Friday September 10, 2021 “13“ Big Star (Chris Bell)
As we continue to look at the “27 club” membership this may feel like a minor reference since Big Star never achieved the prominence that maybe they should have but they are one of the most critically acclaimed indie bands and frequently referenced as being strong influences by everyone from R.E.M. to Pearl Jam.
Although creative tensions, haphazard distribution, and marketplace indifference conspired to ensure Big Star's brief existence and commercial failure, the group's three studio albums nevertheless remain unqualified classics. Founded by Alex Cilton, former lead singer of the successful 60s group the Box Tops and Chris Bell who had been in a band with Chilton prior to the Box Tops when they were both in high school.
Those creative tensions, and they were significant and physical, would eventually drive Chris Bell from Big Star after which he put together what was critically referred to as ‘a spectacular solo single’, "I Am the Cosmos," receiving official release just prior to his untimely death in 1978. You can check it out here.
Today’s song is “13” from Big Star’s debut album/CD #1 Record. The song was called "one of rock's most beautiful celebrations of adolescence" by Rolling Stone.
Chris Bell died December 27, 1978 age 27.