Reviews (page 3 of 7)
3.5 stars.
La première moitié de l’album est tout simplement INSANE. J’étais là, en plein milieu de la rue, à grimacer d’extase devant la multitude de genre compressée en une venimeuse mais très attirante concoctions alchimique du sorcier, au point d’affirmer à mon ami Gerry: cet album contient tout les autres albums, tel un Stanley Parable auditif. Ensorcelé, je me mis à décrire frénétiquement les multiples parallèles musicales: les harmonies de chant des Beach Boys, les paroles simili-fantasy des meilleurs albums de prog, le groove bass/drum du funk, les envolées aux synthés new-wavy, le chant criard du punk et j’en passe. Malheureusement, la deuxième moitié de l’album est plus molle, moins expérimentale, ayant un peu tout lâchée lors de la première partie, étirant l’album en un 56 minutes qui aurait été délirant s’il s’était limité à un 30 minutes de condensé d’extase. Je recommande tout de même l’écoute, ça vaut le détour.
It's great music for listening to at a coffee shop while working. Outside of that, there were some good songs I might want to listen to again like "I'm so Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/etc."
I genuinely don't know what to think about this.
Pretty great! With the big exception of the ear-piercing glockenspiel in the last song, and the alien dog fight.
Way cooler than I thought!
The thing with Avante-Garde noise music is you really need to know what you're doing (instrumentally, lyrically, etc) - you can't just throw notes on a sheet and babble into a microphone and call it 'My ArT!!" Todd Rundgren is a master at this, he's so good his nearly 11 minute 'Medley' gives his spin on some classic Soul records. 4/5
I’m kind of amazed that this was good, with someone who didn’t know what they were doing an experimental album like this would fall apart. It was at its best when it skewed closer to prog rock, but overall enjoyable
#390. Four stars. No explanation. 4/5: I said I was not going to explain myself, Why are you still reading this?
It’s always awesome when an album’s sound matches its cover. This was surprisingly really, really good! It’s a high 4 for me for the creativity and fearlessness (and the songs are good too)
This album is insane. I like it. 4/5
Masterful.
I really enjoyed listening to this album, though some parts felt like a bit much. Favorite Tracks: Zen Archer, You Need Your Head, Hungry For Love
A lot of very interesting ideas and great sounds, but a bit of a lack of standout Songs overall. Still very enjoyable, but I think I prefer the debut as a more cohesive piece
It’s like 70s tame Impala Did you know Todd Rundgren is one guy??? Did you know MGMT are from Brisbane??
This gets bonus points for being an interesting journey, a real trip. Instead of being a collection, it's a 55 minute rambling, exploring work. Even if I don't think I'd go back to it often, it's the sort of thing that I'm here for.
Lots of ups and downs with this one. I appreciate the experimentation and found a couple of the tracks downright exhilarating.
Different one from another, rock vibe, a bit psychedelic and whimpsical.
What a trip! This album is crazy. Misses the 5 only because the two parts feel too disconnected.
There's a lot going on in this album. The early tracks are quick, an interconnected jumble of style and sound. The album seems to slow down in the latter half. There is a lot of variety here, but my favorite track is "Is It My Name?"
I dug this more than the other Todd Rundgren album I got. Still it did feel like it went on forever and forever. 3.5/5
July 22 (later in the night...) HL: "International Feel", "Flamingo", "Zen Archer", "Is It My Name", Unlike Freak Out! & Tago Mago, AWATS puts all its weird stuff right at the beginning. Bold move, Rundgren Would listen again Idk much about this man's music, but there are a few albums produced by him on this list: Bat Out of Hell. New York Dolls' self-titled. XTC's Skylarking, which I literally listened to today. When you include this wild psych album, I haven't really gotten closer to identifying Todd's sound or style. Except, I guess, multiple layers? Synths?
Interesting album cover. I can only imagine how this album is about to go. That's about what I expected. Landed right around the 3.5 mark. I'll give it the bump up for being the right kind of weird for me (take notes, Zappa).
"Flamingo" is literally nintendo music. What is going on
I've rarely seen an album flow this well, especially for one from 1972. On top of that, the first half of this album has top tier psych rock. The second half is rougher, but still has it's high points, especially on Sometimes IDK What to Feel. In 1972, it may have been a little overdone, but in retrospect, this album is a treasure. Best Songs: International Feel, Tic Tic Tic..., Zen Archer, When the Shit Hits the Fan..., Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel, Just One Victory Worst Songs: Dogfight Giggle, Cool Jerk, Hungry for Love, Is It My Name
Crazy how much better this is than Something/Anything, but it combines better songs with not being 7 years long.
Heard of this artist, don't think I have listened to their music. Interested to see what this is like. Very experimental. Very interesting album so far. reading, a very influential album and artist.
Weird
An interesting experience for sure. It starts out weird, but slowly comes back down. The guy was probably bare still on earth while making this.
There are parts of this album that I think are so cool and innovative I want to give them a five. There are some songs that make me think this guy needs to get committed and is not safe for civil society (looking at you Dogfight Giggle). One thing I can say for sure is that this guys done a lot of drugs. I love the flow of this album and all the wild stuff he’s trying but I think he lost the thread at a couple parts so ultimately I’m going to end up more in the middle with this one.
After reading the description I thought I was gonna hate this. There's really only 3 or 4 tracks out of the 19 that are just noise noodling, and they are mercifully short and fit in to the rest of it well enough. I feel like if I asked an AI to generate 70's rock/pop it would come up with something like this, not in a disparaging way either. This is a perfectly listenable album to have on as an active listener or the background. I wasn't particularly paying attention to the track names as they went by, and I couldn't really recall any one specific track if anyone asked me, but I enjoyed the album as a single work. It felt much shorter than it's hour runtime and had plenty of change in feels, tempos, keys, genres even, etc to keep it interesting. Overall pretty good! I would listen to it again on a lazy day I had to myself.
This was a GREAT surprise for me. I think I've never heard anything by this guy before and while this had some low points there were some really big highs also. For real this record feels like Pink Floyd, Elton John, a bit of late-era-Beatles/Wings sprinkled in, sometimes pulls all the way back to like Chicago- or Boston-ish,… it has that Bran Van “mix everything up” kind of spirit This guy is a pretty good vocalist actually also The 2nd-to-last track Is It My Name? was the cake-topper for me -> truly brilliant and one in my listening group mentioned "ahead of its time". Sadly I don't think it makes it to a 5 though as there /were/ a few points where I wanted to just skip to the next track. This is a wild ride though and well worth it.
Very weird, but innovative.
This was a nice surprise. Didn’t know what to expect but it was a nice mix of pop, rock, soul and psychedelic.
Day125 - how great would it be to be this talented and weird and have the opportunity to make the music you want to without rules
All over the place, intermittently brilliant but an exhausting listen. Teenage me would have probably obsessed over this record
I admire the work but honestly a bit much for the 8 AM drive to work
Really liked this album 4 stars
I got Something/Anything? previously on this list, and thought it was fine, but relatively uninspiring. This album I found much more interesting, because he was obviously using a lot more drugs when he made this album. It's much more experimental, but still features his voice and folky songwriting. Really cool early 70s rock album that is still pushing the psychedelic envelope 4/5
The cover's surrealism is an accurate harbinger of what's to come, a fairly psychedelic experimentalism. While I love Rundgren's pop standards, I sure enjoy this album's growing complexity. You can hear the old Todd in You Don't Have to Camp Around but the new Todd starts right away in the opener, You Need Your Head. Yes you do.
Very good psychedelic rock. Very weird but very enjoyable
it was good. I thought it was going to be weird bad music, but it wasn’t.
ahead of it's time. brilliant.
psychedelic music, it's weird but groovy
sunset blvd/le feel/sometimes i don't know is an UNHINGED 3 track run. the first half of the album is nonsense and the 2nd half is some of the best music i've ever heard
"A Wizard, a True Star" is the fourth studio album by American musician Todd Rungren. The album was self-produced, self-engineered and largely self-performed with Moogy and the Rhythm Kings as his backing band. The album can best be described as a chaotic, pyschedelic first side and a soulful, R&B second half. Rungren admits to having experimenting with pyschedelic drugs to get the most out what music sounded like to his internal environment. That explains side one. The album sold poorly hitting #86 in the US but had wide-spread critical acclaim. Side one ("The International Feel (in 8)") opens with what sounds like a motor in "International Feel." Wobbly keys. This is very spacey. Rungren singing not to give up. The album continues without any breaks with one to two minute-long songs. The highlight of these may "Rock and Roll Pussy" where he is criticizing John Lennon and other "limousine radicals." A nice guitar jam. The first full-length and probably best song is "Zen Archer." An accordion and the first "Todd-like" song. It's still very dreamy and pyschedelic. Side two ("A True Star") begins with "Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel." This is more like it if you're looking for old Todd. Slower, more horns, a piano, bscking vocals and more soulful. "Medley" is a four-song ten-minute medley of some classic R&B and soul songs including ones by Curtis Mayfield and Smokey Robinson. An interesting, unique and well-done song medley. The last two songs come full circle back to the Todd we know. "Is It My Name" rocks pretty hard with a forward guitar. And eerie sounding keyboards that Rick Wakeman may have been playing. Todd gives us one of his best songs "Just One Victory" as the closer. Great backing vocals that harmonize and criss-cross with Todd's vocals. Very soulful. Optimistic with the theme of pulling through the day to shine. The best way to describe this album is one of dual personalities. The first side is spacey dreamy, pyschedelic and stream of consciousness with the no breaks between songs. At times it almost sounds like you're listeng to a 45 rpm album. It might also be good to take some of pychedelics that Tood took to enhance the experience. The second side is soulful, heavy R&B and rock & roll. The band is jamming and ends with one of his best songs. I like this album quite a bit. It might be difficult for some but worth the effort.
Fet start men altså hvilken idiot har mastret dette, for en forferdelig diskantbalanse djises kraist. Musikken er bonkers og megakul. Her er det noen som har gitt faen og gjort det de ville.
Some absolutely fantastic prog rock constantly interrupted by cartoon BOINGYOYOYOING sounds. 7/10, I had a good time.
Remembered the name from the 70's. Thought he was in the musical bracket of Steely Dan etc...the album content was very different to the name I associated with it. Overall I liked it. Songs go from ballads to almost manic noise. Incredible variation throughout the album that takes the listener on a musical journey. Quite enjoyable
I have to admit, when I pulled this up in Spotify and saw the impressively low play counts, I thought "oh, another one that no one ever listens to." So far, the low play count ones have been pretty underwhelming. You can imagine my surprise - and delight - when this was a weird, psychedelic romp. Not at all what I expected from the "Bang the Drum All Day" guy. I don't know exactly when I would re-visit this, but it was a revelation all the same.
this is weird, i like it
Very odd, but very good. Some of the songs are so short they blur into each other, but it still works. A tricky one to score, since it is so long and so weird!
This was honestly good as fuck.
Very interesting and fun. Psychedelic American and irreverent
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Medley: I’m so proud/Ooh baby baby/La la means I love you/Cool jerk, I don’t want to tie you down
like the risk taking and experimental nature. love his voice. not my favorite of his work but solid harmonies and great musicianship.
Trippy and fun! I probably wasn’t in the right headspace for this, but I can tell he definitely pushed the technology available in 1973 to the max to great effect . Really rocked near the end
I like the Spotify description of Todd. It says something to the effect that he straddles the line between pop sensibility and introspective rock (probably not really close to what Spotify said, but I think it's accurate). This is enjoyable, yet not mainstream, yet not that far from mainstream pop/rock of the time. It's different, but enjoyable. Slightly above a 7 out of 10, so I'm rounding up.
Super weird, super experimental. It kinda rocked
ganske chill, ikke så mye mer å si enn det
Bit left of field, I enjoyed it
fever dream
I was not familiar at all with this side of Todd Rundgren. Kind of hippie/weird/experimental but I liked it for the most part. Glad to discover this on here.
Really fun album, need to revisit bc I was listening on a plane from Portland to DC, so I was missing the finer points. But I like the vibe! Seemed like something I could dance to
Insane man creates the greatest psychedelic rock album of all time and then wastes the last 20 minutes on weird R&B bullshit nobody cares about. This is one of those albums where I feel like I'm going to need an entire month and a room of researchers to fully get a grasp on my true feelings. Is this pretentious slop? Is this the most genius thing ever made? Is Todd Rundgren just a figment of my imagination? Was the Moon landing fake? 4/5 I guess? Contact me in a month.
Genre: Progressive pop, psychedelia, avant-pop, R&B 1973 Very interesting album. One great song runs right into another.... Fantastic! Not a fan of Cool Jerk as part of an otherwise very nice R&B Medley. Standouts: The entire side 1 especially Zen Archer. Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel, I'm So Proud (best part of the Medley), I Don't Want to Tie You Down, Just One Victory. 4/5
3.5 stars rounded up. Wildly inventive. Reminded of late era Flaming Lips: solid pop rock mixed with psychedelia. A bit too inventive in that nothing in particular stood out, but I will definitely re-listen.
Interesting soft rock
hop la il était passé à la trappe le todd
Our second from Todd, he's back with another banger. Of course I know "International Feel," it's on Frank Ocean's GTA radio station. Like the other album, this one travels through a variety of sounds and genres. It's rock, but sometimes funky, psychedelic, soul-y, etc. Some long tracks that take you on a journey all their own too. I really enjoyed this, I'm glad this list has given me two albums worth of music from Todd, enough to know he's not just the "Bang on the Drum All Day" guy. Favorite tracks: International Feel, Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off, Flamingo, Zen Archer, I'm So Proud, I Don't Want to Tie You Down. Album art: Really cool, love the abstract style, double ears plus a third ear on the eye. Lots of funky shapes, and the title and artist are actually written at the top. Need more covers as distinct and creative as this. 4.5/5
Rundgren doing some soul. Nice surprise!
Weird album. Loved it
Very good 4.5
This is my second Todd Rundgren album this month, having previously never listened to him. Seems like I've been missing out big time. On first listen, I found it a difficult one - particularly the more psychedelic snippets in the first half. I often find with psych rock that I have to be in the right mood for it, and the first time was a bit grating. However, second listen was much better, and there are some real gems on the second half in particular. Although not as listener friendly as Something/Anything, I think this will be a grower for me. Love the weirdness and fairly wild experimentation for the time. Even though not all of the experiments work out I respect the effort. That's kind of the point! Will definitely be revisiting this.
Vidste meget lidt om Todd Rundgren da jeg gik ind til det her, troede det var lidt noget hygge-psykedelisk. Men det her plade er jo bonkers. Pissefedt.
Mix of bizarre and fascinating original pieces and some wonderful covers of a few classics.
I knew a couple of songs from Todd Rundgren going in, Hello It's Me and the Bang on the Drum song. I didn't expect how quirky and weird this album would be, at least the first half of it. I wasn't sure if I was liking the music or the production, but I started getting into it and rather enjoyed it by the end. So much I started it over from the beginning. Whenever that happens, I give the album at least a 4/5.
What a weird album. But it succeeds becuase it doesn't stay in one place long enough to get tiresome. He tries soemething new every minute or two and manages to keep the concepts fresh and the audience engaged.
This album is utterly bonkers but is also, curiously, absolutely worth listening to. Sometimes something like this had to be made.
Super interesting album. Very flowy, very drug-70s-esque vibe.
I like how varied it is.
Great album, good rock
What a weird album! A mix of stuff I quite liked with some really weird interludes. It definitely keeps your attention. I might have to explore this guy more
Inventive! Zen Archer is great
Ok, I saw Todd Rundgren in ringing starr's all starr band, and by god was he awesome. Brilliant rhythm guitarist, a real showman and a great songwriter. Todd Rundgren also produced bat out of hell, and his guitar solo at the end of the title track ranks with 'voodoo Chile', 'so we’ve ended as lovers', ‘Brighton rock', 'comfortably numb' 'eruption' etc etc. Todd Rundgren has written some brilliant work, and has found the level of fame he’s comfortable with. And dimery continues his habit of the obscure over the important. This is not the best Rundgren album, so why not pick Todd or Hermit of Mink Hollow? Let’s have this lsd fuelled critically loved decent album rather than Todd’s great stuff. Gotta keep that street cred. 3.5 rounded up.
I really like Rundgren & I have a lot of his solo stuff, Nazz & Utopia stuff & a lot of the stuff he engineered (The Band) & produced (Badfinger, NYDolls, Meat Loaf, Tubes, XTC). But I had never heard this album before. How he crammed all of this on a single LP is a mystery to me. It’s all over the place & a lot of the tracks sound like unfinished ideas. But some of the highlights are typical Todd & truly beautiful. The Rolling Stone Album Guide suggested there were only 3 “fully realised songs” here. I think there’s more than that. I really enjoy the Broadway cover - Never Never Land & the nod to German cabaret in Zen Archer. Not to mention the Al Jolson imitation in Just Another Onionhead : Da Da Dali. And I thought he did well with the ten-minute soul medley - particularly with Smokey’s Ooh Baby Baby & Al Green’s La La Means I Love You. But the highlights are the tunes he wrote & bothered to complete - International Feel, When The Shit Hits The Fan : Sunset Blvd, Sometimes I Don’t Know What To Feel, Is It My Name &, particularly Just One Victory - an outstanding closer. Loved this.
This is a lot of fun - Rundgren's obviously having a blast playing silly buggers! With more plays I might be tempted to go up to 5? 🤔 Fave tracks - "Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off" and "Just Another Onionhead/Dada Dali" both caught my ear. Honorable mention to "You Don't Have to Camp Around" for the creation of snake jazz! 🐍
Weird!
Illuminated
Not quite Supertramp levels of winning me over, but it's a fun experimental thing from somebody where my only prior familiarity was that he made the bang on my drum all day song, and knowing he was the person who got "Bat Out Of Hell" made when no other producers were willing to touch it
I am surprised I haven't heard of this guy. Interesting psychedelic album.
A spacey and ridiculous, occasionally lovely, disorientingly entertaining descent into Todd Rundgren's brain. I wouldn't want to live there, but it was a fun trip. Fave Songs: Just One Victory, Zen Archer, Does Anybody Love You?, Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel, You Don't Have to Camp Around
Big fan of our boy Todd. He can switch between making decent album tracks like this and coming with singles. Big fan of Mated and Bang the Drum All Day. He knows his way around a recording studio too - think he produced Bat Out of Hell and an XTC album or two. This album has that kind of late 60s/early 70s vibe, but the synth stuff takes it to another level of what was around at the same time.
Batshit fun. Really enjoyed this.
What a funky album! Couldn't have been any different than his previous album. All that being said, I rather enjoyed it for what it is. Makes me want to dig into more...I really enjoyed his medley. 3.5/5
Æðisleg plata. Todd er svo vanmetinn!
This is some crazy psychedelic pop and definitely a big difference from Something/Anything. I’ve always admired Todd Rundgren’s studio skills, he’s produced a lot of great albums, including his own. This one has a lot going on, it’s hard to pinpoint what’s good and bad, but it’s easy to see how influential it has become. Effectively the 70s answer to Brian Wilson, he crafts so many left turns and trap doors, it’s like riding through a funhouse. I’d like to give this one another 4-5 listens to really appreciate it, but it does feel like a solid 4.
Очень весело)
Idk why this is rated so low, there are some fantastic songs in here
The kind of insane prog shit I want on my shelf for my children to randomly pull off and have an experience with their friends. Adding to my Discogs want list for that purpose but not saving to Spotify so by the rules 4 stars
got some bangers, the cover medley was nice
Really good. Pretty mild for a psychedelic album
PREFS : International Feel, Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off, You Need Your Head, Rock and Roll Pussy, You Don't Have to Camp Around, Flamingo, Zen Archer, Just Another Onionhead / Da Da Dali, When the Shit Hits the Fan/Sunset Blvd., Le Feel Internacionale, Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel, Hungry for Love, Is It My Name?, Just One Victory MOINS PREF : Dogfight Giggle
This is a very enjoyable and clever record full of interesting songs and an original sound. I found it a really solid project.
4.0
Ok
listened to again a meandering, art house, masterful pop record
A strange, strange trip from a strange, strange man. Flows surprisingly coherently.
At first I had to piss about with the audio settings of my stereo as it sounded dreadful. Eventually reverting back to original settings and starting from the beginning something clicked and I started to really enjoy it. Not what I was expecting at all. Instantly made me want to watch a Todd Rundgren documentary to learn more about him.
Very cool, extremely experimental album. Some real good songs, some duds - but always surprising.
I liked the beginning half more than the second half, but both were good. I preferred the weirdness of the first half though. My favourite songs were Just Another Onionhead/Da Da Dali, Zen Archer, and You Don't Have to Camp Around.
I always wanted to listen to this album because of its album cover, but I held off for one reason or another. Glad I finally got to listen to it, as it was really enjoyable. I did enjoy the more avant garde style of the first half than the pop sound of the second half, but overall still really enjoyable. Can definitely here where Rundgren's production style comes from. Also, Dogfight Giggle sounds like a song from Yumi Nikki, so there you go for the .1% that read this review and know what I'm talking about.
caught in the crossfire between the mind-looping psychedelic of the 60s and the burgeoning fancy glam rock of the 70s edgy art scene, Todd Rundgren shields and dodges, and with A Wizard, A True Star, he makes an album that finds an astonishing middle ground. what results is a tonal and stylistic mesh that’s equal parts nonsensical and soul-stirring — Rundgren has said that the album came to him while under the influence of various psychedelic drugs, and it shows: the songs, even at their best, clash and bang, and Rundgren fills every empty space with some well-intentioned (if sometime alarming) detail — loud barking dogs and hysteric whistles (“Flamingo” being a high point of fuzzy sounds); brash synths (“Just Another Onionhead”) and puzzling vocal choices… and that’s all before he embarks on a sudden ten-minute long blues tangent (the medley of blues covers comes out of nowhere, and yet it feels so perfectly situated). i’m perplexed by the fact that the album even works, but goodness does it work — the record is overlong and ridiculously indulgent, but Rundgren is humorous and quick on his feet, and his charisma holds together a body that otherwise should’ve crumbled. and yet, with each silly little sound and silly little lyric, A Wizard, A True Star pulls you in slowly, until you’re forced to give up and give in to its craziness.
This was a lot weirder than I anticipated it would be, but also way more enjoyable, and I had a fun time listening to it. 3.5/5, rounded up to 4/5.
Really impressive composition. The music itself doesn't exactly turn my crank, but he knows what he's doing.
Loved this creative, unhindered synth romp. While there definitely was some listening fatigue (and some of the cheesier, 70s musical vice tracks) near the end, most tracks shine with just enough unhinged energy to be wild and memorable while staying well within listenable territory. It's clear Rudgren had a blast making this LP, and it's both a rare and wonderful thing when the artist's joy transfers 1:1 to the listener.
The album equivalent of "always keep em guessing". Fun, tongue in cheek, wild. For context, this album directly followed a Leonard Cohen album so the whiplash has left my neck completely snapped in two.
I just pressed play and started doing the dishes, “damn! This is funky!” I was enjoying myself and then by the third track I became totally intrigued, “this is so ahead of its time!!” And then I found out it came out 5 years ago lol… an amazing record, so glad I got to catch it, this late inclusion I approve.
My second Todd Rundgren album this one is a lot more memorable, weird and wonderful can really see the influence this album had on tame impala. Just a bit too weird in places for the full 5 stars.
really ambitious, and pulls off most of those ambitions pretty well. that said, it just felt, for lack of a better word, claustrophobic to me? 7/10
8/10. Kinda cool, not what I expected from Todd Rundgren
Have you ever wondered what it would sound like when a nerd with a studio tan takes copius amounts of acid and continues to camp out in his studio? No? Well, though shit, here's your answer. Best Tracks: International Feel; Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel; Is It My Name?
Very cool progressive pop rock album with excellent fluidity and cohesion between the songs. This cohesion really make the album experience fun here and really put the themes on the forefront. The sound is super cool throughout too and influential on the indie sound of today. Spacy 8,6/10
This was a weird listen to say the least. I had never actually listened to a Todd Rundgren album before, but I had a suspicion it was going to have some pretty incredible production. This album didn’t disappoint. I simply MUST highlight those drums! You’re basically hearing the next 20-30 years of rock music. It’s a long album (one of the longest single LP records around), and so there’s a bit of inconsistency as a result. The boundary between pompous, indulgent prog and genuinely revolutionary prog is quite a fine one, but on the whole this album fares well. The song structures and harmonies sound often dated, but Rundgren is really pushing the boat out on the production front - certainly enough to make up for the former flaw.
I don't really know what to make of this. And then I look to see that it's from 1973 and I'm really impressed - it sounds much more modern than that, although there is the odd place where it shows its age (the Flamingo synths is where it sticks out the most). It's somewhere in the prog rock / psychedelia mix, and I really like it. Doesn't have the drama or compelling story telling of really good prog, but has a wonderful flow to it and is really nice and light hearted. Just about squeaks a 4/5.
Better than expected
I was a little distracted and its a little long, but overall a lot of the ideas are bonkers or fun in a good way. At times it sounds like how I wish Captain Beefheart sounded.
Yes please. This is the kind of batshit weirdness I was hoping to discover on this foray into albums. I could hear influences of (or to) Pink Floyd, Meatloaf, The Beatles, psych rock, Zappa. It's not something I'm particularly INTO, but it is GOOD.
Hadn't heard of Todd Rundgren before. Initially thought it was bonkers (in a bad way), then I strangely got into it. Still very bonkers, but in a good way. 3.5
Holy smokes Todd, leave some drugs for the rest of us! This might just be the most 70s record of all time. Your favourite musicians favourite musician, Todd Rundgren, takes everyone on a journey through space and time. Space rock, psychedilia and progpop/rock melts together in an incredibly unfocused, too long, lovable record encapsulating an entire musical movement. I prefer the more surprising elements of the album than the rather dull Medley taking up around a third of side 2. Luckily, 'Just One Victory' ends the whole trip and a very high note.
It’s not only a wild musical trip Todd Rundgren provides us with A Wizard, A True Star. I dare not even consider the trip the man must have been on himself making this. The first half simply flies by in a flash of drug induced creativity and you’re never allowed the chance to even stop and think if this might not be for you. It’s only really when Medley hits that I fully snap back to reality. From there I lose some of my initial interest and also start becoming a bit dizzy from the many impressions so far. Then “Just One Victory” ends it all and Rundgren manages to pull himself out of his maniacal frenzy and produce one of the greatest pop songs of the early 70’s. What a way to end a thrilling yet somewhat disturbing ride.
A definite step up from it's predecessor, and I'm always a sucker for a good medley (and this delivered like 3 of them!). I just wish the back half was as solid as the front half; the more stable, less experimental nature of it made it kind of drag when compared between the bouncing-between-brain-folds zaniness of the A side.
I heard this for the first time a couple of years ago and it just blew me away. I prefer the first half to the second, but it's just a fantastic and incredibly odd little record
I don't know what I just listened to, but it was good
This is brilliant. Musicians being brilliant at being musicians. And experimenting with sounds that really works. Todd's songwriting skills are fantastic too.
Very solid record and great introduction to his talents.
Wild and creative - I think it'd be a 5 star if it was half as long. Sounded like better beatles at the start, then went off the walls in cool ways, just a lot to listen to at once. The story of it's creation and impact on solo producers definitely keeps it listworthy!
The first thing I thought when I saw another Todd Rundgren album on here and looked at the length was, "Oh god, he's putting another too-long, over-the-top album on me." And to a degree, that's true. Todd Rundgren likes his double LPs. You can charge more money that way! And woo boy, this is another weird one. Weirder than 'Something/Anything.' But is it bad, you might ask? Well, um, I don't know if I can answer that. The album got off to a great start, I thought, before really delving into the ear-ringing weirdness with 'You Need Your Head' and 'Rock and Roll Pussy.' It's weird, but having just listened to 'Lust For Life' by Iggy Pop, I certainly can't just dismiss weird as bad. There's a lot of merit to this album, a lot of choices that work out in Rundgren's favor, but there's a lot of stuff that just felt excessive or unnecessary. As a total package, taking the good with the bad, I think this album does succeed. Maybe a little shorter next time, and it'll be five stars.
Todd invited me to his house tonight. He played me this record and before I knew it, we were on a rocket ship to space! I asked him where we were going but before he could answer, we were being chased by Alice in Wonderland across a mushroom forest with a pogo stick. She had Cheshire Cat's weird face instead of her own, which was CONFUSING. We escaped into the first door we saw and found ourselves onstage in a circus. An elephant tossed me a unicycle and told me to get on. What? I don't know how to use a unicycle! Needless to say, I fell off and hit my head. When I came to, I was in the audience and Todd was singing & playing music. Oh shit, he's talented! After the show, I went backstage and suddenly we were slow dancing to Ooh Baby Baby. I yelled at him, "Ohmygod, I know this song!" He then went on a medley while dancing and crying at the same time, before pulling out his guitar and levitating, carried by his confidence. After his last song, he hit me in the head with his guitar. I opened my eyes and was back in his bedroom with the speakers on. What the hell, have we been here the entire time?! Ah yes, the '70s!
Interesting, weird, psychedelic, drug-fueled
Really like the album... weird in a way that’s still melodic. Experimental without being too abstract. Todd Rundgeran strikes a balance between pop sensibilities and music experimentation. 4/5
This shit was weird as fuck!
Really surprised me. Was all over the place but always brought me back into it.
4 I read beforehand that this album was inspired by Rundgren's experimentation with psychedelics, and after having listened through, I gotta say that checks out. Rundgren captures the feel of a drug-induced trip well with this record... for better or for worse. The two sides of the album are drastically different - yet somehow complementary. Side A was mostly a sporadic collection of sounds and songs transitioning before I had a chance to fully digest one... and not all were pleasant to listen to. Side B was where the album really shined for me, where Rundgren creates a fusion of soul and R&B before finally "coming down" on a rock closer. At this point, I felt like I had reached the end of some spiritual journey. It's hard to pinpoint specific songs on this record, but I feel like that's kind of the point, and that the album is made purely to be consumed in one go. The second half is much stronger than the first, but at the same time, it almost feels like one couldn't exist without the other? Where Side A gives way to Side B to complete the journey? I'm still not sure how this album made me feel, but I think I liked it, so we'll go with 4. Idk I think I need to lie down.
Weird exploration of synth technology and sounds music. Listen to while under the influence of something.
Un Todd en très, très grande forme sur cet album. Vous savez d'ailleurs probablement que j'accuse un léger retard sur le générateur depuis quelques semaines. Mon ennemi juré et compagnon d'écoute eltrapeze a donc eu tout le loisir d'écouter l'album, de contacter Todd, de devenir son meilleur ami et d'emménager en colocation avec lui. Lorsque j'arrivai à hauteur de l'album A Wizard/A True Star et compris que j'aurais très bien pu être à la place d'eltrapeze, je fus pris d'une colère noire et tentai de me rapprocher de Todd coûte que coûte. Celui-ci ne répondit à aucun de mes messages. Cette histoire me reste en travers de la gorge.
Performance fantastique de Todd, qui vient nous démontrer que toutes les daubes interchangeables des années 70 n'ont aucune excuse.
What a feast for the ears. This runs the gamut from heavy psych through to Philly soul, and pulls it off - mostly. Points need to be awarded on the basis of sheer, widescreen ambition. Side one of the album almost feels avant garde in places, with the brief one-minute tracks such as 'Flamingo' coming over like cuts from the Residents' Commercial Album. Elsewhere, 'Zen Archer' has a coda that is close to beautiful. 'Is It My Name?' sounds like a long-lost Tubes track. Closer 'Just One Victory' also demonstrates that Rundgren can play it straight-ish, boasting backing vocals that trip and dance around the music. Very few individuals have quite as much vision as Rundgren does; even fewer have the moxy and the chops to execute.
One for the Onionheads.
Todd Rundgren va ser tot un aventurer musical. El Dr. Livingstone dels estudis de gravació. Cal dir que la majoria de vegades acabava arribant a illes despoblades i no gaire atractives, però els anys 1972 i 1973 sembla que la màgia l'acompanyava i els dos discs que va facturar són obres magnes de la seva discografia, i de la década. Sempre et pots perdre en alguns dels seus excerpts, o dels seus tours de force de més de 10 minuts. Meravellós
Last time I reviewed Todd Rundgren, it was for *Something/Anything*, and I complained that even with his brilliant production chops, Todd's music was not "abrasive" or "leftfield" enough to make up for his *relatively* lackluster talent as a writer of memorable tunes and as a performer. This double album displayed a lot of imagination, sure. But that imagination still gave birth to a somewhat by-the-numbers result, in spite of the vast array of genres tackled. Apart from a very few choice cuts here and there, most of those tracks indeed bordered on muzak or elevator music, unfortunately. And it was a chore to go through them honestly. Well, it now sounds as if Rundgren heard *some* of my complaints as I uttered them from the future. If there's one clear asset to *A Wizard / A True Star* (which followed *Something / Anything*), it is that, this time, its production and sonic signature can't be blamed for NOT being "leftfield" or "abrasive" enough. Those sounds are nothing short of astounding, even today--the record is designed to be a purveyor of many classic hip hop or electro beats (proof that it has aged very well), and one can thus easily picture Animal Collective or MGMT doing the exact same sort of music during the 21st century. The first side is almost entirely comprised of short crazy musical psychedelic interludes segueing one into the next, so no one can accuse Rundgren of going the safe way here when it comes to compositions at least. In other words, those 'shrooms must have been particularly potent, that's for sure... On the whole this record is therefore a far more consistent effort than the previous (double) LP, as lopsided and zany as its individual tracks sound. Of course, beyond the multilayered instrumentation and production, there's still the songwriter issue. Going for moods and sonic landscapes, Rundgren doesn't have to worry a lot about that this time, but a few more *real* songs sprinkled in the middle of that wild ride would have *also* been a welcome respite, and made the whole thing far more accessible. Side 2 still has a few of them, even if a third of those more classic cuts are actually covers of soul staples assembled in a medley that comes a little out of nowhere (but in a way, that's keeping with the generally crazy tone and intent of the album, obviously). The most impressive "song", "Zen Archer", is towards the end of side 1 anyway, and it can at least boast of a grand finale that's quite important to make sense of the collage mess that came before. "Is It My Name?" is also a nice rocker, reminiscent of The Who. If only Rundgren had added something that had the level of "Couldn't I Just Tell You" in terms of intensity to those proceedings, the whole thing would hold up far better today that it does now. But that awesome power pop track stayed buried in the middle of the long-winded nonsense of *Something/Anything* instead (rather than *shining* in the middle of THAT shorter sort of nonsense). Another missed opportunity... So it's often a glorious mess, but it's a mess nonetheless. One can easily see how Rundgren became an endearing name for many, and besides, the man was groundbreaking, there's no denying about that. So this is *probably* a record everyone should listen to at least once. But is it *aimed* at everyone? And can enough listeners really dig into all that crazy stuff and not turn mad (at it, or just plain mad)? This remains to be seen, honestly... Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 874 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 68 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 31 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 28
Ei ihan niin hyvä kuin Something / Anything mutta tosi hyvä levy silti. Todd selvästi taitaa löristelyn ja tunteikkuuden sekoittamisen. Tekisi mieli sakottaa muutamasta turhasta biisistä, mutta menköön 4/5.
Kuin lapsi olisi päästetty valloilleen studioon -- ja nyt siis 100% hyvällä tavalla! Leikkisä, luova ja yllättävä. 4/5
Has some real bizarre moments but I found it to be a fun listen!
Lovely surprise. Really enjoyed it
On record for one of the longest single-disc LP's at nearly an hour long, Todd Rundgren's A Wizard, a True Star is a sprawling piece of art pop that takes you on a musical journey like no other. Songs feel more like vignettes for a larger piece of work as we chug along from one scene to the next, occasionally sticking around a little longer to ground the listener. The album cover accurately captures the kind of experience that this album is. It is certainly strange and sort of loses the plot halfway through side A only pick things up again near the end of side A. Side B slows things down with ballads and a particularly smooth medley. Rundgren's experimentation with psychedelic drugs is on full display with how this record flows, it's an excellent listen throughout. It helps that Rundgren was already an established producer/engineer by this point, so he really brings his own vision to life here. Definitely worth the price of admission.
Interesting. Probably requires several listenings to appreciate
The Wikipedia for this album said it was the result of Todd’s experimentation with lsd and I think that really comes through in the music. The production gets insane sometimes and super overwhelming but most of it was actually really good and well put together as you would expect from an artist on lsd in the 70s
Some of the experimental songs are too experimental and some of the earnest songs are too earnest but on the whole an engaging listen
This was good overall. Some ups and downs. I was a big fan of "When the Shit Hits the Fan" and "Hungry for Love"
I always respect anyone who uses the accordion outside of Polka
Not bad
This was very impressive and unexpected. I don't remember if I've already listened to something from Todd Rundgren, but this release sounds really great and that is the type of thing that made this 1001 list worth it. A lot of experiments that sound much more modern than some 2000's bands, but still very enjoyable without exaggerated virtuosic. I liked it very much!! It's not 5 stars, just because there is one only song that is kind of exaggerated, but it's almost an essential album.
Dope. Very prog. Groovy baby, Yeah!
I remembered being less warm on Rundgren, but looking back it seems I was about as warm to Something/Anything? If anything, it took me a while to warm to that album; This one, while sprawling, has my favorite bits in the first half. I love the gonzo nature of it, and while it tries a tiny bit too hard it's also plain fun.
Experimental elements mixed with conventional aspects, intriguing listening
LSD does wonders.
Wizard Cowboy Space Travel.
Diferente e interesante
Cool Album, variety of different sounds and beats
Another very hard to rate album, some of the songs were hard to listen to, others such as Le Feel Internationale were absolute highlights. This is very much on the 3/4 boundary, but the sheer interestingness of the sound has pushed me to the higher edge of that.
Wow! I've never heard of Todd Rundgren before, which is a real shame. What a trip this album has been. It's random and experimental, and then whenever I go 'Well this is a bit too experimental for me' it goes into a more classic rock song. I dig it!
Experimental, unusual, slightly psychedelic, funky. In all a great experience.
Loved this record! Going to listen to it again soon
I digged this. It was chaotic and all over the place yet I liked every moment? Yep.
4 stars a very fun listen lots of stylistic changes. Deserves more attention
had never heard of this album, but was pleasantly surprised by the utterly batshit songs. i also note he's released literally dozens of albums since.... I wonder if they're also as mad as this one?
A tour-de-force kaleidoscope of psych folk pop gems
Psychedelic and weird. Very happy for the refresher on Rundgren. This will work it’s way into my normal listening.
Really strange but fun and I treating album
A rich collection of quirky pop songs with a satisfying flow, nice drum sounds too.
Nice discovery. This album feels like being on acids, but in a good way (which I think was Todd's goal).
A really weird album that just kinda works for me. Is it pop? Rock? Psychedelic rock? It's too long, and as a result probably not something I would return to in its entirety very often. But each of my three listens was really enjoyable and I found new elements I liked each time I came back. With half stars, this would probably get a 3.5, but we don't have half stars Saved: Never Never Land, Zen Archer, When the Shit Hits the Fan / Sunset Blvd.*, Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: International Feel; Tic Tic Tic, It Wears Off; Rock & Roll Pussy; Flamingo; Zen Archer; Just Another Onionhead / Da Da Dali; Le Feel Internacionale; Is It My Name? Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: This album breaks my grading system by design. I very much enjoyed the listening experience even if I saved less than half of the individual tracks. 19 songs that flow together for just under an hour because the vast majority of them are little sub-2 minute sonic experiments. Fun and fancy free. Definitely an improvement over Something / Anything even if the highs are higher on that previous album.
Apparently reviews from the time found the first half too weird for its own good, which is sad, because I feel like the album might be even better if the second half was weirder.
Bananas. But in a good way
I have his album "Todd" from the next year, but don't remember much about it. I know he has a reputation for being uncompromisingly non-commercial in his approach to pop & rock. Sounds good on paper, but doesn't necessarily lead to good albums... Well, this one is surprisingly enjoyable. I like the aesthetic of short, almost-incomplete songs, which allows a restless switching around of styles. There's a sense of humour throughout, and some earnest emotional content. It's a fun album. 4*
WTF this is some crazy experimental stuff from the 70s. The album is made up of quick snippets of unfinished songs and one ten minute journey of a track. Sounds like he was on a ton of psychs when he was recording, makes sense.
Psychedelic rock. I enjoyed the flow from one song to the other. A couple songs I really enjoyed.
Quite classic psychdelic rock from that era, I liked it.
Really good
The sound is way ahead it’s time for 1972. Utterly bonkers in places but strangely enjoyable psychedelic.
I really like the eclectic style of this music.
Rundgren is another artist I really need to dig into for a longer time. Whenever I listen to his music, I really like it, and then I forget for another year or so. One of my favorite new-ish bands, the Lemon Twigs, cite him as a major influence. I definitely hear that influence on this record. I'll be sure to revisit this one a few more times this next couple weeks as I can tell it's one that keeps on giving new gems over multiple listens.
Wow, kind of stunned by this. How have I never heard of this guy? Hearing Lemon Twigs in this, and Jack White. If this came out now it would still sound edgy. Getting really yacht rock with the Medley. Second half of the album sounds more dated but I still like it overall.
🧐
A name I've never heard before. Surprised to hear synths. Shit for 1973 this is quite modern with it's synth-explorations. Via Wikipedia: "The sound and structure of Wizard was heavily informed by Rundgren's hallucinogenic experiences. It was envisioned as a hallucinogenic-inspired 'flight plan' with all the tracks segueing seamlessly into each other, starting with a 'chaotic' mood and ending with a medley of his favorite soul song". Fascinating. Ok I just looked at the track list and I'm 4 songs in and thought I was still on track 1. Wow. "You Need Your Head" is crazy! I have a feeling I need to listen to this all again. Dogfight Giggle woooow lol. This is like some RCE mandatory overtime shit. This is a perfect follow-up to that Zappa album, there is much more "heart" in here for me, but I'm sure vocals help here. 3.5 to 4.
Fun and interesting! Kind of reminds me of some of the Beatles' later songs.
It is chaotic but a very interesting journey. Definitely an album that needs to be played straight through.
Väldigt bra , i like it!
Great surprise this, could be a 5 after repeat listens
Interesting. Haven't listened carefully tho.
On first listen a brilliant but exhausting single LP (emphasized because of a 55+ minute runtime).
A brilliantly inventive album, and his use of synths as an instrument (as opposed to a shortcut to the sound made by an instrument) was ahead of its time. However, you'd be pressed to say that the songs themselves are his best work.
schwer zu bewerten, viel durcheinander, aber auch nicht schlecht.
for sentimental reasons....
A Wizard, A True Star was certainly an interesting one. I should probably expect it to be because of the sheer number of styles because holy shit, that's a lot. The album starts off as this very ELO sounding album which makes sense as both ELO and Rundgren started their careers around the same time and those were the points where the album was most enjoyable and nearly all of the album. The one issue with this album is the parts where it is not doing ELO stuff and is instead trying to be so weird that it ends up being incomprehensible. All i'll say about this album is when it's good, it's really good but when it's bad, it's really bad. Best Song: Medley Worst Song: Rock & Roll Pussy
Not bad. Hadn't really listened to Rundgren, more fun than I was expecting, but not quite my jam
Viaje intergaláctico Letras un tanto abstractas (creo), pero de verdad que un viaje musical bien entretenido Me parece una especie de precursor de lo que MGMT entregó en su primer disco Instrumentalmente se siente potente Y la verdad que muy disfrutable, lo recomiendo especialmente para personas que tengan un oído que les gusta experimentar No hay ninguna canción a destacar al menos que piense en este momento, pero como álbum se siente que ninguna puede hacer falta 3.4
This was a wild journey. I felt like it was all over the place, some of it was pure 70s pop, some Motown, some electronic weirdness. I feel like if he would have cut out the wacky stuff this would be an all time classic
Unexpectedly enjoyed this.
International Feel When The Shit Hits the Fan/Sunset Blvd Is It My Name
Pretty unusual. I'm not really sure if I like it or not. 2.5, rounding up to a 3 because I like the album art.
6/10 This album is so weird, and on one hand that makes me appreciate it more, because some songs were pretty enjoyable. On the other side of that coin this album is full of one minute songs that go from frantic, over the top song to frantic, over the top song. Switching from metal sounding songs to songs that could pass as modern day lo-fi. Like I said, it's weird.
This album is a good version of what it is but what it is I don't love. Good cohesion throughout though and a cool concept. I just experienced perhaps the best concert of my life tonight so this album kinda pales in comparison.
This is one of those albums where you can find all the brilliance you want to find. It is wild, diverse, innovative, etc., but it is also tedious, indulgent, soulless. As the album finished, I was happy to concede all the good, but I also felt like it didn’t matter or mean enough to me to fold into any repeat pattern. I am confident that I am wrong, but will I take the time to figure out why this is so beloved? Perhaps,
It's not often that I audibly say "what the fuck" in the middle of an album... but this album got me there. It's so long. Why is it so catchy and so good and then so absolutely insane. I really felt like I was Alice in Wonderland. I went from meh to hate to love so quickly???? I feel like I was hypnotized by Todd. Is he a genius? Is he terrible? I'm not sure. But by the end of it I replayed the last song three times. And for that, three stars.
heerlijk, van de pot gerukt, van hier naar daar rennend plaatje
I never knew what kind of music Todd Rundgren made but I thought that it was some loud hard rocking music. This is purely based on the PSA he made about hearing loss awareness. but after hearing this album I realized I was wrong. I’m not saying that it’s a bad album. It’s definitely an album that I didn’t expect. It’s definitely an album that makes you scratch your head and think. He really did put some thought into these compositions. It’s prog bedroom rock. A guy who had too many great ideas and decided to record them all. It worked on my of the songs. Again this is why I’m glad I am doing this project. I would have never listened to a atodd Rundgren album. I also wouldn’t have enjoyed it. Another interesting part of the album is the soul part. His soul covers are actually pretty good.
I used to work with an old guy who, any time music would come up, he would mention how much he loves Todd Rundgren. That’s a real type of Guy. At moments listening to this I thought “Oh no, am I going to age into a Todd Rundgren guy?” I don’t think I will, I found this mostly too gooby for me. But it’s more tasteful and fun than a lot of comparables. That counts for something (one bonus star, in this case).
Todd Rundgren is an interesting guy. A proper enigma of a man, at least to me. This album is insane in all the right ways. The first half in particular, what a rollercoaster. It's very inconsistent, though, with plenty of moments that turn the album from engaging to slightly grating. I definitely need to explore his discography beyond the generator, I have a feeling it won't stop surprising me. Favourite track: International Feel
Niin outoa musiikkia. Huomaa että äijä on kokeillu huumeita. Levyn kansi kuvastaa levyä täydellisesti. Kaikki kappaleet sulautuvat toisiinsa ja jatkuvat yhtenäisinä aina seuraavaan. Medley on paras biisi. -Mitä tällä levyllä oikein tapahtuu? -Kaikkea.
What a strange fever dream. Seems like a precursor to a lot of music I like, though.
this is ok - some good songs
Once you've passed the first song you're good ! Very experimental and also quite confusing. At the same time there are some very cool stuff in it, feeling the 70's vibe and some psychedelic touch and Hendrix inspiration. Unfortunately, its hard to find a mood where to listen to this album. I will revisit this in the future
This was okay music, but it has some weird stuff happening in it. Some weird funny lyrics too like onion head. Not sure I want to hear it again because of how bizarre I found it, but I'm hindsight it was kind of a funny hour
This one is weird. I listened to most of it but didn’t finish it.
I was already familiar with one or two albums by Todd Rundgren, one of which was Something/Anything from the same year as this one, but this album was noticeably more experimental and production heavy. I was seriously impressed with the production on most of the songs; it sounds like it could've been a 2020 remaster. The album was formatted in a way that especially rewards attention, because the average length of the songs was short, and there were many ideas and styles. Like I said, he leaned into the production and electronic elements which contrasted well with his major scale-centric 70s pop ballad kind of composition he favors. Kind of sounds like David Bowie but better?
Decent fun and experimentation
cool-ish stuff
I wanted to hate this but then Zen Archer came on and so now it's a 3
Typical 70s rock.
There’s famous French chefs who despite their Michelin stars who are famous for really simple dishes like mashed potato based on the best ingredients used well. This album is the direct opposite of this which is every possible musical ingredient ever often in the same song. When it’s a bit more honed like the soul medley it works very well. Can’t fault his ambition though
Overall, it's cleary obvious that there was too much acid in the game during recording, although the album has some good moments
What a different sounding album than the other one I listened to ny him on this list. Kind of nice to hear the progression from the other album as this one comes just after. It sure is wild and eclectic and makes me wonder how this album ended up on this list. I guess it was different times back then and maybe with less choices, so more opportunities for repeated listens, people were able to zone in on the creativity of this album. I really dig the progressive and experimental sound of this album and although almost an hour long it really flew by. I can’t believe it was pressed on a single LP! No more albums by him on this list so I’ll have to make some time to explore his discography as I’m very curious to know what other places he went to with his music.
Very odd. I liked it. Like Zappa but good.
I'm about a third of the way into this project and so far there have been a lot of really weird albums, but mainly difficult-weird. This was oddly accessible-weird. There were parts that made me think of Harry Nilsson or Elton John or The Beatles and then there were other parts that sounded like they might have been created by someone from another planet. There were also ducks quacking, dogs growling, creepy laughter and someone twanging a ruler resting on a desk. "There is cause and effect There's a reason I'm so erect" Fuckin hell, Todd. After being reminded that this was the second Todd Rundgren album we'd been exposed to on this list, a fact I had completely forgotten, I went back to check my previous review. I basically said it would have got a higher mark if there was less of it.... Yeah, that. It's actually a 2.5, but for the sheer balls of the man and because the layering and production on a lot these tracks is absolutely top notch: 3/5
This album was a bizarre journey. I was first getting some experimental Frank Zappa vibes which I was pretty on board for. Through the middle of the album it felt like things started to skew toward more of a musical vibe which started to loose me. By the end It felt like full on 70's pop. I am not sure if there is some level of parody or if this is meant to be taken at face value. It's obvious Todd Rundgren has some very serious skill as a songwriter, musician and producer, I just cant really wrap my head around how it's being applied to this album.
No. 183 Really weird album, but really enjoyed it. All over the place, but still coherent enough to be a really fun experience.
definitely more experimental than his previous albums something/anything. which that one is my favorite so it’s hard to compare since they are so different but I think for it coming out in 1972 it stands on its own in that aspect
Trippy stuff. Not exactly what I expected. I feel like bands like the Flaming Lips probably gave this one a listen or three.
Good, quite different. More electronic
Kinda eccentric. Interesting, unique interludes. Quite boppy vocals - Mika vibes. Circus-like in places. A bit epic in parts. I like 'Sometimes I don't know what to feel' - reminds me of his more famous track 'I saw the light'. 'I'm so proud' is a really beautiful track - the medley that this track is part of kinda saves the album and amps it up in terms of rating. Some quite iconic-sounding 70s tracks towards the back end of the album.
Quite a mix of styles here. Some proggy stuff and some soul. You get the idea of why Rundgren is such a well known producer. Nothing stands out but there’s great musicianship throughout the album and everything sounds great
More pretentious than the other Todd Rundgren album. Also more interesting, but I didn't like it quite as much
Finally a Todd Rundgren album worth hearing!
Started off decent enough but lyrically it just didn’t work for me
2,9/5
Waar gaat dit album naar toe?
Es un disco interesante, pero no imprescindible. Creo que Todd estaba suficientemente representado con un disco.
Это было достаточно забываемо странно
эмоции вызвал скорее положительные, но нет хитов, нет хуков запоминающихся, потому 3.5
This is SO weird but I like it
Todd writes some good tunes, but he's also kind of a maniac? This album gives off weird vibes, especially on side one. I like a lot of the songs that have enough time to breathe, but could do without a lot of the little snippets. I'll gladly keep "International Feel," "Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel," and the medley of soul covers in the rotation, but I could do without the rest.
Rv
Intereresting ...
This started out like a rock album then halfway through turned into an Motown cover album
There are some things I like here, but a lot of junk too. It ekes out three stars from me.
2.5
Well, this is novel. I'd heard the odd track from this guy over the years but they didn't really register as being anything worth pursuing. After listening to this, I've got a new artist to explore. Whacky, quirky, psychedelic, pop, fun, groovy, fresh and definitely unique. Tracks seem to catch you with their familiarity, lose you with a jarring melody change or lyric and then make you jump right back in with an anthemic chorus, before being slightly repulsed again due to the constant variation in instrumentation and genre, like its trying to pack too much into one track. I like its loose free flowing quality though. Obviously a musician at the top of his game who has ideas about his ideas. A 3 for now but who knows, it may get to a 4 after more fly bys.
COME BACK TO THIS
Fun fact Todd is from the same area where I grew up. Not fun fact, I don’t live his music.
I did t know what to expect but it was decent
The explanation was that it was supposed to be like tripping. Mission achieved, but I dont think this was for me. My enjoyment went up and down and was mostly hampered by Rungren's singing.
6 / 10
⭐⭐⭐ Initialt kände jag att spontant motstånd till det här albumet men efter ett par lyssningar så växer det och jag kan se dess kvalitéer. De många korta experimentella spåren på första halvan är lite mycket, (Dogfight giggle är bara en kakafoni av ljud) men när man tagit sig igenom dem så gillar jag faktiskt albumet. Andra hälften är fortfarande lite quirky men inte på samma utflippade sätt som första hälften. Det är det melodiöst och intressant. Bäst är Zen archer, Does anybody love you?, Medley:I´m so Proud/Ooh Baby Baby..., Idon´t want to tie you down, Just one victory. Sista halvan av albumet är ln 4a men som helhet får det nog bli en 3a.
This is a nice, interesting album. I really enjoyed several songs: Medley and Just One Victory specially. 3.5
Whoa I actually liked this a lot 3
hell of a range on this one. the opening few tracks are great, international feel is a crazy strong opening and it keeps up til at least da da dali imo, but the energy wears down around the end of the first half and the second kinda loses that experimental edge and makes me feel like maybe this album didnt need to be an hour long. kinda hard to rate this on a scale of 1-5, it starts off as a 4 but falls off to a 3 before the halfway point. guess that's a 3. but its a high 3 for whatever thats worth. rock and roll pussaaaayyyyyyyyyyy.....
Almost a 4/5 but the last third of the album gets a little dull.
Apenas ok
A curious mixture of weird (4/5 enjoyable) and conventional (2/5 didn't do anything for me).
me gusto, pero es raro, como que siento que no sigue una misma vibe. los primeros temas medio psicodelicos ?? despues cambia una bocha la onda. es como que nose en que mood tengo que estar para escuchar todo el disco de corrido. creo que no lo haria. tiene muuy bueos temas igual, dont get me wrong. Se disfruto, pero no volveria a escuchar el disco (si algunos de sus temas)
So I do enjoy this album, while still perhaps not really quite getting it yet. My guess is this is one of those that requires a few listens, and not just one. It's a bit of a mess of styles, and has some good moments. But I didn't latch onto it as a whole. So a 3/5, for the moment.
This album is a bit of an imaginative mess: brilliant in places, but elsewhere it sounds like a cat walking on a keyboard. I'm simultaneously glad I heard it and perfectly content never to repeat the experience.
Weird, but catchy. Seems pretty out there for the times. It is quite clear drugs were involved in the creation of this album.
One of so many albums here which are quite ok but nothing special.
His story is cool but the album didn’t really stand out to me. Kinda experimental pop y
I have heard the term “wizard” used to refer to a gentleman who has the strength of will to resist the charms of evil women and remain a virgin until he turns 30. Based on how this album sounds, I they may be onto something. I had no idea that Mark David Chapman was acting as Todd Rundgren’s shooter in a Biggie/Tupac-style beef between Todd Rundgren and John Lennon. I can see why the press focused on the “Catcher in the Rye” aspect instead. Nice to hear where Kevin McAlister’s uncle got the inspiration for his interpretation of “Cool Jerk”. I feel the same way about this album as I do about “Something/Anything?”, which I haven’t been assigned for this project yet but picked up on vinyl for a dollar at some point and promptly resold. I kind of get it. If you’re looking for the sound of the sad, disillusioned, peace/love hangover, “oh wait, drugs aren’t going to save the world, but wait now I’m addicted to drugs!” early 70’s, then Todd Rundgren is your guy. He captures that feeling as good as anyone else who was working at the time. But I’m not really looking for that particular aesthetic.
Incredibly innovative album, self-produced, influential - but something about the wall of sound production and melodies on here just doesn't do it for me. Faves: International Feel, Just One Victory
You know how both jogging and cocaine raise your heart rate, but only one is good for you? This record sure got my blood pumping, but in the form of an anxiety attack/general sense of dread. I lost hope for the future. I hadn’t felt that horrid since Steve Irwin died. Three stars.
Vocals are not very good but so confidence. He must have loved what he’s doing. Music wise not the best but I do enjoy the energy.
a weird little pop album that had a bit more oomph to it. didnt love it, but there were parts i thought were nice.
This was better than I'd expected, and I suppose it was quite groundbreaking at the time. I'm not so sure it's looking so good from 2026.
A lot weirder than anything I've heard by him before (in a good way)
Messy brilliance and great craic. Tiocfaidh ár lá
Weird, but in a fun way. Eh, at least he's trying something different.
Weird album, very psychedelic and different for 70’s pop/rock. I can appreciate the originality but probably won’t listen again. More of a prog-influenced Todd Rundgren fan. 3⭐️
This had an International Feel about it.
Kolejna dziwna mieszanka. Sentymentalne, ckliwe wręcz kawałki przemieszane z jakimś kosmicznym pastiszem Bowiego. A do tego, tak dla niepoznaki wrzucone zostało kilka dobrych, rytmicznych utworów. O co tu chodzi? 6/10
The Wizard of Oz?
That was a trip
I suppose every album is just a collection of sounds. But this one really is just a collection of sounds.
Zen archer is tremendous and there are other highlights. However there are much better Todd albums than this. Always listenable though
Pretty representative of Todd Rundgren, one of the most talented and underrated artists of his generation.
Good, not great. 3 stars
Interesting. Need to listen to this a few more times.
Wow what an experience this is, you can absolutely tell he was experimenting with psychedelic drugs for this record. I know knew of him by his pop hits until this. Some tracks are true self indulgence and exploration into sound textures which can be a bit much, but the second half of the record a true star gets a lot more musical and the transitions between songs are excellent. Really difficult to place I think it's a 4 but I'll have to give it a 3. A day is nowhere enough time go understand this.
Absolutely mental prog rock. I love Pink Floyd and can even get behind some King Crimson - but this is too far for me. Interesting but not something for a regular listen.
A true weirdo. Sometimes I don't know what to feel. Side 1: this is just nuts Side 2: some of this is gorgeous (and wow, I really thought that was Daryl Hall on vocals) and some is nuts The nuts:gorgeous ratio is fairly high, I think.