Big Star Small World, Big Star
Australia’s Paul Kelly has a classic lyric that, although written about himself, perfectly captures the story of Big Star: “I’m a legend, not a star.” After his stint with the Box Tops (“The Letter”), Alex Chilton joined a group of Memphis musicians to form Big Star.
Cited as an early influence by bands such as REM, Big Star crafted some incredible power pop with a touch of soul. The band’s “Ballad of El Goodo,” a personal favorite, is a beautiful melancholy ballad.
The Subway Recordings, Susan Cagle
Cagle honed her sound playing the New York subway over the past five years. Her debut, recorded live in the Times Square and Grand Central subway stations, is a delightful gem filled with buoyant pop. For more on Cagle, check out the Twangville preview.
Other notable releases this week include: Johnny Cash’s Personal File, Harry Nilsson’s Everybody’s Talkin’: The Very Best of Harry Nilsson, and Mission of Burma’s The Obliterati.
