A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren

3.5 - I was intrigued by the narrative of “70’s easy rock star tries LSD and starts making trippy music” given how underwhelming I found “Something/Anything.” I was really hoping to love this record. And it does start off strong, with an even mix of strange experimentation and pop songs that hit out of left field. In fact the first half is all quite interesting and inspired, from “International Feel” to the strange sonics of “Dogfight Giggle” to the trippy instrumentals on “Flamingos.” I hear whiffs of Pink Floyd throughout. But right around “Just Another Onionhead…” the pace and tone turn shriek-y and manic. The nadir for me is probably the atrocious 10-minute “Medley” and from there, it’s all fairly forgettable.

3