Hailing from Memphis, Big Star was another one of those bands who seemed to make barely a ripple of a splash at the time, but years later had people falling over themselves in appreciation. In this case, the appreciation is warranted.In many ways, the hopefully titled #1 Record is the template for what is considered power pop. At a time when Beatlesque songwriting was considered passé, it was left to a few standard bearers raised on the British Invasion to keep it going.
While the first name associated with the band is Alex Chilton, previously known as the gravel-voiced kid in the Box Tops singing “The Letter”, equal if not greater credit should go to Chris Bell, who started the band and wrote a chunk of the songs. (Most every tune is credited “Bell/Chilton”, a la Lennon/McCartney.) His is the first voice we hear, on the edgy yet arena-ready “Feel”. His voice drives “In The Street”, best known in its permutation as the theme from That ‘70s Show, and the equally rocking “Don’t Lie To Me” is just plain fun to yell along to. “My Life Is Right” was written with an earlier collaborator named Tom Eubanks, boosted by some wonderful rolls and fills from drummer Jody Stephens. “Try Again” is a nearly spiritual plea, while “ST 100/6” is a brief if mysterious closer.
Alternated with these throughout are Chilton’s contributions, all just as strong, and surprisingly gentler. “The Ballad Of El Goodo” is another statement of purpose, and provides a balance of sound early on, as does the super-sweet, uncanny ode to being “Thirteen”. “When My Baby’s Beside Me” turns it up for that wonderful anachronistic balance of ‘60s and ‘70s, while “Watch The Sunrise” and “Give Me Another Chance” deliver smart counterparts to Bell’s yearning, the latter complete with Mellotron. The smirk of bassist Andy Hummel’s “The India Song” is stuck right in the middle of the album, and provides a more irreverent nod to their influences.
The descriptions above notwithstanding, #1 Record is expertly sequenced, with production rich with layered guitars both acoustic and electric, plus harmonies galore. They had every right to be proud of it, and would be understandably disappointed when it didn’t sell by the bucketful—Chris Bell particularly.
Big Star #1 Record (1972)—4½
I completely agree with you on greatness of Big Star. I recall reading about them in the Rolling Stone Encyclopedia and it saying they combined the sound of the Beatles, The Who, and The Byrds - I was thinking I have to get their albums! I still never get tired of listening to them, and am saddened they never had a chance to hit the big time. A few years ago my sister was at a Wilco concert in Memphis and Jody Stephens joined them for a few songs, she asked me if ever heard of some band called Big Star? I was mad I missed it! Stephens was part of a great 90s band called Golden Smog, you might be familar with their albums - always enjoy your reviews.
ReplyDeleteJody made it to a few albums in the mid-'90s; Matthew Sweet was another guy who used him. At the time I thought these young bands were just trying to be hip, but the truth is, he's an excellent drummer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the note! Please keep checking in!