#5 Big Star


If Memphis' Big Star weren't plagued by one terrible set of label/management/etc. circumstances after another, which basically buried each of their three records from the public, I truly believe that they could've been the greatest rock n' roll band to ever come out of the US. I mean, even given the awful circumstances that they faced, at least to my ears, they're right up there. And had they been delivered a few breaks, Alex and Chris would be regularly thrown around alongside John and Paul, Mick and Keith, and hell, for purposes of this list, Jay and Jeff. But that's not at all what happened. Even with the current always flowing the wrong way, thanks to a cult following that seems to balloon each year, and countless musicians who point to Big Star as not just an influence, but possibly their greatest influence, the band has only grown in popularity over the decades. Three records from 1972-1975 and that's it. The last of the trio, Third, which is easily falls within my top 5 records of all-time, almost never saw release, period.

 If you're not familiar with this band, I can not recommend them enough. They're considered the founders of "power pop," but they're so, so much more. Some of the most dense and soulful music I've ever heard. And then there's the simple beauty of a song like "Thirteen," which has been covered by  a long list of the best songwriters of the past few decades. Alex, Chris, Jody and Andy are my John, Paul, George and Ringo, and with even a sliver of good fortune, they may have been yours, too.

 Cover of "Thirteen," quite possibly the most beautiful song ever written:


Jody taking lead vocals:


 Favorite Record: Third (1975)

 Where are they now? The core broke up not long after Third was released. Co-founder Chris Bell died in a car crash in 1978, at the age of 27. Alex Chilton and Andy Hummel died three months apart in 2010. The only surviving member, Jody Stephens, carries on Big Star's legacy and has performed with a wide range of musicians including Jeff Tweedy, Gary Louris, Auer/Stringfellow and countless others. He also helps run the historic Ardent Studios in Memphis.

Comments

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