Bootleg Series, Vol. 3: Nearly Human Tour, Japan 90 [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Nearly Human marked a couple turns in Todd Rundgren's disparate, cultish career: The 1989 album marked his last release for a major label and heralded the retreat to cyber-artistry he would pursue for most of the following decade. But the album's blue-eyed soul tack was also perfect fodder for Rundgren the Entertainer, and this 16-track double album (recorded live at Tokyo's Sun Plaza in January of ‘90) arguably marks one of the musician's last turns as bigger-than-life rock star. Powered by a well-oiled 11-piece ensemble, Rundgren lights up "The Want of a Nail" and other core Human tracks with showy, Vegas-ready swagger, amping up crowd-pleasing mainstays like "Hello It's Me," "Real Man," and "Can We Still Be Friends?" in the bargain. There's a focused urgency to Rundgren's voice throughout, even if the James Brown shtick of the 13-minute closer, "I L! ove My Life," seems to argue that his tongue is ensconced firmly in cheek, even in the hottest spotlight. It's a muscular performance that evokes fond memories of the Rundgren incarnation many fans may well miss the most: stage-strutting star. --Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

REAL MAN
UNLOVED CHILDREN
PARALLEL LINES
CAN'T STOP RUNNING
COMPASSION
SECRET SOCIETY
SOMETHING TO FALL BACK ON
CAN WE STILL BE FRIENDS
MATED
Bonus Track

Tracks:

WAITING GAME
LOVE IN ACTION
ROCK LOVE
HAWKING
THE WANT OF A NAIL
HELLO, IT'S ME
I LOVE MY LIFE

Amazon.com

Nearly Human marked a couple turns in Todd Rundgren's disparate, cultish career: The 1989 album marked his last release for a major label and heralded the retreat to cyber-artistry he would pursue for most of the following decade. But the album's blue-eyed soul tack was also perfect fodder for Rundgren the Entertainer, and this 16-track double album (recorded live at Tokyo's Sun Plaza in January of `90) arguably marks one of the musician's last turns as bigger-than-life rock star. Powered by a well-oiled 11-piece ensemble, Rundgren lights up "The Want of a Nail" and other core Human tracks with showy, Vegas-ready swagger, amping up crowd-pleasing mainstays like "Hello It's Me," "Real Man," and "Can We Still Be Friends?" in the bargain. There's a focused urgency to Rundgren's voice throughout, even if the James Brown shtick of the 13-minute closer, "I L! ove My Life," seems to argue that his tongue is ensconced firmly in cheek, even in the hottest spotlight. It's a muscular performance that evokes fond memories of the Rundgren incarnation many fans may well miss the most: stage-strutting star. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

This is the one.......2004-01-01

I've always had a hard time explaining the quality of TRs live shows to people who were skeptical based on studio recordings. This CD captures the experience perfectly. It's well-produced, energetic, and a little quirky. This is a must-have live CD for Todd's fans and will be enjoyable and accessible to "non-believers" as well.

I'll Tell You What I'm Dreaming.......2003-11-30

Now this is the cd everyone has always wanted Todd to make and it is awesome!This is Todd's tour deforce.There's not one bad song on this set list.There are no missed cues or out of tune guitars and the sound is crystal perfect!The critics should all line up to praise our boy(real man)wonder for this one.Although Todd doesnt play alot of the guitar on this one he does put his personal signature sound on a few and Lyle Workman does a great job on the rest so Mr. Rundgren can concentrate on his (wonderful) singing! This cd should be required listening for anyone who has ears!I would recommend turning the song "Hawking" full blast.It has sooo much feeling.Anyone who likes music should be able to enjoy this one.A true thumbs up to all involved on this one especially Sanctuary for puttimg it out.Crank this one up and"i'll tell you what I'm dreaming!"

More than "nearly" human.......2003-10-23

A superb performance by maestro Todd Rundgren and his 11-piece orchestra! The sound is crystal clear and audience noise is non-existant (very polite Japanese audience!)
If you have the Todd Rundgren - Live in Japan DVD, this is the same show, just the audio portion, so its great for portability (tunes in your car, dude!) or if you do not have a great DVD sound system. If you like the Chicago 91 CD set, you are sure to like this one as well, as there are many Nearly Human songs contained on this that were not performed during the following tour for Second Wind. Only thing missing are the songs edited out to make the original 90 minute video!

a dream lives on forever.......2003-04-04

This is an outstanding live recording capturing one of Todd's most inspired outings. The nearly human "album" remains one of Todd's most soulful and high-energy recordings, and those who caught this tour, played out in smaller venues, experienced Todd at the top of his performing abilities, which is to say, second to none. With the backing of one incredible band, Todd the soulman and rock star took charge and electried the room, elevating "rock concert" to a higher level. From the opening measures of "Real Man", the blistering guitar leads in "I can't stop running", to the down on your knees passion of "hawking", you're reminded of the Todd you know and love. If you're a Todd fan, buy this recording, you'll be glad you did!