A Wizard, A True Star

My stepdad is a Todd Rundgren fan so I heard this one early on. Also a favorite among college friends. I love these kinds of kitchen sink affairs where artists have the freedom/time to really explore possibilities in the studio. I wish more albums flowed like this one. Makes for quite a ride. Love that the ambition is tempered with humor along the way. Definitely his best album. A tour de force.

Why haven’t I heard of this guy before?

Really weird album, but really enjoyed it. All over the place, but still coherent enough to be a really fun experience. Favorite tracks: “Zen Archer,” “Onionhead/Da Da Dali,” and “Medley:....”

Sounds like an album that was written in some dude's bedroom while he was on psychedelics. There are plenty of "Mr. Kite's Glass Walrus" moments (and a John Lennon diss track, apparently), but it also manages the trick of staying down to earth without being particularly dense or impenetrable. Rundgren didn't release any singles because he wanted people to listen to the whole album straight through, which is typically an eyeroll worthy statement, but in this case, I think it's a cohesive enough unit that a straight listen is probably the best route to take. This thing got better as it went. A great listening experience. Best track: Just One Victory

Wonderful! This is one of my favourite albums ever. The book states that at first listen it could be tiring, but the first time I played it I was amazed: I thought it sounded as if it were made in 1993, not 1973; it really sounds far ahead of its time. The sprawling nature of the record reminds me also of the White Album, another of my favourite ever. I can hear Frank Zappa influences, Beatles, Beach Boys, some prog, gypsy music, and so much more. One of those records where you discover something new at every spin. I don't know if he was a true star, but for sure he is a true genius.

I wanted to like this but do not.

This is mental. It's interesting and I'm sure ground breaking at the time. Glad I listened, wouldn't listen again

You want the obvious? You'll get the obvious, onionhead! You are required to listen to this album at least seven or eight times in your life. If you don't get it the first time, you will eventually. This batshit crazy odyssey zooms past and swoons all over you at unexpected moments as though nothing out of the ordinary occured and will make you wonder what was going through the mind of this supposed wizard, this true star as he calls himself. It was the sound of the future then and it remains the sound of the future today. Bedroom pop before there was even a thing known as bedroom pop and, quite frankly, it doesn't get any better than this. Most artists would hang their hats on this album and call it a day. For Todd Rundgren, it was just another Monday.

👍🏼 definitely need to listen to more of this guy. he has clear talent and imagination and all of the songs are incredibly varied and cool. the whole album is cohesive without merging too much but still if you listened to the first half of the album not in completion it wouldn’t really work. awesome album cover and i like the song names. come on a 4/named song ?! 👍🏼

"There is cause and effect There's a reason I'm so erect"

Was not expecting to rate it this high, but this record is so out of control and unique that I have to give it a 5. Give it up for Todd Rundgren, because this is a psychedelic masterpiece.

I just love when someone is having fun

This album is fucking crazy. I like Something/Anything a lot so I was pretty hyped for this listen. It kinda reminds me of the Syd Barrett album in that it seems like Todd was really going off and entertaining any wild idea he had. Not nearly as good as the stuff I love from him but it was a cool listen. Lots of weird abrasive noises too. I love the album cover.

Honestly, I'm okay with this album being pretty cracked out. The soul medley is just the weirdest. It does have a Bowie quality to it.

Weird album, very psychedelic and different for 70’s pop/rock. 3/5 because I can appreciate the originality but probably won’t listen again.

Listening to this, I got the feeling he could have made a better album but chose not to

When listening to the previous Todd Rundgren album on this list, "Something/Anything?", I was tempted to enjoy it more, particularly the more experimental parts, but I was fairly bored by the very poppy ballads that existed throughout the album. "A Wizard, A True Star" is a refreshing change from that, where Rundgren thankfully abandons any attempt at being commercially successful to just allow himself to freely create and shift styles at whatever whim he likes. Rundgren called this album a "flight plan" for a drug-induced trip, beginning with chaos and crashing chaotically into soul. A critical hit and a commercial failure, what's interesting is how the album turned out to be a major influence on artists from the early 2000s, including Daft Punk (who used the opening track in their film "Electroma"), Tame Impala and Hot Chip. That shouldn't make much sense, but you can definitely hear it. While Rundgren was injecting experimental electronics into his rock and pop music, those other bands brought classic rock and soul back into electronic music. I'm not too keen on the soul medley, but as a single point within an otherwise fascinating album, it's easy to forgive. There are a handful of cringeworhy lyrics as well. But honestly, I really liked this album and I'm willing to forgive a handful of poor decisions.

i love hanging out in this guy's basement

A shockingly interesting album, advancing the psychedelic sound to a proto-punk, proto-news-wave place. You Need Your Head and Rock & Roll Pussy are face melters! I love the tracks blending together.

This is 1973? Bonkers. It's cacophonic, darting between styles in a way that didn't really catch on again for 20 more years. I love to know more about the thought process behind the production of this, because it's delightfully all-over-the-place.

I think this might be brilliant. There's Barretty Floyd here, Wilson Beach Boys, and much more insanity besides. I get 10cc Sheet Music vibes in places - from the following year, so there was something in the water. The short stabs of 1 minute long ideas also bring to mind later artists such as Fiery Furnaces and of Montreal. Never heard a single bit of his stuff. Recognise the name from his production work with others. Proof you can make a kind of psych prog rock album without loads of 8 minute behemoths (although I like those too). When it does really open up such as with Zen Archer it is outstanding. There's also a fair lashing of 70s schmaltz in Medley, which I haven't made my mind up about. To wholly wrongly use the word, a very schizophrenic record.

This is one of the weirdest collections of music I've ever heard, but I bloody loved it. It's literally all over the place

Weird and very 70s but enjoyable all the way through

What a trip. Dig it.

Never heard of this guy. Very weird but pretty cool. Certainly ‘interesting’. So quirky I’d assume he’s British. Somewhere between Queen and 10cc (but earlier than both) with a bit of Zappa in there. Good in small doses I reckon.

A few seconds in, I was ready to give up. Then I decided to put in headphones and really listen. This album was eclectic with a wide range of influences. The sax solo on Zen Archer made me pump my fist. The animal noises on Dogfight Giggle had me scratching my head. It was at times bizzare, but I'm so glad I listened thru this, it's strange and I'd like to revisit it.

What a wild album I would have never expected that to go from the crazy psychadelic progressive to transitioning into some really good soul music. The variety throughout the whole album kept me extremely interested in what was coming next. Really liked this album rating it in the high 4 zone. Zen Archer was an awesome song probably my favorite on the album.

Really digging this out of the gate. The transitions have been pretty awesome, just sounds like one long song. This is an acid trip holy hell. Didn't know Todd Rundgren had this in him.

When the guy with mismatched shoes outside the 7-11 who’s always talking about alien abductions and government conspiracies hands you a blunt that looks dripping wet and suddenly, starts to make a lot of sense.

This was actually really cool. What a trip!

In the 70s it wasn’t uncommon for someone to describe an album as being “good to listen to on acid”. This album would be one of those albums so described. This album is so bizarre and he plays very well. I think I’ll head to the pool room, score some blotter and give it another listen.

I feel like I should like Todd Rundgren on paper, but something just doesn't work for me. I liked this better than the first album I got by him (Something/Anything?) but this still left me hanging a few times. I'm willing to return to this one and try again though.

No. 179/1001 International Feel 3/5 (2x) Never Never Land 3/5 Tic Tic Tic, It Wears Off 3/5 You Need Your Head 2/5 Rock & Roll Pussy 2/5 Dogfight Giggle 1/5 You Don't Have to Camp Around 3/5 Flamingo 2/5 (2x) Zen Archer 3/5 (3x) Just Another Onionhead 2/5 (2x) When Shit Hits The Fan 2/5 (3x) Le Feel Internacionale 4/5 (2x) Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel 3/5 (3x) Does Anybody Love You? 3/5 Medley 3/5 (6x) Hungry for Love 2/5 (2x) I Don't Want To Tie You Down 4/5 (2x) Is It My Name? 3/5 (3x) Just One Victory 5/5 (3x) Average: 2,93 Somewhere in here a great songwriter is buried. He is just overwhelemed by too much experimentation.

Wow, he really was doing a lot of drugs when he made this. Just pure psychedelic nightmare for like half the album...then some covers of soul/r&b songs for some reason...then more insanity. Really, really strange.

Broadway on bad acid

An incoherent, overproduced mess. the fuck was bro cooking

A really good album with quite a few good songs. I liked Never Never Land, Zen Archer and Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel the most.

Zappa feelings

Absolutely blown away by this album. Never know what to expect from Todd Rundgren, but I’m never disappointed.

This album tickled my brain!! I sounded like everyone involved was having a great time making this because there was a sense of fun and humor throughout the whole experience along with some psychedelics. Just a really happy sounding album.

There’s a couple of missteps, but by and large the sheer scope, execution and listening experience of ‘A Wizard, A True Star’ is truly exhilarating and breathtaking, it really is. Do yourself a favour, have a joint, put this on and have a good time.

Okay this shit is weird AF and goes had as hell. How is this from 1973 lol.

I just had a really wonderful time listening to this! So quirky, fun, campy and overall brilliant. It felt earnest at its core but never took itself too seriously. Honestly if albumfest is teaching me anything it's that people just. Make art. And they make the art that comes from them, and it's still good. You don't have to try and sound like something. This album was so unique for me, yet really welcoming and easy to listen to. I had a blast and would definitely listen again. I aspire to be able to sing along to most of these, there were some great poppy moments I wanted to belt with if only I knew how it went!

## In-Depth Review of *A Wizard, A True Star* by Todd Rundgren Todd Rundgren's *A Wizard, A True Star*, released in 1973, marks a significant departure from his previous work, showcasing his ambition and willingness to experiment within the confines of rock music. This album is often regarded as a cornerstone of avant-garde rock and psychedelic music, pushing boundaries in both lyrical content and musical composition. Below is an exploration of its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, as well as its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *A Wizard, A True Star* reflect a blend of whimsy, introspection, and social commentary. Rundgren's writing traverses various moods and styles: - **Surrealism and Playfulness**: Tracks like “Hungry for Love” and “When the Shit Hits the Fan / Sunset Blvd” encapsulate a playful yet surreal approach to songwriting. The former employs a childlike innocence while exploring themes of desire, whereas the latter combines humor with social critique. - **Introspection**: Songs such as “I Don’t Want to Tie You Down” delve into personal freedom and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics often oscillate between lightheartedness and deeper emotional currents. - **Cultural Commentary**: Rundgren’s critique of celebrity culture is evident in “Rock and Roll Pussy,” where he takes aim at the pretentiousness often associated with rock stardom. Overall, the lyrics contribute to the album's eclectic nature, often requiring listeners to engage deeply with their multifaceted meanings. ### Music Musically, *A Wizard, A True Star* is a kaleidoscopic journey that defies conventional song structures. - **Eclectic Styles**: The album features a mix of rock, pop, psychedelia, and even elements reminiscent of musical theater. For instance, the opening track “International Feel” sets a frenetic pace that transitions into various short vignettes. - **Innovative Arrangements**: Rundgren employs a wide array of instruments and techniques. From synthesizers to traditional rock instrumentation, the album showcases his prowess as a producer and musician. The seamless transitions between tracks create an immersive listening experience. - **Vocal Range**: Rundgren’s vocal delivery varies from soaring melodies to playful tones, demonstrating his versatility. Songs like “Just One Victory” highlight his ability to convey emotion through powerful vocal performances. ### Production Rundgren's production on *A Wizard, A True Star* is groundbreaking for its time: - **DIY Ethos**: Utilizing his own studio, Secret Sound Studio, Rundgren embraced a do-it-yourself approach that would influence countless artists in subsequent decades. His control over every aspect of production allowed for a unique sonic palette. - **Layering Techniques**: The album features intricate layering of sounds that create rich textures. Rundgren’s use of sound collages—such as in “Just Another Onionhead / Da Da Dali”—demonstrates an avant-garde approach that was innovative for the early 1970s. - **Conceptual Cohesion**: Despite its disjointed feel at times, the album maintains a conceptual thread that ties together its diverse elements. Each track flows into the next, creating an overarching narrative that invites repeated listens. ### Themes Thematically, *A Wizard, A True Star* explores several key ideas: - **Self-Discovery**: The album reflects Rundgren’s journey toward artistic freedom and self-expression. It serves as both a personal manifesto and an exploration of identity within the context of fame. - **Psychedelia**: Influenced by psychedelic experiences, the album captures a sense of wonder and exploration. This theme is prevalent throughout various tracks that evoke dreamlike states. - **Cultural Critique**: Rundgren’s commentary on societal norms and celebrity culture resonates throughout the album. His willingness to challenge expectations reflects broader cultural shifts occurring during the 1970s. ### Influence *A Wizard, A True Star* has left an indelible mark on music: - **Pioneering Sound**: The album is often cited as a precursor to genres like bedroom pop and electronic music. Artists such as Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) and Prince have acknowledged Rundgren’s influence on their work. - **DIY Movement**: Rundgren’s self-sufficient approach to music production inspired future generations of musicians who sought creative control over their art. - **Cultural Legacy**: The album’s eclecticism has made it a touchstone for artists looking to break free from traditional genre constraints. Its impact can be seen in various movements across rock and pop music. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Production**: The album showcases groundbreaking production techniques that were ahead of its time. - **Eclectic Musicality**: Its diverse range of styles keeps listeners engaged throughout its runtime. - **Lyrical Depth**: The introspective and often surreal lyrics invite deep analysis and interpretation. - **Cultural Significance**: It has influenced numerous artists across multiple genres, solidifying its status as a classic. #### Cons - **Disjointed Flow**: Some listeners may find the lack of traditional song structures jarring or difficult to follow. - **Accessibility**: The experimental nature may alienate fans accustomed to more conventional rock music. - **Lengthy Duration**: At 55 minutes with numerous short tracks, some may perceive it as lacking cohesive long-form songwriting. ### Conclusion Todd Rundgren's *A Wizard, A True Star* stands as a monumental achievement in rock history. Its innovative production techniques, eclectic musical styles, and profound lyrical content make it a defining work not only for Rundgren but for music as a whole. While it may present challenges in terms of accessibility and cohesion for some listeners, its influence on future generations of musicians is undeniable. As an artistic statement reflecting personal freedom and cultural critique during a transformative era in music history, *A Wizard, A True Star* remains essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of popular music.

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Wow

5/5. This is such an interesting album, feels like progressive, experimental pop. The choice to have psychedelia and experimental in the first half and then throw a medley of older R&B songs in the second half along with other pop and rock songs is wild. This album is all over the place and I love it. Not every song is perfect but most of the songs are very short so they provide a little sample but don't stay too long. This was just a unique and fun album, hard to find any fault. Best Song: International Feel, Medley, Is It My Name?

I love this album as a whole, even though none of the individual tracks stand out to me. That’s a rarity for me, and it’s precisely what elevates this album to greatness. It’s a 5-star masterpiece composed of 3-star songs—proof that sometimes, the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.

A musical genius, then and now. Always pushing the boundaries, but at the same time, crafter of terrific hit songs. Go see him while you still can.

Well this one absolutely slaps

10/9/24. Really impressed by this album, wasn't familiar with this artist previously. Fantastic prog rock that is seamless from start to finish, and lovely soundscapes. Definitely will be checking this out again.

Quite wild. Amaze.

What an epic album. This is a rare album where I feel like I truly entered the artist's mind over the course of it. An eclectic mix of songs, feels, and sounds that totally gripped me. Favorite track: Just One Victory

I definitely enjoyed this one!

Wow another fun house of music! Crazy… wild… interesting… Some super short almost-jingles and some longer epics. Fantastic experimentation. Love it! Terrific!

a jam

Brilliant

A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. Favorite Tracks: Zen Archer Medley

He really is a production wizard. An album so deep that touches into so many styles and emotions. Unidentifiable but pleasing, like a magic trick for your ears

9.5/10

I'm half way thru my 2nd listen and I'm starting to understand it. This album is always on greatest all time lists. I knew it would come up eventually on this list. I've listened to this a few times and never got into it. I think the album picks up steam and the back half is strong. Maybe it's the early summer morning listen talking, but from Medley on it's pretty brilliant. Well executed psychedelic pop tunes unsullied by radio play. I'll probably listen to this all day.

Very trippy album I dig it. The soft, whimsical vocals are pleasant. The sounds are unique without being unnecessarily complex. I enjoyed the flow of the album from song to song. It really felt like a complete piece of work. Definitely plan on revisiting this one.

Zappa meets Chicago_Transit Authority with Acid in the water. What an experience.

I'm a big Todd Rundgren fan, though this is not an album I am familiar with. His career is pretty impossible to pin down, in terms of a musical label. He produces such a diverse, unpredictable, sometimes bizarre range of genres and styles and compositions, every album has a different flavor. Admittedly, it took me two listens to get into this, but on the second, it clicked immediately. As I've been pondering Zappa and Prince and their similarities (nutso work ethic, intensely prolific, musical genius, forging their own irreverent paths), I'd include Rundgren in the same camp. This album is fantastic. Not everyone's cup of tea, certainly a bit schizo, but I'm really glad I gave it two spins. I loved every song, I loved the medley, I loved the crazy swings from moods and sounds from song to song. Wild ride.

Amazing psychedelic pop record with experimental flare - a must listen for any fan of the genre. This album is weird, unique, and a lot of fun. It just exists in its own space (with maybe a bit of Beatles and Beach Boys influence). Very varied instrumentation with great instrumental parts and lots of cool bass and vocal melodies. Effects galore all over these tracks and a lot of interesting production choices (in a good way). Overall, it’s densely packed with sounds and ideas and rewards repeated listening. So much zaniness, a terrific album if you can really appreciate imagination in songwriting. It really feels like Rundgren did not give a fuck here and just made an album he thought it would be fun to make - and the results show in the best of ways.

This is a bold and eclectic masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of rock and pop. S psychedelic journey, weaving together diverse musical styles and surreal soundscapes, showcasing Rundgren's experimental genius. It's just so unpredictable that i have to give it full marks.

Stellar. Like a psychedelic Queen, but less anthemic.

Very nice album.

It’s fun when you listen to something for the first time and immediately realize this is the album all your favorite artists glommed onto when they were weird teens.

Amazing. Listened to it twice. This is the shit I like. Gives an Abbey Road vibe with the Medley. I disavow Dogfight Giggle. Ez 5

mega fed!! Meget positivt overrasket, jeg havde dårligt nok hørt om ham før. vildt forud for sin tid, noget af det lød som mr. bungle i øjeblikke

Never actually listened to a Rundgren. This is weird! Really well done. The self awareness and fun combination of styles, the way everything runs together but is still very different. I feel like this is really good. It’s a wild ride in a great way! This is the kind of album I would want to make. Seems like my kind of guy just doing whatever he wants. At least a 4, but maybe a 4.5. Ok 4.5 considering this was 73!

Very darned good stuff. 5 stars.

Rundgren's sense of "what music and sound were like in my internal environment, and how different that was from the music I had been making" is pure aural poetry.

Just nuts in all the right ways. Crazy experimental, bursting with ideas, Rungdren makes it plain he could write the greatest pop song every written and then just does his own thing. Engaging throughout, I think this might be genius.

I can’t imagine listening to this album in 1973. It is so cracked and uses so many sounds I would never believe existed in music, at least popular music, until the 90’s on. Some of it runs damn near hyperpop which didn’t hit until the last ten or so years. It’s like a rock opera of nascent musical ideas that would mature over the following 50 years.

A gloriously batty album. It jumps around ideas on seconds and every idea is fully realised before you can get bored. Imagine Floyd, except with a pop sensibility to never get too noodly or pretentious. Possibly the best album of the 70s. Best track is You Need Your Head I love the divisive reviews this is getting. Either 'this is insane. 5 stars', or 'Waah, I wanted some lumpen 70s pop rock how dare someone try something different 1 star'.

A psychedelic early 70s underappreciated masterpiece, the tracks seem together so well

This album has an antsy, can’t-sit-still energy to it that was jarring at first but ended up working well in the context of the whole album. Wildly imaginative and experimental, jumping between 1 minute ideas and 5+ minute songs. Zen Archer was a trip. But “I’m so proud / ooh baby baby / la la means I love you / cool jerk” was a top notch 10-minute soul journey that came out of nowhere. 5/5.

Great

Woah! This is totally unexpected and really awesome. Holy shit this was good. It's WILD and all over the place. But it still holds togeather in this super weird way. Unexpected 5 star.

Great album with so much replay ability, and just amazing sounds and songs to come up on this album. Not overall perfect but it’s overall just so fun and it’s a standout

A little bit of Steely Dan and a little bit of Zappa. Fantastic piece of art.

A few months ago, I was introduced to Todd Rundgren by Something/Anything? coming up on my list, and I thought it was a pretty good album. This is like all the weird and standout songs of Something/Anything? blown up into a full album. Like the aforementioned album that came before it, A Wizard, A True Star is quite eclectic and all over the place, but I definitely feel like the focus of this album was clearer than the previous album. That focus was definitely psychedelia. It's definitely the kind of music that'd be enhanced with psychedelics, but it was the 70s. Saying that, this rarely felt like a 70s album - the electronic elements throughout made it seem more recent than that at times. Being a psychedelic pop album, it of course had its token unhinged and unsettling songs, but overall I still liked this quite a lot. I'm eager to listen to more of Rundgren's work. Favourite: Zen Archer

Todd Rundgren is under appreciated. I love Something/Anything and had heard this album before but never came back to it. Turns out that I should have because there’s so much interesting stuff on here, especially Zen Archer. Will be listening to this again for sure. 9/10

This album was an experience to listen to. It seems scatterbrained but with some type of order to it. Every song feels as if it was both handcrafted and also vomited out. Either way, it makes for a great first listen through. His voice fits the music perfectly, and each song has a sort of ulterior feeling that refuses to allow you to be bored. Honestly the only thing that I didn’t enjoy from this album was that the mixing was very sub par. Favorite track: International Feel

Even if side 2 was blank I still would love this album. A true star completely.

Quelle aventure cet album. On oublie rapidement que c’est sorti en 1973. Un petit bijou psychédélique/pop/rock/soul. Je ne serais pas surpris de retrouver cet album dans la bibliothèque de Kevin Parker de Tame Impala ou des membres d’Animal Collective. Un gros coup de cœur pour moi. Pièce préférée: Le Feel Internacionale, When the shit hits the fan, Just Another Onionhead, International Feel, … ;)

When I first listened to this about 10 years ago I wanted to like it more, but found it too schizophrenic and irritating. On relistening Rundgren's genius really shines through. I love the fact that it doesn't sit still and changes direction so many times, but still manages to work in some decent tunes.

My favorite Todd album.

This came out in 1972?! WAAAY ahead of it's time musically. Switching between playful and riffing rock songs effortlesly. I was expecting some boring prog album based on the album cover, but I couldn't have been more wrong. This album was an amazing experience

i so love it

Incredible album! Cohesive, interesting, and boundary pushing. I can imagine how formative this must have been for experimental musicians. I'm very glad this has been put on my radar.

Really excellent. I loved this album

Discazo de canciones. Del space rock al progresivo, del heavy al pop sofisticado. Muy grande, inabarcable. La esquisitez del rock setentero impecablemente presentado. Genial.

So happy this came up. Spend. More. Time. With. Todd.

Okay, why did nobody tell me about this album until now?! An absolute kaleidoscope of sounds and styles, but all rooted in a really warm-sounding psychedelic pop/rock. I just wish someone had told me "hey, the first half on this album is basically side-B of Abbey Road, but for weirdos, and then it segues into a second half dominated by a medley of playful soul covers and an absolute power pop stomper ("Is It My Name?") Yeah it's weird stuff, which might explain the low rating. But if any of that sounds appealing, give this one a chance.

Incredible album. The flow of the record is immaculate

8/10 Favourite: Medley: I'm So Proud / Ooh Baby Baby / La La Means I Love You / Cool Jerk Least Favourite: Dogfight Giggle

I love the overall sound and character. This is a borderline 3 or 4, but I'm not sure yet if the songs themselves are strong enough to stick with me long term. I will revisit again in the future for sure.