Big Star – #1 Record / Radio City (1992)

Tracklist

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.

1. (00:03:33) Big Star - Feel
2. (00:04:20) Big Star - The Ballad of El Goodo
3. (00:02:55) Big Star - In the Street
4. (00:02:34) Big Star - Thirteen
5. (00:03:08) Big Star - Don't Lie to Me
6. (00:02:21) Big Star - The India Song
7. (00:03:24) Big Star - When My Baby's Beside Me
8. (00:03:07) Big Star - My Life Is Right
9. (00:03:27) Big Star - Give Me Another Chance
10. (00:03:32) Big Star - Try Again
11. (00:03:44) Big Star - Watch the Sunrise
12. (00:00:57) Big Star - ST 100-6
13. (00:03:00) Big Star - In the Street (single mix)
14. (00:05:38) Big Star - O My Soul
15. (00:03:18) Big Star - Life Is White
16. (00:02:51) Big Star - Way Out West
17. (00:02:41) Big Star - What's Going Ahn
18. (00:03:08) Big Star - You Get What You Deserve
19. (00:02:46) Big Star - Mod Lang
20. (00:02:46) Big Star - Back of a Car
21. (00:03:49) Big Star - Daisy Glaze
22. (00:03:13) Big Star - She's a Mover
23. (00:02:48) Big Star - September Gurls
24. (00:01:28) Big Star - Morpha Too
25. (00:01:47) Big Star - I'm in Love with a Girl
26. (00:02:51) Big Star - O My Soul (single mix)