Reviews (page 5 of 8)
International Feel // Tic Tic Tic, It Wears Off // You Don’t Have to Camp Around // Zen Archer // Sometimes I Don’t Know What To Feel // Does Anybody Love You? // Medley // 4.5/5
Interesting. Weird and a bit frenetic, reminds me of kids' show theme tunes vibes at times, but totally different vibes at other times. I like it, it's different.
Well this was a fun surprise. At times this is unreal for 73. I'd say it'd be perfect if he dropped the more traditional for-the-times tracks, only keeping the weird tripy stuff.
Psychedelic rock. First half of the album is all noise, dissonance, and weird sounds. Second half of the album is listenable.
This sounds eerily similar to the Beach Boys' Surf's Up which was not good. You Need Your Head is awful. I wonder how much crappy experimental music can be directly blamed on Frank Zappa. Music critics cream their jeans for any genre that is prefaced with "experimental" or "art". Dogs play fighting with some sci-fi noises and fake laughing...this is not music, it is an idiot playing with audio equipment. Flamingo is actual music and might be worse than Dogfight Giggle. This album could only have become a thing in the era of FM radio playing full albums. Zen Archer is only five and a half minutes long but feels like double that. No one could have ever really liked this album. It's like he challenged himself to see if he could make each song awful in a unique way. SUCCESS! Revisiting the first song on the album on the last track of the side...dumb. The cover medley is probably the best song on the album and still manages to include some truly terrible moments. Just One Victory was a bright spot to close the album out.
Awesome album! Really enjoyed the true album composition here. It felt like a complete work of art. One of the best albums I have listened to since I started this (that I didn't know before). Really strong. 8.4/10
Yeah, that's weird.
Now, kids, this is what happens when you spend youre entire record budget on acid.
Tell me you have adhd without telling me. It'd a shame because there are some great moments on this record, but it's equal parts great, goofy nonsense and absolute wank. If you cut out all the shite it could be a very good album, but the wacky stuff gets in the way, and this becomes increasingly annoying. Maybe that's the point, but makes it very hard to rate this highly as a cohesive work.
Sorti en 1973, "A Wizard, A True Star" de Todd Rundgren n'est pas simplement un album ; c'est une déclaration, un kaléidoscope sonore qui a dynamité les conventions du rock progressif et de la pop psychédélique. Oeuvre d'une ambition folle, cet album est souvent cité comme le magnum opus de Todd Rundgren, ou du moins, son disque le plus audacieux et le plus déroutant. Il incarne à la perfection l'esprit d'un artiste total, un "sorcier", un "véritable artiste", qui refuse toute catégorisation et suit sa muse avec une détermination quasi mystique. Dès les premières notes de "International Feel", l'auditeur est happé dans un tourbillon de textures sonores, de changements de tempo abrupts et de mélodies insaisissables. La première face de l'album (pour les vinyles) est une suite ininterrompue de vignettes, passant d'éclats de génie pop à des expérimentations bruitistes, de ballades éthérées à des commentaires sociaux acerbes. Todd Rundgren, en véritable homme-orchestre, joue de presque tous les instruments, superpose les pistes avec une frénésie créatrice et manipule les sons du studio comme un peintre sa palette. Des titres comme "Tic Tic Tic, It Wears Off" ou "You Need Your Head" sont des fragments frénétiques, presque punk avant l'heure, tandis que "Never Never Land", reprise d'une comédie musicale, détonne par son innocence apparente au milieu de ce chaos organisé. "Zen Archer", avec ses arrangements luxuriants et sa mélodie planante, offre un rare moment de contemplation avant que l'auditeur ne soit à nouveau bousculé par des morceaux plus abrasifs comme "Rock & Roll Pussy", une critique à peine voilée de John Lennon et de son activisme jugé opportuniste par Rundgren. Ce qui frappe dans cette première partie, c'est la densité de l'information musicale. Chaque écoute révèle de nouvelles couches, de nouveaux détails cachés dans le mixage. C'est un disque qui exige une attention soutenue, qui défie les habitudes d'écoute passive. Certains y verront un excès d'auto-indulgence, une surcharge sensorielle, mais c'est précisément cette audace, cette volonté de repousser les limites du format album, qui en fait une oeuvre si fascinante. Todd Rundgren semble vouloir condenser l'intégralité de ses influences et de ses idées en un flux continu, une sorte de rêve éveillé musical. La production, assurée par Todd Rundgren lui-même, est un élément clé de l'identité de l'album. Il utilise le studio comme un instrument à part entière, expérimentant avec les effets, les panoramiques et les techniques d'enregistrement pour créer un paysage sonore tridimensionnel et immersif. L'influence du LSD, que Todd Rundgren a admis avoir consommé durant cette période, est palpable dans l'esthétique psychédélique et déstructurée de l'œuvre. La seconde face de "A Wizard, A True Star" marque un contraste notable, bien que toujours empreinte de l'éclectisme de son auteur. Elle s'ouvre sur des chansons plus conventionnelles dans leur structure, comme la magnifique ballade soul "Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel". Ici, la voix de Todd Rundgren, capable de tendresse comme d'agressivité, se déploie avec une émotion palpable. Le point d'orgue de cette seconde face, et peut-être de l'album tout entier pour certains, est l'incroyable medley de classiques de la soul : "I'm So Proud / Ooh Baby Baby / La La Means I Love You / Cool Jerk". Durant plus de dix minutes, Todd Rundgren rend un hommage vibrant et personnel à ses idoles de la Motown et de la Philly Soul. Loin d'une simple imitation, il s'approprie ces standards avec une sincérité désarmante, démontrant sa profonde compréhension et son amour pour ce répertoire. Cette section ancre l'album dans une tradition musicale tout en soulignant la versatilité de son créateur. L'album se conclut par l'hymne "Just One Victory", un appel à l'unité et à la persévérance qui prend une résonance particulière après le voyage chaotique et exubérant qui l'a précédé. C'est une fin optimiste, presque triomphale, qui laisse l'auditeur à la fois épuisé et exalté. "A Wizard, A True Star" n'a pas été un succès commercial immédiat à sa sortie. Sa nature fragmentée et son refus du compromis ont déconcerté une partie du public et de la critique de l'époque. Cependant, son influence n'a cessé de croître au fil des décennies. Des artistes comme Prince, Trent Reznor de Nine Inch Nails, ou encore les Flaming Lips ont cité cet album comme une source d'inspiration majeure. Son approche décomplexée de la production, son mélange des genres et sa structure éclatée ont ouvert la voie à de nombreuses expérimentations dans le rock et la pop. Plus qu'un simple album, "A Wizard, A True Star" est une expérience. C'est l'oeuvre d'un artiste au sommet de sa créativité, libéré des contraintes commerciales, qui invite l'auditeur à un voyage imprévisible au coeur de sa vision musicale. Ce n'est peut-être pas l'album le plus accessible de Todd Rundgren, mais c'est sans conteste l'un des plus riches, des plus stimulants et, finalement, des plus gratifiants pour qui accepte de s'y perdre. Un disque qui, près d'un demi-siècle après sa sortie, continue de sonner comme une météorite tombée d'une autre galaxie, un testament à la puissance de l'imagination et à la quête incessante de l'inouï. Il demeure une pierre angulaire pour comprendre l'évolution de la musique populaire vers des formes plus libres et personnelles. Une véritable étoile dans le firmament du rock. Au final ce sera un 2 sur 5 car je ne suis pas rentré dans le délire de l'artiste.
Hauskaa ja vituttavaa musiikkia
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Zen Archer, Just Another Onionhead / Da Dad Dali, Dogfight Giggle Added To Library: TRUE Awesome album. I hear influences from the late Beatles and other psychedelic works. I was also going to say I hear Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon specifically) influences, but that album came out literally one day before this did, so that's probably just a coincidence. I think it was the saxophone in Zen Archer. I enjoy how all of the tracks flow together and even though it can sound disjointed at times, that was described as partially on purpose according to the description of the album - ... supposed to start out chaotic and end with soulful songs ... I know that there was purposefully no singles, but Zen Archer would have made a damn good single. Dogfight Giggle is just plain weird and that makes me like it even more.
Imaginative and crazy fun
I usually go for psychedelic music and really wanted to like this but too much of it just sounds like two or three radios playing at the same time. The one song that sounds a little like Bowie doesn’t really make up for it.
Not really exceptional
All over the place and anxiety inducing. Sounded like a well trained musician had a blast in a fun house studio and made a bunch of short tunes of every sound he could imagine. If he were my friend, it would be cool.....he is not.
J - 1/5 Best Track - "Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel" F - 1/5
Not the kind of music for me. Very '70's prog but not in a fun way, just in a Frank Zappa or Mr Bungle kinda way. I had a hard time getting through this one.
3.5 really. I need to listen to more Todd rundgren
70’s rock
Early 70’s soft rock. Maybe even yacht rock
just not hitting the mark. sounding weird for the sake of being weird.
Das Album wurde im eigenen Studio von Todd Rundgren, den Secret Sound Studios in New York, aufgenommen. Rundgren ist US-amerikanischer Musiker, Produzent und Multiinstrumentalist. Das Werk zählt zu seinen experimentelleren Veröffentlichungen und bewegt sich stilistisch zwischen Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock und Soul. Typisch für das Album sind abrupte Übergänge zwischen den Tracks sowie ein hoher Anteil an Studioeffekten und mehrspurigen Overdubs. Besonders auffällig ist das Medley „Soul Medley“, das mehrere Soulklassiker interpretiert, sowie die Tracks „International Feel“ und „Just One Victory“, die bei Fans als repräsentativ gelten. Das Album verlangt Aufmerksamkeit, belohnt aber mit einem vielseitigen und eigenständigen Hörerlebnis, das Rundgrens kreative Bandbreite deutlich macht.
сохранил.
Whacky, I like it
solid album, needs a relisten, was t a fan of skip tracks
Well, that was something. I have no idea what it was, but it was definitely something. Self described as "hallucinogenic inspired", about as interesting as someone describing their "weird" dream to you. Hard to get invested in whatever he is trying to do here.
A mad album. At times I was listening and thinking this is a real 70s album, but at times it was music that you could quite imagine being made now with someone like Andre 3000. That said, all of it has clearly been made under the influence of copious amount of psychedelics.
Especially enjoyed parts of this, but the interspersed audio assault was unexpected (see Dogfight Giggle) and perhaps too experimental for our test. Interesting, but not an album we will be regularly reaching for.
I really like the cover art and knew I was going to be in for a Psychedelic time. I do love how the first song transitions into the next one, and the next one... It's so interesting how short most of the songs are. I think this might be an album where I need to listen to it twice because of how fast the songs go. I'd say I really like this album, the production quality is up there. The change from just another onionhead into Da Da Dali made me dislike the song sadly. This album also kinda reminds me of the artist Jack Stauber. He also kinda sounds like Hall abd Oats. It has some replay value but It would feel kinda weird to listen to the songs on this album out of order. All around a really interesting album experience. My favorite song from this album is Rock and Roll Pussy.
I liked it. A bit experimental i think.
I need to listen to more of this guy because I really liked this album. I loved the psychedelic production and manic vocals from Todd. The album also just feels surprisingly coherent for how all over the place everything about the album feels 8/10 Favourite: International Feel Least Favourite: Dogfight Giggle
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.
Very weird album, quite an interesting listen.
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.
4* for being so modern psych so early in the 70s
Zappa feelings
Hyvää tajuttoman hyvää 0 tajuissa hyvältä kuullosti !!!!
1. feel - 1 2. never - 1.5 3. tic - 1 4. head - 0 5. puzzy - 0 6. giggle - 0 7. camp - 0 8. flamingo - 1.5 9. zen - 1.5 10. onion - 1.5 11. zhit - 1.5 12. feel - 1 13. zometimez - 1.5 14. love - 1 15. medley - 3 16. hungry - 0 17. douun - 0 18. name - 1 19. victory - 1
More interesting than it has any right to be.
This sucks, it sounds like circus music. It’s like The Beatles but annoying and bad
This wasn’t for me
Kind of a weird album, with a lot of psychedelic influence. It’s okay. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
Todd has done better
A pretty frustrating album. There are nice little moments throughout this, but many of the songs are too short to have a sustained period of enjoyable listening.
Absolutely blown away by this album. Never know what to expect from Todd Rundgren, but I’m never disappointed.
Okay but not for me
could not get into it i know its good but not for me
This album was a wild ride. I heard so many splashes of other artists during the run time. There was some Chicago, some Elton John, some Beatles, and a bunch of other bands that either influenced or were influenced by this album. I don’t know that every song worked for me, but the flow was there. The choice of having no singles makes sense when you hear how much the songs blend together. I might take another listen someday, but all in all I’m not upset this was on the list.
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.
It was a fun listen—definitely something you need to be in the right mood for, but enjoyable. I’ll give it another spin and pay closer attention next time.
Expansive, varied, sometimes proggy, a bit of soul, occasionally just weird. Pushing boundaries but not sure to where or what end.
Better then i was expecting. I liked the changing nature of the album.
I think, if I was in the right headspace, that I may have enjoyed this album more than I did. But it was a little too weird for me. It was fine, but I don’t see playing it again.
Well this was such an interesting album, I knew who Todd Rundgren was but I don't think I could tell you a song by him and this album the whole time I was listening to it lol seemed like some trippy ass thing you'd listen to while high as fuck! Lol go figure when I was reading about the album it was made while he trying all sorts of new drugs lol
Not as good as his other work. A lot more noise and less music.
A couple of very good songs and lots of fillers
näää
Nah.
Some decent songs. Some songs that sound like Ross in his experimental keyboard era.
🤷♂️
Teach me your ways, Dr. Spaceman
Had heard the name before but couldn't have told you want kind of music he played -- and maybe still can't. Whatever I expected it wasn't that! Didn't love it, didn't hate it, had its moments. Feels like a 3.
What the hell, this scared me a bit. I actually had to pause my streak because I can't get past that Dogfight Giggle track. I appreciate the art, but no thanks. Still better structurally than Alien Lanes though. If there's a 2.5 I'll give it 2.5.
2
An interesting, maybe slightly overlong word album. A fun listen, but not one that compels me to revisit often.
It's a work of art, mostly because it makes you question your sanity. If this was a painting, it would be one of the abstract variety, which comes with a bunch of snobbish critics looking down on you for not getting it. Interesting for sure. Enjoyable? Eeeh.
nothing special
Got some cool noisy noises !!
Overall this was pretty interesting, I'm not sure I was a big enough fan to ever listen to it again though.
I guess this would have been considered cutting edge back in 1973. But this is just really weird. Some decent musicianship....but beyond that....this is just off.
Songs I like, I loved, the others, did not like at all
Your a wizard, Toddy. 4/10
International Feel 3.7 Never Never Land 3.2 Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off 3.3 You Need Your Head 3.3 Rock and Roll Pussy 3.4 Dogfight Giggle 2.2 You Don't Have to Camp Around 3 Flamingo 2.8 Zen Archer 2.4 Just Another Onionhead; Da Da Dali 2.5 When the Shit Hits the Fan; Sunset Blvd 3.4 Le Feel Internacionale 2.4 Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel 3.5 Does Anybody Love You? 2.8 Medley: Im So Proud: Ooh Baby Baby: La La Means I Love You: Cool Jerk 3.4 Hungry for Love 3 I Don't Want to Tie You Down 3 Is It My Name? 3.2 Just One Victory 3.2 Score: 3.036842105
This was rough
The second album here was much better than the too weird first album.
The medley of covers almost saved this (by which I mean a 3). But I think the rest of it was bad enough.
For when you've heard everything, and want to hear it all again, within a short 50 minute span.
Creative and unafraid. I didn’t care for this album but recognize the quality and value. Cover art is really cool.
Sometimes psychedelics are good for music, but not this time. It's just weird.
That was not great...
Weird but okay I guess??? Didn't really do anything cool but also wasn't super offensive
This is like if Zappa was a little less annoying and a little less talented.
Interesting take on a psychedelic album. Lots of odd short "songs" and then a few longer drawn out tracks. I enjoyed it and would even go back and listen again.
It is a mess
Eigenartig…
Listened Before? N Todd isn't really my cup of tea. Lots happening here - I get that he's a pioneer and this is art rock but it didn't really resonate with me. Bowie-esque but not enough to get me into it. I do like the short-form songs though. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Never Never Land (because it reminds me of Metallica, a band I do like).
Imaginative album that explores surrealistic themes such as the Wizard of Oz, Salvador Dali paintings, Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, but I'm not sure much of it lands beyond anything more than the odd curiosity. The best thing about this album is the album cover painting. Props to Arthur Wood. Favorites: "International Feel", "Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off", "Is It My Name?", and "Just One Victory"
Just so self indulgent. I feel he wanted a Jeff Lynn thing, but he ain't him.
I appreciate that Rundgren got away from his pop roots on this. Can't say it's a tremendous landmark of an album but it is a worthwhile stop as a scenic viewpoint on the musical highway.
Well that was...something. It had its moments, but too frequently it was just plain annoying.
A little weird and out there (psychedelic), though the long "Medley.." was fun at times.
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.
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.
Worst album so far 😬
BEST SONGS: - Never Never Land - Flamingo - Just Another OnionHead - Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel - Is It My Name?
I liked 'I Don't Want To Tie You Down' and 'Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel', but mostly listening to this I DID know what to feel: irritation. Maybe just in the wrong frame of mind today to appreciate it.
Классный альбом, приятная музыка
At first I was unsure but the transition from 'Never, Never Land' into 'Tic, Tic, Tic, It Wears Off' convinced me to this album. The record is a collection of minute long songs for the first half of its runtime, leaving 6-7 tracks to feel more like 1 or 2. At times it sounds like a soundtrack and other times like it was recorded on another planet, it can suffer from being over-futuristic on tracks such as 'flamingo' but the album feels coherent and about 20 years ahead of its time. The high points for me were on 'Zen Archer' with its spacey and atmospheric outro, and the peacefulness that is 'Medley: I'm So Proud/ Ooh Baby Baby/ La La Means I Love You'. 8.5/10 Wacky and Cool. Top Tracks -> Tic, Tic, Tic, It wears Off -> Zen Archer -> Medley: I'm So Proud/ Ooh Baby Baby/ La La means I Love You'
You notice the exact point when this shifts from purposefully over-the-top psychedelia into an incredibly respectable art rock / pop record, which is the first song on the second side - Sometimes I Don’t Know What to Feel, which when compared to the succession of minute-ish long tracks at the start of the album, appears in stark contrast. So, not all fifty five minutes are used for crazed nowhere-bound psychedelic pop, although it is anything but subdued. Rundgren is unique even now, and in ‘73 he must’ve been genre-bending. Somewhat of a cool jerk. This is yet another album that’d grow on anyone on repeat listen. But on first listen, it’s more than good enough. You can tell just how sound-packed it is. Ah, I don’t know. It’s one of those. I can’t describe it very well. Just give it a listen. Oh, also. Michael fucking Brecker on the saxophone, people.
This isn't the worst, but again not my taste. I'd say it's a 2.5, but I can't lean into it. 2/5
I will admit to leaving this on while I went round the house doing jobs. This is because it’s fairly tedious.
This album was apparently Rundgren's first after the discovery of psychedelic drugs, and I can completely believe that. It's also apparently one that was made, produced, played and edited by one man, and I can totally believe that too. It's all over the place thematically, genre wise, tempo wise, and smacks of someone who didn't have a fresh set of eyes/ears suggesting edits and improvements. You've clearly had a blast making this, Todd, but I don't think it stands out as an actually good album.
Reeks terribly arty farty
Second part more my thing
beatles pop esq
He claimed this album was how music should be made…this is not how music should be made.
Made myself get through this. Wow. I've learned I'm really not into psychedelic rock.
I like Todd Rundgren, but this was a little out there for me
I truly don't know how I feel about this album.
It's a 3.5. Off the wall, weird, surprisingly good.
Weird and wonderful. Early electronic infused rock pop.
Fun to listen to, probably when stoned or on drugs
Bizarre and outright horrible to listen to in parts. Worth a listen.
This could’ve been released today! Soo engaging and unique
This album was all over the map. A compendium of different styles and musings that just did not come together for me. There were some good songs, but not something I could ever sit down and experience or enjoy.
Okay this shit is weird AF and goes had as hell. How is this from 1973 lol.
Maybe not for everyone but if you listen close enough you will hear the rich layers that only he can produce.
Классная обложка, но не мое
Bowie-esque style. Nice voice. Quite talented artist. Not precisely my jam but listenable.. 3/5
Interesting and creative, but not necessarily my taste.
idk. might need to come back to it, but not feeling it too much.
An over blown theatre student project. Not my thing. At all.
3.8 Might be one of the bigger swings between first and second listens. First I wasn't in the mood, thought it was more nonsense 60s/70s psycadelica. Something told me to explore it a bit more, after a quick read of the wiki and another listen I'm on board now. Makes me want to take something and put it on to see for sure. Sounds like the Beatles decide to take more acid and make a more refined White Album 2 - the soul edition. In itself there's no one song worth listening to in isolation and yet I think as a collective it flows really well. Looking forward to exploring it more in the future
01) International Feel - 6,0 02) Never Never Land - 5,5 03) Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off - 5,0 04) You Need Your Head - 4,0 05) Rock and Roll Pussy - 3,0 06) Dogfight Giggle - 1,0 07) You Don't Have to Camp Around - 5,5 08) Flamingo - 5,0 09) Zen Archer - 5,5 10) Just Another Onionhead/Da Da Dali - 4,0 11) When the Shit Hits the Fan/Sunset Blvd. - 5,0 12) Le Feel Internacionale - 5,0 13) Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel - 6,5 14) Does Anybody Love You? - 6,0 15) Medley (I'm So Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/La La Means I Love You/Cool Jerk - 6,0 16) Hungry for Love - 5,0 17) I Don't Want to Tie You Down - 5,5 18) Is It My Name? - 5,0 19) Just One Victory - 6,0 TOTAL: 4,97 (50/100) Current ranking: 408/434 So, the album was a commercial failure, he canceled the promotional tour after two weeks (probably due to the huge interest) and he himself says that he lost half of his fans with this album. But the album is still on this list as very influential... I guess it influenced the people who listened to it to pursue a different kind of music...
Heel gaaf gemaakt, maar niet echt mijn ding.
nice
Todd Rundgren seems like the kind of genius who can write hit songs in his sleep and so instead he makes wild and manic prog-pop albums like this because it’s more interesting to him. I certainly wasn’t bored but I don’t think I’ll revisit this. The soul medley on Side B is great and makes me think that Rundgren probably listens to Motown in his spare time. I’d love to hear an album of him just writing pop tunes without overthinking it. The second half of the album delivered on that more than the first. 2.5
Interesting listen, it feels like a slew of stimulation being thrown at my ears all at once. There's ideas packed into every corner of this record and doesn't really leave any room to breathe but I didn't really find myself annoyed by that. My only wish is that there was a few more stripped down moments where I could appreciate the balance of harmony and melody without being escorted to another room after only a few seconds, only to then be escorted to another room immediately after, and then into another room right as I was starting to understand things. I was definitely surprised by the second half of the album which felt slightly less manic. Mirroring the constant moving and shuffling of the first half, I myself didn't really land on one opinion on whether or not I liked or disliked how the album felt split like this. It really made for an interesting listen all around. Fitting album cover, it matches the sound very well!
Definitely unique
Honey, get the shotgun! It's the psychedelic clowns again!! By the end I was enjoying some of it, the first half is tough though. I'll call it a 2.5
I don't know how to explain it, it just was super weird to me tbh.
2.1
Once you get through the 1 minute gunk at the start of this album, there is a really good album to listen to here. Yeah, it's all over the place (which I think was intentional), but if you go into this expecting that, it becomes a much more enjoyable experience. I found myself bopping alone to songs like Does Anybody Love You, Medley, etc. Gotta say, the global reviews of 2.8 really had me doubting this project, but it's fresh, and definitely listenable, if you can get past the slop at the very beginning of the album. But that doesn't even account for 1/5th of the album, so I'm willing to let that slide.
A really nice surprise, especially after seeing the global score and some of those genres tagged. While the genres attributed to this are accurate, I would say it is only to the extent of specific tracks with how much this likes to hop genres. It jumps from some slower and more dreamy tracks, to more traditional rock tunes. Some tracks just go completely chaotic and throw everything together. Certainly not for everyone but I'm glad it's on this list
A surprisingly enjoyable listen that went further to surprise me that this came out in 1972?? Sounds very early 2000’s indie pop so I would say Mr Rundgren was WELL ahead of his time on this one. I was wondering why this seemingly no-name artist was included here as I don’t think I’ve ever heard any of his solo tracks prior OR the bands he has been a member of, but researching the artist for a change really showed just how prolific this mf was as a producer and some of the MASSIVE albums he has a credit on. Very impressive and it shows in how tightly produced this album is, especially for its age. I would give normally give this a three as I don’t know that I would go out of my way to listen to it again but I appreciate a good groove and some weirdo music that isn’t painful to listen to.
This album gives Jared Leto performing bad Steely Dan 5/10 Fav tracks - You need your head, Is it my name?
'Rundgren became uncomfortable when these descriptions also came to include "the male Carole King"' and decided to take a fuckload of drugs and say 'yes I like Zappa do you guys think I could be like him?' Yes, Zappa was 'werid', but I don't think he was ever as offensive as whatever the fuck Dogfight Giggle was. There are some parts here that shine but there are some real low points here especially the transition from Zen Archer to Just Another Onionhead / Da Da Dali which really doused the enjoyment that I was beginning to develop. The album is overly long, some of the decisions here in terms of instrumentation, mood, transition are outright weird and jarring. This is a fun novelty but I don't see myself returning to this. I have to pay respect to the album for being influential to artists I really like (Tame Impala and Ariel Pink) but I cannot lie, those guys did the whole 'write, perform and produce' thing a lot better. I can't deny Rundgren's talent as a producer, writer and a musician. He's worked on albums that I love and his pop music is top notch but this album feels like his version of Wish You Were Here 'I was acclaimed so now I'm lashing out' but this is certainly not WYWH. Highlights: You Need Your Head, Zen Archer, Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel, Just One Victory
Wow I have a lot of trouble with this one. I love the first five tracks. Rock and Roll Pussy? Love it. But the weird soul and like…I guess mood music? Didn’t really resonate with me. I really respect this album though. I love that it’s one big medley.
This album was a lot of fun, and sounds like it was a lot of fun to make. Sounds like experimental tape loops and Moog explorations ala Tomita or Carlos pulled onto some good song writing and dense production. I loved it.
He’s definitely on the good stuff!
Maybe I was in a bad mood, but this did not do it for me. Has some stuff I like, I think the last song is pretty good, but overall I found it pretty offputting. If you enjoyed/were intrigued by this, id recommend early Of Montreal, like specifically The Gay Parade. Now that I’ve heard this, the influence is really obvious, but I think that band’s frontman has the charisma that this guy lacks
Don't get it sorry. Does that make me a philistine?
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!
I enjoyed this a lot!
2.5/10
Felt very familiar despite being new to me.
2 - This was just too weird for me. Just chaotic and and incoherent
A pretty fun time 3.9/5
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.
## 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.
Not my cup of tea
интересное
Kova
bizarre experiments that serve as a pretty interesting base
This was fun and weird and I kinda liked it. Rating: 3
Prog rock. Some good songs in here but mostly boring.
A messy messy album. I commend the vast array of musical styles that went into this. While I think it's generally disjointed and chaotic, this album was certainly cutting edge. 3/5
This was a weird one. I don't want to compare it, but I had a Todd Rundgren album previously and gave that a single star because I found it boring and overly long. This album cuts down then length by 35 minutes so that's a good start. This album also is a lot more interesting with more ideas, so that's another tick. It's still not hugely interesting though. The odd decent bit pops up here and there. Apparently Todd was experimenting with psychedelic drugs at the time and moved away from tradiontal pop song structures and you can absolutely hear that. Unfortunately, for me, it sounds a little bit like he took his narcotic of choice, wrote and recorded a track whilst still high, it ended up on the album without listening to it with sober ears. The album is a little all over the place and not in a good way. It just didn't quite grab me like I hoped it would.
Kinda weird
boh, da mal di testa
Yeah this is 5 stars.
I've always wondered where were the US prog acts. This is it. Chopping up and complicating American music forms. I want to know more.
Undecided about this one, maybe off is heard it when younger with different influences I might have been able to appreciate it
An incoherent, overproduced mess. the fuck was bro cooking
Feel like this could have been good but it constantly sounds fuzzy.
Pretty good. If there's one thing I've learned from my passing familiarity with psychedelic music, it's that I need to buckle down and listen to more of it. I'm grateful for the opportunity that this website has offered me. I really enjoy the instrumentation and texture that these songs have. I can't speak with certainty as a newcomer to the genre, but I find it hard to imagine that there are other artists with a sound quite like this one. My only real quibble with the music is that I find it hard to engage with the songs that are under three minutes in length. On an aside, the album cover is hideously kitsch and ugly. If I ever wind up downloading this album I'll probably end up setting a different image as the cover. ==================== Edit (8th of July, 2025): I have not been able to shut up about this album in my reviews in the time since first listening to it, and with good reason. A Wizard / A True Star is an absolute masterclass, completely tearing down and rebuilding my understanding of music with each subsequent relisten. I feel like I've really come to appreciate the inner workings of music over these past couple of months. While this change likely stems from my increased interest in reviewing music, in my eyes the sheer creativity that is showcased on this album is the culprit, permanently expanding the size of cranium and adding an extra hundred digits to my IQ. In some ways I'm bitter for having already listened to what is likely my favourite album on the list (this was album #59), but in other ways I'm grateful. Had this album not broken boundaries and expanded my musical intellect, I feel like there would be a great deal of other albums that wouldn't come around to. Original rating: 3 stars Amended rating: 5 stars
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.
Artiste inconnu. La musique est variée, originale et ... barrée (Dogfight Giggle, évitable). Avec des morceaux courts, des instrumentaux (Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off - harmonie originale), des chorus intéressants (Zen Archer) sur les morceaux plus longs. J'aime moins la seconde face, moins originale, plus répétitive. Il aurait dû s'arrêter à la première partie ... => 3/5
2/5
was sure glad when that ended
Wow
Interesting. 3.5 stars
Not for me
Pretty cool, definitely deserves another listen. Didn't really stick
Delightfully wacky
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?
A pretty stunning journey. It’s not something I would listen to over and over but definitely unique.
Shite
3.5/5
A weird album, a true oddity by Todd Rundgren.
Gets a bit goofy but rundgren has been really enjoyable on this album tour
Weird but enjoyable. I don’t think I have heard any of his music but I have definitely heard his name before
I guess not for me. This album really helps me appreciate focus. There are probably lots of great ideas in there but I am having a hard time recognizing a single one of them. I am left very unmoved and confused at the same time.
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.
Εντυπωσιακη παραγωγη. Τελειως διαφορετικα κομματια μεταξυ τους, καποια αριστουργηματα. Θα το ξανακουσω κιαλλες φορες για να χω ολοκληρωμενη αποψη Ακουγεται σιγουρα πολυ πιο μπροστα απτην εποχη του Rating: A-
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.
Not sure on this shite. Fucking druggies
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."
Dit was voor die tijd vast revolutionair, maar niet mijn stijl. Te cabaret-achtig. Veel gekke geluidjes, synths.
SO WEIRD! I like it.
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.
Very fun!!
Way cooler than I thought!
Todd Rundgren’s *A Wizard, A True Star* is often heralded as a landmark in electronic music and progressive rock. Known for pushing boundaries, Rundgren dives deep into sonic experimentation and complex arrangements in this 1973 album, which blends genres with a fearless, almost otherworldly approach. For experimental rock fans, *A Wizard, A True Star* is nothing short of a kaleidoscopic journey that bridges rock, soul, and synthesizer-laden psychedelia, full of quick transitions, bizarre soundscapes, and playful tonal shifts. While Rundgren’s innovation and technical prowess are unmistakable, the album's dizzying pace and eccentricity may not resonate with every listener. There’s a lot to admire in his bold choices; he skillfully layers sounds and injects unexpected twists throughout. However, this very ambition might be challenging for those who enjoy a more straightforward structure in their music. Tracks like “International Feel” and “When the Shit Hits the Fan/Sunset Blvd” showcase Rundgren’s fearless creativity but can also feel overwhelming, making it a bit hard to settle into any one groove. Ultimately, while *A Wizard, A True Star* may not be a personal favorite, Rundgren’s ingenuity and influence on electronic music are undeniable. His work here has clearly paved the way for countless artists who explore the fringes of genre and form, and even if it’s not quite for everyone, it's clear why Rundgren is celebrated as a pioneer.
This album..... Is fucked. Todd admits to having done a shit ton of psychadelics while recording this album, which makes sense. The album released no singles because Todd designed it as 19 songs that are each like 2 mins long and all run together. He didn't want to break the songs up. He wanted the whole album to be listened to instead of just singles. Because of this, and the fact that this album is so experimental, and a huge change from his previous album which I've reviewed on here already (Something/Anything?), this album did really poorly. I looked it up.... The album prior to this I gave a 4 to. It kinda sounded like the Eagles crossed with Jefferson Airplane. Good easy listening with hints of psychadelic rock. I even mention in my notes that after that album he got really into psychadelic aspects of music.... I'll fucking say he did. Man this album is weird. Not sure why some idiot decided to include this album on this list....I am nowhere near high enough for this. It isnt terrible, but it's super weird. This album is just the incoherent ramblings of a man too fucked up on psychadelics to know what the hell he is doing. Even the album cover screams DRUGS!!!!! This album does kind of come around after the song Does Anybody Love You?, but it is a bit too little too late. The song Is It My Name? has some hilariously fucked lyrics. Some examples include: "there is cause and effect There is a reason I'm so erect" "my voice goes so high you would think I was gay But I play my guitar in such a Man-cock way"....... Wtf does that mean, lol Favourite songs: Is It My Name?, Hungry For Love, Medley: I'm So Proud/Ooh Baby Baby/La La Means I Love You/Cool Jerk, Just One Victory Least favourite songs: Dogfight Giggle 2/5
Weird. Way weirder than I thought it was gonna be.
Pleasantly weird but actually quite forgettable
This album is pretty out there. I like Todd Rundgren but this is certainly not my favorite album of his.
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
It's just noise. A couple of the songs start out promising, but then halfway through they just devolve into noise again. A couple songs towards the end are somewhat better, but not enough to redeem this album. Best song: Just Another Onionhead
For someone whose production is so ahead of its time, this album just felt very dated. It felt like ELO, but trying too hard. The songs were short, but I am still scratching my head at that medley. It just felt so... odd to do. At least he has a sense of humor, considering some of the titles of the songs he had. It just... felt kinda meh. I was not overly impressed, yet he was the one who produced one of XTC's greatest albums. There were some decent songs, but just not enough to say "yeah, I have to listen to more of this." Top tracks: "International Fame," "Is It My Name," "Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel," "When the S**t Hits The Fan: Sunset Blvd"
Kind of surprised I didn't get his previous double album, for which he is most known for (other than Bang the Drum All Day) and on which he played all the instruments (on sides one-three). I'll bet that one is still coming. This album is...complicated. It's not terrible, but its defining feature is that it embraces its weirdness and instrumental or audio imperfections. So you have to be cool with all of that. Or love it. I am mostly indifferent. At times some big poppy sounds, at times some spastic je ne sais quoi.
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
Not my thing.
If this were made today, in 2024, you might say that it was AI generated. Its so random and disjointed and the cover looks like it was made by someone/something that doesnt understand the human form. Thats not a deal breaker, necessarily, but this album also happens to be boring and not good. 1/5
It was ok I suppose. Didn’t offend the ears too much, but didn’t connect with the brainium.
Weird. Not for me. Almost unlistenable.
Some very interesting sounds. It seems really underrated. Nice transitions between tracks. Some fun tracks and also some weird ones. A really interesting journey I was taken on. You Need Your Head Just Another Onionhead / Da Da Dali
#390. Four stars. No explanation. 4/5: I said I was not going to explain myself, Why are you still reading this? Song added to playlist: International Feel I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Let’s be honest, it was pretty much unlistenable the whole way through.
Another one I had never heard of, and pleasantly surprised. Difficult to describe the album, it is a sort of an eclectic mix of psychedelic/prog pop nonsense and surely ahead of its time. Not much to tap your feet to but far from dull.
Dogfight Giggle eh? But surely nobody else is laughing. Some of this was kind of just about ok (Sometimes I don’t Know… ), but 95% or so made my ears bleed, or at least made me want them to bleed so I can get a doctors note off the rest of it. One plus was that albums like this make me feel as if I could perhaps do it better, with my absolutely no musical talent. Maybe I could make the list?
Bloody hell, that was absolute torture in double album format (the worst kind of torture). The first half of the album was just pissing around with stock spacey noises but unfortunately he’d forgotten to write any actual songs/melodies etc to accompany that. Then realising his mistake, he backtracks and pulls out some really basic piano based songs and adds some more spacey noises on top while whooping occasionally. That part was also really shit. I think it got heavier at the end but every song was, did I mention tortuous, so I lost the will to live. I’m not even sure what that was supposed to be if I’m honest. I generally like an experimental album but there was nothing original in here, it seemed proggy but it had none of the nuance or style one can sometimes associate. So it just felt like a half rate song writer given far too much studio time to try some proggy/psych things he’s heard other people do better and just end up murdering the whole thing in the process. 170 albums in and that’s on a par with the Ubu as the worst album so far.
This is a poor advertisement for psychedelic drugs, gone from Yacht Rock master to unlistenable twaddle.
Ist mir zu psychedelisch!
Bit of a wacky one, this. Gotta say I enjoyed it though.
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.
These songs were short-by the time I was ready to skip it-it was over!
I like some todd Rundgren stuff, but this is a little too crazy, even for me. Interesting sounds, but not that enjoyable.
Well this one absolutely slaps
Lemppari: Sometimes I don't know what to feel Vähiten lemppari: Just another onion head
It’s sort of OK but not an album that I would buy
Very experimental and, I'm sure, very influential for its time. It's just that, for me, it's also very unlistenable. 2/5
# 344 : Loved the Cool album art straight away, Iconic in itself! They've done a pretty decent job, kind of cool, never heard this guy before and it made me sit up and take notice, but blends into like one long song. What is meant by "has since been recognized for its influence on later generations of bedroom musicians?..." All up a good record worth a second listen. Favourite track : Is It My Name
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)
It’s better than Something/Anything?, but that’s a really low bar. It does have some interesting moments, especially “International Feel” which sounds like it would fit right in on a Tame Impala album. But after that, the album generally trends downward with increasingly cacophonous vignettes followed by cheesy 70s soft rock/pop. I read that this album was produced after (during?) Rundgren’s experimentation with psychedelics, but it just seems like he wasn’t on the good stuff.
Rundgren and Zappa tried to out-weird each other in the 70’s. In my opinion, Frank came out on top, in terms of both talent and success. There are a few TR songs I do like, so I’ll go 2 here. That’s generous, as this album is most definitely rubbish.
This was a truly bizarre listening experience. Sometimes I felt like I was listening to a Tom Waits record, but with a completely opposite voice. Other times I just wanted the noise to end, and it was really hard to keep listening through some of the tracks. My dog even got up and left the room during one particularly punishing song and I really didn't blame him. The good songs were like seriously good, and I really liked them, but the bad ones were so bad, and the rest just kinda mediocre, so overall I didn't come away from the experience with a very positive feeling. Three stars.
This album is insane. I like it. 4/5
Masterful.
Wtf is this?
All the worst parts of Frank Zappa, Harry Nilsson, and Flaming Lips. But pretty cool.
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
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.
ooh interesting! i think my score could go up with further listens 3.5
Starts interest. Gets weird (You Need your Head). Dogfight Giggle... umm. This album is just some kind of weird experiment.
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
Un album un peu étrange qui n'est pas 100% dans mmon registre, mais dont j'admire le risque pris et l'avant-gardisme. À réessayer. 7/10
Psykedelisk rock, poppet, soulet, til tider ret lækkert
Quite wild. Amaze.
This album was all over the place. Super Manic in the beginning but then settled down. The soul medley was pretty cool. I like Zen Archer the most. There were pieces I liked, but in the end I found myself wishing it were over.
Horrible operetta prog pop. Respect the will to create, dislike the creation.
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
A worse Rufus Wainwright
Todd Rundgren reminds of of Trent Reznor. Completely different musical styles but primarily one man production machines; iconoclasts that just want to do what they want to do. There are a few very good songs here that demonstrate Rundgren's skill as a songwriter. There's also a bunch of stuff that's just a bit too esoteric for me. This isn't good enough to be a 3 or also not bad enough for a 2, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
Honestly the best word I can use to describe this is Zany. Todd Rundgren is one of a kind, even if I don’t love what he does.
This was irritatingly kooky for me. Like relentlessly quirky. I found it hard to handle and too long
This was quite cool I think. Although it came out in 1972 and felt quite 70s I thought some of it sounded quite modern and the production was great. Nothing excellent but definitely interesting. Also the album title is fantastic.
only heard 'i saw the light' by him on ozark the tv show, great song and scene btw his voice is great, found the second half better than the first one, last track is very good, but the first few songs were a bit too weird for me.
This guy is fucking weird. And only sorta in a cool way.
I don't know allot going on here it maybe needs a second listen but it was just weird and kinda long
Didn’t care for side 1, kinda weird composition; side 2 - pretty good.
¿Saben qué? Estaba listo para darle dos estrellas porque aquí no está Can't We Still Be Friends y porque el primer lado es muy caótico para mi gusto, pero en eso llega el lado B y junto con él un par de buenas canciones que de inmediato ingresaron en mi lista de lo mejor de los 70. No sé qué estaba fumando TR cuando compuso y grabó este disco, pero debe haber estado muy bueno.
Utterly mad. Fun, but not my fave.
Weird and very 70s but enjoyable all the way through
There were good moments. It was… interesting.
Someone did acid for the first time Creative Kinda a wild history to this one
I'm torn. I enjoy the freedom he's allowed himself but I didn't find that he ever found a groove.
Rodd Tundgren. I can tell right away that this was an influence on Jack White. This is a bit dynamic, isn't it?
This is all over the place! Psychedelic at times, experimental at others. Includes a foray into soul. No idea what to expect next. You Need Your Head into Rock & Roll Pussy were the closest moments to really loving this release, but they alone were just not enough.
too chaotic for me, not sure I'd even go to the trouble of taking acid to enjoy this. Credit for the musicianship but it does fell like a "look how well I can play everything" set rather than an album of songs. I'd rather listen to king gizzard & the lizard wizard for my eclectic prog rock experiences.
Well, it's special isn't it. Reminds me of Neil from the young ones. Definitely unique.
A lot was awful, some was ok. That’s about the best it got. I suppose it can be filed as an album that needs to be listened to under the influence of hallucinogenics to be enjoyed. I don’t so I won’t.
Nah man
Album 532 of 1001 Todd Rundgren - A Wizard, A True Star Rating : 3.5 / 5 Not my favorite from him, by far, but still a decent listen. I could probably listen again and give a little more attention to it.
Well, it gets some points for creativity and originality. I can’t say it was too boring or generic. Still, for the most part, I didn’t enjoy this too much; it just didn’t click, though there some bright spots. An interesting experience, at least.
Never listened to this album before. It was an interesting and eclectic mix of songs. Several of them I liked very much and some I did not. To be fair I gave it back-to-back listens. I liked it better the second time around, maybe a couple more times might raise its star count, for now, I'm going to say 3 stars.
He is neither a wizard nor a true star
I can imagine this being influential, but I found it a bit too difficult to listen to. Some stand out tracks and moments though. 3.5
Just weird. Where are the truly great albums?
i love hanging out in this guy's basement
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
Neat, not bad.
Back half of the album was better than the front. It was tolerable, but just. I don't think I'd listen to it again.
A Weirdo, A True Psycho This is some proper psychedelic nonsense it reminds me of ummagumma. Anyways what do I know I'm just another onionhead.
It’s like 70s tame Impala Did you know Todd Rundgren is one guy??? Did you know MGMT are from Brisbane??
Zen archer is pretty good, but fuck this cunt is ugly
Seems more like a haphazard collection of sounds, rather than actual music. I didn't hate, as I did the 1-star ratings I give out, but there wasn't anything to like either.
Just not my style. A poor man's David Bowie.
Bit odd, don’t think I finished tbh let’s say 3
It was a bit different and not in a good way
Drugs, lots of drugs.
I really struggled to decide what to rate this album but I settled with a 3 Words also cannot express how much I disliked Dogfight Giggle…
I tried to like it but just couldn’t
What a trip. Dig it.
Best Song: Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel. He's got a really great chorus here. I might like an album full of tracks like this. Worst Song: Dogfight Giggle. I don't care if this doesn't constitute a song, it doesn't belong on this album. It sounds like utter shit, it's a weird turn to take immediately after unique awful "Rock & Roll Pussy". Irredeemable. Overall: A strange album in that there are these occasional glimpses of decent pop-rock songs, but they're hidden under piles of weird, directionless blips of noise. Listening to this, I get the feeling that the artist had a particular idea of what they wanted to do with this album, but that I simultaneously have no idea what that idea might be.
No. To all over the place.
I love a couple of his songs, but this one just did not land for me.
While I can appreciate the work that was done here, there are big chunks of this that don’t do it for me. There are bits I really like, but not as much. You can definitely see the influence this had on other artists (Queen?). It’s creative and different, very well made. But the psychedelic bits are lost on me. This is probably fabulous on LSD. Sometimes I Don’t Know, Does Anybody Love and the Medley are very good. He’s gotta be a monster at a karaoke bar. 3/5
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.
I definitely enjoyed this one!
Lots of ups and downs with this one. I appreciate the experimentation and found a couple of the tracks downright exhilarating.
Wow another fun house of music! Crazy… wild… interesting… Some super short almost-jingles and some longer epics. Fantastic experimentation. Love it! Terrific!
77% Best: International Feel, Zen Archer, Just Another Onionhead/Da Da Dali, When the Shit Hits the Fan/Sunset Blvd., La Feel Internacional, Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel, Medley, Hungry for Love, Is It My Name?, Just One Victory Must-Hear? Side 2 yes, Side 1 no
Started off promising and fell off hard
Different one from another, rock vibe, a bit psychedelic and whimpsical.
a jam