A Wizard / A True Star by Tod Rundgren. (Bearsville cat# BR 2133)
This album was released in 1973 on the innocuous label Bearsville and was the first album after Rundgren’s triumphant (and my favorite) Something / Anything album which as we all know had a fair amount of commercial success. Following that success a couple of things occurred that led to the compilation we’re discussing today.
First, with the money rolling in from Something / Anything, Rundgren felt liberated enough to be more creative and less commercial.
Second, our friend Todd began experimenting with hallucinations and hence the “Wizard” side of this disc.
Although slightly tedious at times, the 12 cuts (that’s right, 12) on the Wizard side jerk you around from fuzzy reality to true genius. This is a compilation to close your eyes to as you climb aboard a magic carpet and take a really wild ride. My favorite cut on this side is (excuse the language just reading the label) “When the Shit Hits the Fan; Sunset Blvd.” The only song in this side that could survive as a stand alone with a great melody and vocals by Rundgren; which weirdly, for me, sounds like Fred Schneider of the B-52’s.
… after listening to this one, I just couldn’t turn loose and bought it.
Now for the True Star side. Although much more traditional it, too, is quirky.
First of all it comes with a traditional Rundgren sound. Especially with the cut “Sometimes I Don’t Know What I Feel”. Oddly, and a bit self indulgently, he then goes into a 10 minute medley of his favorite soul songs, displaying the depth and range of his voice.
The hidden gem on this one is “I Don’t Want to Tie You Down,” which is a beautiful love song accented by the falsetto range of Rundgren’s voice. The cool song I found is “Is It My Name,” which has rock anthem overtones.
This is a “must have” in my mind due to its eclectic musical combination and, oh yeah, an amazing album cover.
Now for the bad news, dear readers: after listening to this one, I just couldn’t turn loose and bought it. Apologies. But if it comes through Dorene’s store again snag it you’ll be glad you did.