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From deep within the depths of my vast music collection comes a new installment of The RetroBlog Music Vault. Today, I thought I’d feature an all time classic song from Todd Rundgren titled “Can We Still Be Friends”. Originally released back in 1978 on Rundgren’s Hermit of Mink Hollow album, the song went on to become one of his signature tunes (along with “Hello It’s Me”, “Bang on the Drum” and “I Saw the Light”). The song has been featured on a number of movies and TV shows including Vanilla Sky, Dumb and Dumber and Nip/Tuck. Over the years, the song has also been covered by a number of different artists which I’ll be covering here in the post.

1) Can We Still Be Friends by Robert Palmer
This is a straight ahead cover which was released a year after Rundgren’s original version. Palmer smoothed out the quirkiness of the original and made it a bit more radio friendly.
also available via Amazon on The Very Best of the Island Years

2) Can We Still Be Friends by Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart recorded a version that seems to be modeled after Palmer’s rendition. Again, it’s pretty straight forward except for an extended vamp at the end. Frankly Stewart’s cover leaves me a bit cold.
also available via Amazon on Camouflage

3) Can We Still Be Friends by Mandy Moore
Yes, laugh it up but honestly, I think Mandy Moore does a great version of this song. It’s probably my favorite of all the cover versions listed here.
also available via Amazon on The Best of Mandy Moore

4) Can We Still Be Friends by Todd Rundgren (Bossa Nova Style)
Todd himself recorded a cover version in 1997 albeit in bossa-nova/lounge style. I personally prefer the original over this lounge-y version but it’s still fun to listen to.
also available via Amazon on Greatest Classics: with a Twist

5) Can We Still Be Friends (live) by Todd Rundgren
Here’s a live version of the song performed by Todd at the Bottom Line in New York in 1978. I believe this was recorded during the same sessions that comprised Todd’s live album Back to the Bars.

enjoy the tunes. as always, the files are hosted on savefile.com for a limited time. grab ‘em while they’re hot.

Filed under:
music, the music vault by retroDan