Back to the Bars [Live]

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. Real Man

2. Love of the Common Man

3. Verb "To Love"

4. Love in Action

5. Dream Goes on Forever

6. Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel

7. Range War

8. Black and White

9. Last Ride

10. Cliché

See all 11 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2

1. Never Never Land

2. Black Maria

3. Zen Archer

4. Medley: I'm So Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/La la Means I Love You/I Saw the Lig

5. It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference

6. Easterin Intrigue

7. Initiation

8. Couldn't I Just Tell You

9. Hello It's Me

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Remastered U.K. reissue of Rundgren's 1978 album, complete with the original cover art & all of the original tracks intact from when it was first issued on Bearsville as a two LP set. A live record, it contains 20 of his best up to that point, including 'Real Man', 'I Saw The Light', 'It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference', 'Hello It's Me' and 'Love Of The Common Man'. 1999 release. Double slimline jewel case. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews:

It's wonderful to have Bernstein back, but the performances fall short.......2006-11-26

These 1953 mono recordings catch Bernstein a decade after his famous debut with the NY Phil. and five years before he became their youngest-ever condcutor. It's great to hear that warm, comforting voice again, although his analyses--especially the longest one devoted to the Brahms Fourth--aren't as polished as they would become. He gets pedagogical at times and runs us through a rote example-and-explanation formula. Even then, howeer, colorful Bernstein touches peek out, and we are reminded of the man who taught an entire generation to venerate classical music.

For me, the performances themselves fall short. They were often recorded in a rush, sometimes late at night after a summer concert. I know that the Stadium Sym. is actually the NY Phil., but they don't sound particularly fine, and Bernstein's interpreatations, though vigorous, often border on the slapdash. Plowing through Beethoven's 3rd, Dvorak's 9th, Schumann's 2nd, Brahms' 4th and Tchaikovsky's 6th, I found few sparks of originaity, much less genius. This is a tough admission from one of LB's geat admirers, but there you are. The original recorded sound is also a bit thin and harsh.

Come back Lennie, we need you.......2006-02-22

This box is worth its price just for the five talks. Bernstein at this stage had a teaching style rather more stilted than the chatty sage of later years, but the combination of authority, insight and infectious enthusiasm is unique. Entertainingly offhand about the New World, he's at his best on the music he reveres most, i.e. Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms, the first movement of whose Fourth Symphony gets a particularly in-depth analysis that left me yearning for more. Practically anyone could enjoy and learn from these talks - they're fascinating fun without a whiff of down-dumbing. When the classical and the popular cross over nowadays, the results are usually compromised and crass, but with Bernstein there doesn't even seem to be a gap to be crossed over - just a passion to share these wonders with as many people as possible. We need his all-embracing talent and vision today more than ever.

Then there are the performances. I'm not the biggest fan of mono symphonic recordings, but these positively leap down your ears, unmannered, committed and electric. It's hard to believe what was achieved under the hasty recording conditions described in the booklet. The sound is a little fierce, but good enough to make this set a wonderful gift for any open-minded but symphonically ignorant acquaintance. I can easily imagine it turning someone on to classical music.

For Bernstein enthusiasts, it's like owning a gold mine.......2005-06-19

This new album set is something that I had heard of, but never dared to hope would be released on CD. It consists of Leonard Bernstein's very first recordings of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 (the "Eroica"), Dvorak's "New World Symphony", Schumann's Symphony No. 2, Brahms' Fourth Symphony, and Tchaikovsky's "Pathetique" Symphony. They are all conducted by Bernstein and played beautifully by an orchestra which bills itself as the New York Stadium Symphony Orchestra, but which is really the great New York Philharmonic, using the name that they gave themselves during summer concerts.

The performances are a revelation, because they demonstrate conclusively that Bernstein did not always "exaggerate" or "overinterpret" great music, as critics frequently claim. His performances here are very, very direct and straightforward, more like Fritz Reiner or Toscanini than like Bernstein.

If this album contained only Bernstein's early performances of these symphonies, it would be interesting, but it might not really attract that much attention, since he re-recorded all of these pieces in stereo in later years, and with the same orchestra.

What makes this set so valuable is that it contains his long out-of-print lectures on these symphonies, and far from what the previous reviewer claims, they never become boring and monotonous. No musician in our time, or maybe even in the history of music, was a better or more articulate and sensitive lecturer on music than Leonard Bernstein. His legendary appearances on the "Young People's Concerts" did more for the appreciation of classical music than all the "Beethoven's Wig" albums combined. (If you don't know what "Beethoven's Wig" is, check it out and shudder at how far music appreciation has fallen since Bernstein's death.)

Bernstein had a unique ability to make classical music accessible to everybody, without ever condescending to the listener or cheapening the music. His lectures on this album, previously only available to 1950's Book of the Month Subscribers (except for part of the Beethoven lecture, which is the only one that Bernstein did re-record in stereo), are invaluable both to music students and to those who are willing to listen. All of the lectures included cover all four movements of the symphonies discussed, except for the Brahms; that one is just as extensive as the others, but it covers only the first movement of the symphony.

However--be warned, the lectures do have a flaw that the symphonies themselves do not, and that is why I have subtracted one star.

The symphony recordings are obviously remastered from magnetic tape, but the lectures have been transferred from LP's. Thus, you will be able to hear an occasional click or pop from time to time, and there is a clearly audible "skip" on the Brahms lecture. It is NOT the CD being defective, or the laser beam on your player skipping; it is clearly the lecture recordings themselves. Deutsche Grammophon, which released this CD set, is very honest about the source of the transfers to compact disc, and is to be commended for this. (They mention it in the last page of the accompanying booklet.) But this shouldn't deter anybody from buying this enormously important Bernstein set.

Bernstein's Early American Recordings.......2005-04-02

The most recent batch of DG's "Original Masters" box sets boasts several titles that will leave classical collectors rejoicing, "Leonard Bernstein: The 1953 American Decca Recordings" foremost among them. This 5CD set features Lenny in his earliest recorded performances of some of his trademark works -- Beethoven's 3rd, Dvorak's 9th, Schumann's 2nd, Brahms' 4th and Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphonies. Bernstein would later re-record all of five these symphonies with the NYPO (btw, the Stadium Symphony Orchestra of New York IS the NYPO) to greater acclaim for Columbia, but these early accounts capture a brilliant young conductor at the threshold of greatness. Also after each performance, Bernstein offers a musical analysis, simplifying what the listener just heard as only he could, which is again something the conductor would become famous for in years to come. Well then, if this is such a great set, why the four-star rating? First, while the performances sound very good, these are 1953 mono recordings and the casual fan needs to be aware that analog and digital stereo recordings of these works by the conductor do exist, and are generally preferable. Second, the musical analysis is a nice touch, but certainly does not warrant repeated listenings, as does the music. In fact, nearly half of the contents of these five discs is LB talking, and it could have been filled with music instead, or simply sold as a less expensive 3CD set. However, these shortcomings aside, "Leonard Bernstein: The 1953 American Decca Recordings" is another outstanding release in a fine series.

Average customer rating:

I thought I have heard all the greatest Todd recordings...
4 stars
Why have you people ingnored THIS?!?!?!

Back to the Bars
Todd Rundgren
Manufacturer: Castle Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002575B
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Real Man
Love of the Common Man
Verb "To Love"
Love in Action
Dream Goes on Forever
Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel
Range War
Black and White
Last Ride
Clich
Don't You Ever Learn?

Tracks:

Never Never Land
Black Maria
Zen Archer
Medley: I'm So Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/La la Means I Love You/I Saw ...
It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference
Easterin Intrigue
Initiation
Couldn't I Just Tell You
Hello It's Me

Album Description

Remastered U.K. reissue of Rundgren's 1978 album, complete with the original cover art & all of the original tracks intact from when it was first issued on Bearsville as a two LP set. A live record, it contains 20 of his best up to that point, including 'Real Man', 'I Saw The Light', 'It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference', 'Hello It's Me' and 'Love Of The Common Man'. 1999 release. Double slimline jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

I thought I have heard all the greatest Todd recordings..........2006-07-25

and I did play this album to death back when I had a turntable... but since the advent of CDs this was one album I had not gone about getting. I figured I had so many excellent Todd CDs and DVDs... but recently something was calling me to go Back to the Bars.
I am so happy I did! All you Todd lovers out there who have not heard this remastered recording, I beseech you to get it! Crystal crystal clear, you can heard every breathe, every instrument. All the songs we have known and loved and thought had been played to death... NO! This is a collection of gorgeous renditions. Also, to me , Todd tends towards trebly recordings ( The New Cars recent live recording, while great fun, is a little too tinny for example) but this one is rich and real and man... close your eyes and you are there. Truly, Todd at one of his many peaks. Way over 5 stars.
PS-The liner notes have a good Todd interview.,but I could not find a listing of the performers. I don't think they are listed, which is a flaw in this remaster. The musicians should have been credited!

4 stars.......2001-05-15

The performances are nice, especially "A Dream Goes On Forever," which might best the original. For those who thought Todd was going overboard with his Starship Captain persona of the mid-70's, the self-effacing banter is welcome comic relief.

Why have you people ingnored THIS?!?!?!.......2001-04-07

Could be the most enjoyable live "non-boot" release of the ol' Toddster in existence. To hear this reminds you of the incomperable connection the artist immediatly establishes with his audience. Excellent quality for a live recording-even on the LP version.

If you've ever seen his live shows, this one will be a constant reminder of the fun you have. Reminds you of the warm evening in late spring when you saw him at an outdoor venue.

Tracks:

Real Man
Love Of The Common Man
The Verb 'To Love'
Love In Action
A Dream Goes On Forever
Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel
The Range War
Black And White
The Last Ride
Cliche
Don't You Ever Learn?

Tracks:

Never Never Land
Black Maria
Zen Archer
Medley: I'm So Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/La La Means I Love You/I Saw The Light
It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference
Eastern Intrigue
Initiaion
Couldn't I Just Tell You
Hello It's Me

Customer Reviews:

Poor sound quality.......2003-02-20

Pretty poor live recording by today's standards ( or then ! ) .
High points are patchey on this set .
Most of the material is very close , in performance , to the studio versions ..... so what's the point ??
Just get your studio albums , turn down the treble , and make a clapping-whistling sound between each track .
Anyway ... the sleeve IS embarrassing .

Brings back memories.......2001-01-05

Being a long time Todd fan I couldn't pass this CD up when it was on sale at Best Buy. My only beef is that the production values of some of the live recordings are not up to Todd's usual high standards. At the same time the truly live nature of this CD revives my fond memories of Todd's concerts at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta - some of my all time favorite concerts. The play list is not the order I would use but an edited play list or a CD-R cures this problem quickly. The bottom line is that this CD is worth adding to the plastic mass of the true Todd fan who has the original CDs and wants to expand his/her collection.

Excellent set list, but............2000-05-05

This live recording was originally a double LP release. The set list is excellent, but unfortunately the live versions aren't quite as good as the original studio recordings. After all, one of Rundgren's strengths is as a producer. As for Back to the Bars, Todd's stage patter can be annoying to me, and his singing can use a bit of restraint in spots. If you have the originals, which I did, then this one is superfluous. What if you don't have the originals, should you start here? I'd recommend the originals, perhaps an anthology, but better yet start getting the albums.

Great Overview from a Great Musician.......1999-12-14

Todd's a special guy. Find out why with this comprehensive overview of his career to date (1978). He's had so many careers since then you'll have keep up, but Back to the Bars shows that he is simply a great musician, backed by great musicians, playing great songs. What more do you need?

comprehensive look at one of rock's most underrated treasure.......1999-06-18

todd. says it all to a small but vocal contingency of discriminating rock/pop conniseurs. this album is the best live overview of todd's career, with tunes ranging from 1971's 'range war' to the current (at the time) release, 1978's 'hermit of mink hollow', one of the most critically acclaimed albums of that year. this double live album has something for everyone. the hard rocking metal tinged 'black maria' to the power pop anthem 'couldn't i just tell you' to todd's soul medley from 1973's 'a wizard a true star'. ever the master balladeer, it shows with gems like 'it wouldn't have made any difference' to 'the last ride' to 'don't you ever learn'. find out why todd is america's most durable and beloved cult figure. a true double live gem.

An Introduction to Schubert's Piano Quintet "Trout"

Average customer rating:

An Introduction to Schubert's Piano Quintet "Trout"

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
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Back to the Bars
Todd Rundgren
Manufacturer: Jvc Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FIHCMQ
Release Date: 2006-07-10

Tracks:

Real Man
Love of the Common Man
Verb "To Love"
Love in Action
Dream Goes on Forever
Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel
Range War
Black and White
Last Ride
Clich
Don't You Ever Learn?

Tracks:

Never Never Land
Black Maria
Zen Archer
Medley: I'm So Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/La la Means I Love You/I Saw ...
It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference
Easterin Intrigue
Initiation
Couldn't I Just Tell You
Hello It's Me

Album Details

Special 20bit K2 Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

Back to the Bars
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Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2000-07-11

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1. Real Man
2. Love of the Common Man
3. Verb "To Love"
4. Love in Action
5. Dream Goes on Forever
6. Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel
7. Range War
8. Black and White
9. Last Ride
10. Cliché

1. Never Never Land
2. Black Maria
3. Zen Archer
4. Medley: I'm So Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/La la Means I Love You/I Saw the Lig
5. It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference
6. Easterin Intrigue
7. Initiation
8. Couldn't I Just Tell You
9. Hello It's Me