Sometimes when I play albums, I like to just get lost in the times and the music. Big Star does that every time for me, beautiful work all around. This is an album , that has stood the test of time. And…Alex Chilton was a rock star way ahead of his time…
from AllMusic.com….
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.
All songs by Chris Bell and Alex Chilton, except where noted.
- Side one
- “Feel” – 3:34 Lead Chris
- “The Ballad of El Goodo” – 4:21 Lead Alex
- “In The Street” – 2:55 Lead Chris
- “Thirteen” – 2:34 Lead Alex
- “Don’t Lie To Me” – 3:07 Lead Chris
- “The India Song” (Andy Hummel) – 2:20 Lead Andy
- Side two
- “When My Baby’s Beside Me” – 3:22 Lead Alex
- “My Life Is Right” – 3:07 Lead Chris
- “Give Me Another Chance” – 3:26 Lead Alex
- “Try Again” – 3:31 Lead Chris
- “Watch The Sunrise” – 3:45 Lead Alex & Chris
- “ST 100/6” – 1:01 Lead Chris & Alex
