To create a fairly random display with any number of LEDs, two binary counters driven by two non-harmonicly related oscillators with and gates inputs fed by outputs from each of the two counters. the and gates can feed CD4049s as low-side drivers for the LEDs. No expensive complicated shift registers and the blink rates will be different for most of the LEDs. You van use CD4060 counters that include the oscillators, if you can get their oscillators to work.

Cool. Would you have a schematic I could breadboard up? Love to try it

 

You can use CD4060 counters that include the oscillators, if you can get their oscillators to work.

I've never had a problem getting 4060s to oscillate. Is it the RC or the crystal that you've had trouble with?

 

Google is your friend tons out their, if you have the 4000 CMOS chips around. Start with this and just shuffle location of LED 0-9's order to you liking.

About as simple as you can get 2 chips , unless you use a microcontroller.

Put a variable resitter in place on 555 so you can control the speed as you play.

--->representation of an old style compute and is Digital circuit.
Bread Board and look and adjust . it a great starting place.
*NOTE* Does not have to be a bargraph or 6v.

 

I've never had a problem getting 4060s to oscillate. Is it the RC or the crystal that you've had trouble with?

It has been a problem with crystal oscillators, often the 3.579545 variety. but also the 4.096 Mhz variety, I have not tried the RC versions because my applications demanded very specific frequencies.
Good Luck.