I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic the past few days, and with that nostalgia an urge to revisit some recordings that I felt like I’ve almost forgotten about. I started this blog almost one year ago, and to be quite honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It’s like stepping onto a treadmill that doesn’t ever stop. I’ve been discovering music at a rate that boggles the mind at times, and as I’m introduced to great artists constantly, I feel like I’m starting to forget about some of the stuff that I was listening to previous to this venture. Maybe I’m just getting old, and am pining for the feelings associated with younger years. Whatever the case may be, I’ve decided to revisit some of these recordings and share them with you.

I start with Big Star.

I was introduced to Big Star years ago by a friend who faithfully believes that The Replacements are one of the best rock bands ever. I’m not one to argue that fact, as he just might be correct in that belief. Anyone who is a fan of The Replacements cannot ignore the existence of Big Star, as Paul Westerberg expresses his admiration of the band on several occasions, even writing an entire song about one of Big Star’s principal songwriters, Alex Chilton.

Named after a supermarket, the band started in 1971 with Chris Bell, Andy Hummel, and Jody Stephens. Alex Chilton would join the band soon after, sharing songwriting and singing duties in a collaborative style similar to Lennon and McCartney. By 1972 the band had released it’s first recording aptly named #1 Record, but label issues led to poor distribution and lackluster sales.

Soon after the release, Bell’s depression and disappointment in the lack of success led to his departure from the band, and the band itself disbanded for a short while. Big Star reunited without Bell, and released Radio City in 1974, once again failing to capture the commercial success they desired, although the recording received critical acclaim.

Big Star broke up once again in late 1974, saw the release of another recording Third, and have managed a few reunion shows here and there, but the success of the band lies in the memory of those who have come across the earlier recordings and the influence that they have had on some of today’s artists. Artists citing Big Star as a big influence include R.E.M., The Replacements, Primal Scream, The Posies, and Matthew Sweet, just to name a few. Their biggest commercial success would come compliments of the television sitcom That 70′s Show, which uses the re-recorded version of “In The Street” as it’s theme song, as well as featuring various other Big Star recordings in the show on occasion.

The crafty songs of youthful innocence, the simple pleasures, and the trials and tribulations of love remain timeless and effective 30 years later. The songs can be bluesy, they can be power pop, even somewhat psychedelic at times, but always distinctly Big Star.

MP3> Feel (#1 Record)

MP3> In The Street (#1 Record)

MP3> Thirteen (#1 Record)

MP3> You Get What You Deserve (Radio City)

MP3> I’m In Love With A Girl (Radio City)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 at 1:04 pm and is filed under mp3's, not quite forgotten, recommended.