Can We Still Be Friends by Todd Rundgren -- an Appreciaton

If you've ever loved and lost, there's a good chance that "Can We Still Be Friends" by Todd Rundgren will resonate with you. For me, "Can We Still Be Friends" is a decidedly bittersweet song, and, depending on my mood, can sometimes be too painful to listen to. Of course, that probably has something to do with the fact that, based upon my own experience, the answer to the question posed in the song has always been a resounding no (though I am still of the opinion that it is "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all").

"Can We Still Be Friends" is one of the tracks on Todd Rundgren's 1978 album, "Hermit of Mink Hollow," and was the only tune from that collection to become a hit. According to both Wikipedia and Songfacts, it reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 (why it didn't place higher is a great mystery to me). Interestingly, Robert Palmer's version of the song became a hit the following year. The song can also be heard on the soundtracks of "Dumb and Dumber" and "Vanilla Sky."

The song has also been covered by Rod Stewart, Mandy Moore and Vonda Shepard. In my view, though, none of the cover versions can hold a candle to Todd Rundgren's masterful original. To be perfectly frank, Robert Palmer's version is probably my least favorite; in my view, it lacks depth and Palmer doesn't really connect with the sentiment behind the song - and least not for me. Mandy Moore's version is excellent (and she gets props for introducing the song to a whole new generation). Vonda Shepard's version is also quite good - but she seems to holding back too much. If you are so inclined (and I hope you are). you can listen to all the aforementioned version of this masterpiece below.

I hope that if you've never heard "Can We Still Be Friends" until now, you find it as moving as I do (and if you are familiar with it, I hope that rediscovering it has been worthwhile). Additionally, I hope that you will listen to more music by Todd Rundgren. The man is a musical genius, and if you aren't already familiar with his songbook, boy, are you in for a treat. His hits include "Hello It's Me," "I Saw the Light," and "Love is the Answer."

Thank God for music; for me, listening to great music (I love all kinds) is one of the most pleasurable and transcendent experiences imaginable (while still fully clothed). Please feel free to mention any songs that you find particularly moving in the comments section below. I'm always on the lookout for new songs to fall in love with - they might make me sad but they will never break my heart.

Sources:

Todd Rundgren Performs "Can We Still Be Friends

Robert Palmer's Version

Vonda Shepard's Version

Mandy Moore's Version