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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Full-Blown Masterpiece!, November 1, 2002
Nevermind the critics - this album is a masterpiece from beginning to end, with not a single, solitary weak track to be found. 1975's _Initiation_ is an album filled with diversity, taste, scorching passion and excellent craftsmanship, not to mention risk-taking. Another remarkable thing about Todd Rundgren's music was the amazing complexity in arrangements, but yet you probably wouldn't recognize the music as such, because the songs themselves are so catchy, melodic and memorable, and this was something evident even from the beginning.
First off, a description of Todd Rundgren's music (for those who are unfamiliar with his work). Todd Rundgren was a progressive rock giant back in the 1970's. However, many people may not realize this for two reasons: (1). He started out as a pop/rock singer-songwriter. It was after gaining large popularity (with his pop-jugged album _Something/Anything?_) when he decided to dive off into the deep end, and heed more fully to his experimental musings (although there were hints early on.)
So, what does Todd Rundgren's music sound like? Imagine the souls of Frank Zappa, Carole King and select members of the Classic Motown-era (The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder) creating a musically-inclined child. It's another way of saying Rundgren's music combines the manic, humorous and irreverent style of Zappa, the reflective, poignant balladry of Carole King, and the classic psychedelic/r&b-soul of The Temptations all blended into one--added with his own unique and inventive hard rock twists (which are very difficult to describe).
With that said, I shall now talk about the content found on _Initiation_, a mostly spirituality-themed album (evidenced by the anatomy seen on the cover art) that manages to be intelligent, poignant, quirky, thoughtful, playful and futuristic without coming off as pompous or domineering. "Real Man" is probably the best example of this: A catchy, melodic pop/R&B tune with lyrics oriented toward spirituality, without being too stern, and having a sense of play. "Born To Synthesize" is an all-vocal experimentation. "The Death Of Rock And Roll" is pure, energetic, blistering hard rock, and Todd roars his head off, not to mention him playing some of the most nifty guitar licks you'd ever hear. Also, pay attention to the lyrics here. "Eastern Intrigue" is a bizarre mixture of lyrical exotica, quirky vocal harmonies and poignant musical balladry, not to mention some of the most complex jazz-based harmony you'd find. "Initiation" (title track) is an ethereally synthesized hard rock tune, featuring some '70's disco-like backdrops, but not overbearingly or annoyingly so. Soaring harmonies, soundscapes, and some scorching guitar and synthesizer lines featured in the middle. It reminds one slighty of Yes. "Fair Warning" is a slow and droning ballad featuring touches of gospel. Again, intelligent musicianship, touching lyrics, and even amongst Todd's soulful crooning (near the end), you get some passionate saxophone soloing from one named Edgar Winter, and it's all topped off with a touching reprise of "Real Man," which highlights Motown's influence on Todd more strongly than the full version.
"A Treatise On Cosmic Fire" (yes, the big one) is the closer of the album. As an instrumental clocking in at 36 minutes, this is not for the faint of heart, as it's ultra-intense, galvanizing, futuristic, electrifying, extreme, galactic, and hypnotic. It's one track, but spread across tracks 7-10. Largely spatial, experimental and atmospheric, there are some pretty strange and inventive atmospheres on here. It's mostly synthesized and produces such inventiveness like electro-funk, electro-symphonic/orchestral rock, computerized rock, electronica, techno and more. It starts off with electro-funk backdrops, fronted by some Hendrix-like (spacy) solos. It eventually progresses to atmospherical and ethereal ambience. Later, you get some arena rock/video game-like bits, Christmas-like musical pyrotechnics and warped, fiery, intense, violent industrial/electronica that sounds very much like super-proto Nine Inch Nails (or Ministry). It's hard to believe this came out in 1975, mainly because it does not sound dated at all. This stuff is very intense and electric (I feel like I'm being electrocuted when I hear this). You get more relaxed ambience before the main theme returns to finish out the epic.
No matter what anyone says, Todd was a brilliant musician beyond belief, and it's a shame that he doesn't often get the credit he deserves, but I'm sure his fans already know the deal, so it's all gravy. In my mind, Todd made a long string of brilliant albums throughout the 70s (and a couple of Utopia albums are included as well), but this one ranks as my favorite from him. A masterpiece.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Sounds Beyond Ears", indeed! A masterpiece!!, January 6, 2005
I bought this LP in 1975 after hearing "Real Man" on the radio, and proceeded to be blown away (as was the case with all of Todd's albums during that time). It was my professed "favorite album" for many years to come. Side One was the expected collection of superbly crafted tunes (especially "Fair Warning", perhaps my favorite Todd tune). But what intrigued and hooked me even more from the start was Side Two's "A Treatise On Cosmic Fire", which was, and remains, a jawdroppingly masterful work of musical expression. Perhaps by today's standards the electronic gadgetry used sounds a bit cheesy, but back then it was an aural experience unlike any other. And that music! Absolutely beautiful. And rocking. And funny. And mesmerizing. But most of all, just plain ingenious. As another reviewer suggested, this album should be in the "progressive music" hall of fame, along with Todd's first Utopia album of 1974.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
my fave, July 7, 2006
of all the records he's done and the myriad of styles, this is the one that sits atop the pile for me.
why? because it combines in the smoothest way possible the varying aspects of this multi dimensional artist named todd. first, the warbly leadoff single real man deals with issues never before addressed in pop song format. the sound is otherworldly on this whole album and thats another reason it is the best of all. the single has the most haunting deep synth sound i have ever heard and i dare anyone to find another sound like the keyboard sound on this studio verison. its otherworldly.
second, the naked born to synthesize holds up well as a showcase for the effects on todds voice..you can feel the blood running through his veins on this one..into the shimmering death of rock and roll-i was always dissappointed sultan sang this live with utopia but always glad to hear it..the solos here eat your face alive..rock is dead! long live rock! breathtaking around the corners.....
then comes the duo of tunes that stood as singnificant meat nightly in the peak years of utopia..eastern intrigue creates the amazing sounds of incense wafting in the air, sound of an appearing horizon at dawn..again, with the voices and their chants doing amazing things with changing effects on each successive verse..another production and artisitic acheivement never to be matched by another..
then comes the apex of side 1, the title track..where the sonics have been fine tuned to a light string touch over a chugging rhythm section of 2 drummers.the sound on all these tracks is so innovative, there are so records that use the same sounds as todd did here..this title track is a great example...the sound comes in along the edges and is not in anyway standard sounds..todd took a lot of time to perfect these sounds and thats what sets this album further apart from the pack...the solos by roger powell, david sanborn and todd just elevate the heads of all outward.
.then the deep deep soul closer, fair warning actually brought a tear upon first listen when it was released. ill never forget the look on everyones face as the tune tumbled out of the speakers for the first time-we were convinced it was over after this album at time..maybe we were too stoned, i dont know.but i was glad when the next one appeared (faithful). we knew then the mesaage was "find your own way" rather than "its over..."
but side two was where the hardy souls were separated from the sheep...it is a sonic side long experiment that again has no parallels. yes, the krautrock groups and free jazzers have endless freak out whole side stuff, but thats not what this is. many who didnt listen to it were lost..in fact the song death of rock and roll kinda sets it up for you. your only limtation is your own mind and many people checked themselves out of the game upon hearing the synths enter..figuring it to be another shaft goes to outer space..its is not...it is a masterful well planned thematically unified art (of todd and roger) on par with any experimental electronic piece ever written by anyone. anyone. without going into the details, i would urge everyone..even those who say they dont like it already to sit down and play it all the way through. if you make it that far, i know you wont hate it..you may not get it the first play but try again...there are such revelations great music and ideas contained conveyed and compressed in these grooves...made for out of body or deep meditation..this will take you places no music has ever done before and im not saying that from a naive point of view..ive heard a lot of things down the same road and there's nothing that touches this.
todd had a lot to say here and said it all without uttering a word. an artist at the peak of his powers unbound by convention both of structure and sound. every time you hear this record it will amaze you. every time. all you have to do is listen. i dont mean talk through it, i mean really listen. it will change your head for good.
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~ Todd Rundgren
~ Todd Rundgren
~ Todd Rundgren
~ Todd Rundgren
~ Todd Rundgren
by Todd Rundgren 
