Big Star being inarguably one of the most remarkable acts of the 1970s, it's not all that surprising then that their saga is almost equally riveting. Musical brilliance, madness, substance abuse, suicide, not to mention a total and undeserved lack of commercial success - it has it all, and is told in fascinating detail in Rob Jovanovic's book "Big Star - The Story of Rock's Forgotten Band".
Also well worth checking out is the recent, award-winning documentary "Nothing Can Hurt Me".
But apart from all that, it is the music that counts. During their all-too-short early to mid '70s heyday Big Star produced a trio of LP's, from "#1 Record" (1972) and "Radio City" (1973) to the flawed ramshackle of a masterpiece that is "Third/Sister Lovers" (Recorded during 1974/5 - released in 1978) - a "SMiLE" for the '70s - the music is, quite simply put, achingly beautiful and tortured. Big Star is the ultimate cult band.
It's been four years since founding members Andy Hummel and Alex Chilton left this world. It's been thirty six since Chris Bell did. Only drummer Jody Stephens is still around. Nonetheless, the legend of Big Star just continues to grow, and with a bloody good reason...
Big Star, recommended listening:
"Keep an Eye on the Sky" (4CD Box) (2009, Ardent/Rhino)
Big Star, recommended reading:
"Big Star - The Story of Rock's Forgotten Band" by Rob Jovanovic (Revised & updated edition, 2013 Outline Press/Jawbone Press - although the innumerable typo's are a pain in the rear).
Big Star, recommended viewing:
"Big Star - Nothing Can Hurt Me" (2012, September Films/Ardent)
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