Todd Rundgren - A Wizard, A True Star

This is such a charming collection of pop seen through the lens of one of the 70's most vital wizards.  Not only is Todd a stellar producer and a formidable musician who can play anything, but he manages to be so honest and abstract at the same time.  His songs are written with the listener in mind; ornate arrangements and fantastical stories.  While his contemporaries were exploring the more sinful qualities of rock n roll, Rundgren was more interested in the cartoonish aspects, while still adhering to artistic integrity.  A Wizard, A True Star is like 20 songs, some only a minute long.  There is such a wide range extending beyond Rundgren's typical piano pop.  This is all synth baby, and piano too, and a series of woodwinds, and I'm pretty sure an accordion.  This is one of those albums that must have been so fun to make in the studio.  International Feeeeeeel! I love this album, it's smart, witty, catchy, and loaded with sound collages. It's a bit child-like, curious sort of.  As if recorded in a bedroom surrounded by childhood toys, Rundgren's music looks ahead towards the future, while never fully breaking away from the past.