the face to his label, which wanted another "Best Of" album, and it is a best of. The musicianship, recording values and Todd's singing are all first rate. He is America's great under-rated musical treasure. For you guys, this album is a genuine chick magnet, too. I'm heartbroken that it's out of print. My wife and I always manage to take a few turns around the livingroom floor when we hear "Mated." If you're a true fan of the true star, purchase it used. If you don't like it, I'll buy it from you.

Not since I once heard Dread Zeppelin's cover blends of Led Zeppelin crossed with Elvis Presley in have I heard such profoundly creative remakes of classic rock songs. While it should come as no real surprise that Rundgren himself is capable of rethinking his own material, here is a truly original synthesis, treating his material with due respect even as he has reconstituted it. The only song this approach does not work with, 'Hello, It's Me', sounds a wee bit over the top and campy. Every other song is smooth, smooth, smooth. The effect is heightened if you make this the chaser to other albums of his and find yourself comparing one rendition to another.

Seriously, I like this album a lot, and it is very good, as one reviewer already noted, to put on as background music. You can enjoy these bossa nova covers on several different levels, but I also agree with another reviewer who called Todd's treatment of "Hello Its Me" as "weird". I did like several songs that I was not familiar with a lot (Mated, Influenza). Never Neverland works very well in this style, but perhaps the biggest surprise is the uptempo treatment of "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference". I found the album to have an overall fresh feel to it, and I did think that the production was very good with nice vocals. "A Dream Goes on Forever" was also very nicely done. I don't think most fans will be disappointed, but I think that maybe a few more songs could have been covered on the album. I give it a good solid 4 stars.

I probably gave this three stars more because it's a lot of fun...

I love Rundgren, and I love Samba/Bossa Nova music. However, the only real musical value for me is that hearing Todd's compositions in a different context underscores how terrific of a songwriter he is. Many of his songs could easily become standards.. consider how many have covered "Love is the Answer" for example.. even Glen Campbell!

I think this is a fine recording to enjoy as background music, or just for a little fun (beach party, backyard barbeque, etc) It's fairly well done in terms of arrangements.

Musically speaking, it's pretty much a novelty recording. If you're familiar with Jobim, Toquinho/Vincuis De Moreas, Luiz Bonfa, Joao Bosco, Joao/Astrud Gilberto, Djavan, Sergio Mendez the arrangements often have roots in famous recordings by these brazilian greats. I highly recommend checking out some of the great brazilian music by these masters.

Shawn

ps If you haven't heard A Wizard, A True Star, Something/Anything?, Todd, Faithful, Healing, A Capella, or Initiation check those out to hear why Rundgren has such devout followers.

Looks like some of your previous reviewers have completly missed the point on this release. Bossa Nova music dictates a "dry, passionless,offbeat vocal delivery". I have gone back to this album more than I have any of the most recent Rundgren albums. It sets a great mood from beginning to end and the brilliance of the songs speaks for itself. It is wonderful to hear these compositions in this fresh context and though tongue is planted firmly in cheek this works on a very serious level. Lighten up Motown person !

If you are a true Todd fan you know that he is willing to do some different stuff from time to time, and with a twist is different - and really good. Nice arrangements, tied with excellent background vocals make this great background music for dinner - and when people ask who it is they are surprised - and want to borrow it as well.

Great Stuff. Probably the only unplugged stuff we'll ever get. "It Wouldn't have made any difference" is the standout here. Don't be scared away by Bossa Nova.

Dry? Passionless? Admittedly Todd was not jacked up on espresso when he put this one together. The vocals are gentle and effortless - which does not equate to passionless. He glides through the lyrics, beautifully recreating many of his timeless classics. His vocals are surrounded by rich and tasteful instrumentation, and the backing vocals are probably the most beautiful I have ever heard. I give this effort eight stars!!

How can anyone not enjoy this revamp of Todd's delicious slice of Americana. Diehard music fans owe it to themselves to pick up a copy of this title at the first opportunity.

I saw Todd perform "With A Twist" at the Roxy in Atlanta right around the time it was released & was BLOWN AWAY! I immediately bought the CD and love it. This is the CD I put on when I'm working in the house & need some pep, it's not long before I'm dancing around & singing with him. It's fun. I know people that don't care for this side of Todd but I attribute that to them not being a true Todd lover, they only like his early pop. That's one reason I am his biggest fan, he never sounds the same, he is always evolving. I love everything he does. I think it's an excellent addition to my Todd music library & would recommend it to those who truly appreciate his diversity (and Bosa Nova!).