Big Star

Big Star: Live-r Than They Ever Were

by Doug Collette
February 2, 2019

In recent years, the cult of personality surrounding power-pop pioneers Big Star has reached near-obsessive levels. Between band reissues large and small, tribute concerts and archiving of the solo work of its principals, Alex Chilton and the late Chris Bell, the devotion of the fan base has isn't likely to subside anytime soon either, so it's only natural that additional archiving work continues apace. Yet it would be a shame if these two live releases were lost in the shuffle: ...

Big Star: The Best of Big Star

by Doug Collette
July 16, 2017

The Best of Big Star might be the ideal introduction to the greatest 'never was but shoulda been' band of all time. Not nearly so extensive or lavishly packaged as Keep An Eye on the Sky (Rhino, 2009) or Third Complete (Omnivore, 2016), the quick succession of sixteen tracks, a half-dozen of which are rare single edits of album tracks, presents Big Star not only as a great band of players, but ingenious songwriters and recording artists willing to experiment ...

Big Star: Complete Third

by Doug Collette
October 15, 2016

In perusing the credits of the Big Star's Complete Third box set, it may be puzzling to notice only the names of original members guitarist/vocalist/composer Alex Chilton and drummer Jody Stephens, plus, almost as prominently, producer of the Ardent Studios Memphis sessions, Jim Dickinson. And the notation of baroque strings and horns may well seem contrary, at least at first, to the Beatles/Byrds influences ( as self-conscious as they sometimes sounded) duly noted by esteemed rock writer and music lover ...

Big Star Soundtrack to Film Documentary Released on Omnivore Recordings

Source: Chris M. Slawecki
July 4, 2013

The story of Big Star will finally hit the big screen in the feature-length documentary Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me (Magnolia Pictures). After years in the making, the movie comes to theaters, On Demand and iTunes on July 3. On June 25, Omnivore Recordings released the soundtrack to the film featuring 22 tracks, all of which are unissued versions of classic Big Star songs. The soundtrack will be available on CD, double-LP in a gatefold sleeve with a download ...
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Big Star Box Set

Source: JamBase
June 5, 2009

BIG STAR SHINES: Rhino Salutes Group With A Four-Disc Boxed Set Available From Rhino September 15

Big Star inspired a fevered allegiance among fans of power pop, giving rise to a cult of believers who spent decades spreading the gospel. Their enthusiasm turned this obscure Memphis pop band - one that got little airplay, sold few records, and only played a handful of times - into a remarkable rock and roll resurrection story. Big Star's trek from obscure ...
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Big Star's "#1 Record" and "Radio City" Reissued on CD by Ardent/Stax

Source: conqueroo
May 8, 2009

Original two albums also reissued on two separate vinyl LPs

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Big Star released two albums in the early ‘70s, neither of which set sales records. Yet in the 35 years that have ensued, artists like R.E.M., Wilco, The Replacements, Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey, The Bangles and Steve Wynn have enthusiastically acknowledged the band’s influence. On June 16, Ardent/Stax Records through Concord Music Group will reissue Big Star’s #1 Record (1972) and ...
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