#1 Record Review by William Ruhlmann.
The problem with coming in late on an artwork lauded as "influential" is that you've probably encountered the work it influenced first, so its truly innovative qualities are lost. Thus, if you are hearing Big Star's debut album for the first time decades after its release (as, inevitably, most people must), you may be reminded of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers or R.E.M., who came after -- that is, if you don't think of the Byrds and the Beatles circa 1965. What was remarkable about #1 Record in 1972 was that nobody except Big Star (and maybe Badfinger and the Raspberries) wanted to sound like this -- simple, light pop with sweet harmonies and jangly guitars. Since then, dozens of bands have rediscovered those pleasures. But in a way, that's an advantage because, whatever freshness is lost across the years, Big Star's craft is only confirmed. These are sturdy songs, feelingly performed, and once you get beyond the style to the content, you'll still be impressed.
Tracklist:
01. Big Star - Feel
02. Big Star - Ballad of El Goodo
03. Big Star - In the Street
04. Big Star - Thirteen
05. Big Star - Don't Lie To Me
06. Big Star - India Song
07. Big Star - When My Baby's Beside Me
08. Big Star - My Life is Right
09. Big Star - Give Me Another Chance
10. Big Star - Try Again
11. Big Star - Watch the Sunrise
12. Big Star - St 100/6
13. Big Star - In The Street
Muy agradecido amigo. Saludos afectuosos.
ReplyDeleteI was just reading about this album in the Stax singles 4 liner notes.. I believe they were Stax's attempt at branching out into rock.. although unfortunately it came at the time where Stax was beginning to have big have problems ( and eventually led to the label folding, and declaring bankruptcy, 3 years later) , so without promotion and stations playing it it sank without a trace. And getting Black radio stations to play a white rock band in the middle of the "Black Power" decade was definitely a tough call.. like.impossible!
ReplyDeleteI heard a couple of tracks so am interested what the rest sound like. Thanks Cor!!