Song of the Day: 'When My Baby's Beside Me' by Big Star

 

Wow, I'd love to go to this. 

Annette Zilinskas of the Bangles writes:

Come to the Alex Theatre on Saturday Nov 5th -- to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of the classic album Big Star #1 Record, concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation and Big Star founder Jody Stephens will present a live performance of this legendary LP, performed in its entirety and in order by Jody Stephen’s all-star ensemble. I'll be playing harmonica with Lemon Twigs. It's going to Big Fun and for a very worthy cause.

Anyone on the Left Coast attending?

Song of the Day: 'Thirteen' by Big Star

Rolling Stone described Big Star's "Thirteen" as "one of rock's most beautiful celebrations of adolescence," and ranked it #406 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. It was written by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell and appeared on the band's debut album, the ironically titled "#1 Record," which bombed when it came out in 1972 yet would ultimately become one of the most influential albums of all time. Buffalo Tom singer/songwriter Bill Janovitz wrote in his AllMusic review, "There are few songs that capture the aching innocence of adolescence as well" and calls it a "perfect melancholy ballad." And that might be underselling it. "#1 Record' recently ranked at No. 474 on Rolling Stones revamped list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. 

American Songwriter digs deeper HERE.

P.S. The sublime documentary "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" (2013) is streaming on Amazon Video now.

Song of the Day: 'Thank You Friends' by Big Star

Hope you're surrounded by friends and family on this special day -- I know I'm thankful I am. I happened to find an especially fitting #ThrowbackThursday pic for today, of my cute mother cutting pies on Thanksgiving 1989 at my childhood home in Mesa, Ariz., -- when she was the exact am I am now. (Feels strange, 'cause I remember that day like it was yesterday.) I'm glad you can't see me now, because an old photo of Mom is all it takes to get the waterworks flowing. xo

Song of the Day: 'The Ballad of El Goodo' by Big Star

They don't make 'em like Alex Chilton anymore.

RIP, Alex Chilton

In memory of the great Alex Chilton, the gifted singer/songwriter of Box Tops and Big Star fame who died Wednesday at 59, I give you "When My Baby's Beside Me" from Big Star's classic debut, "#1 Record." Plus a great NPR piece on the band with "the worst luck in history." Read Chilton's NY Times obit HERE.