Big Star #1 Record Alex Chilton/Chris. Bell NEAR MINT

$

51

Brilliant debut from this far underrated band!

The quintessential American power pop band, Big Star remains one of the most mythic and influential cult acts in all of rock & roll. Originally led by the singing and songwriting duo of Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, the Memphis-based group fused the strongest elements of the British Invasion era — the melodic invention of the Beatles, the whiplash guitars of the Who, and the radiant harmonies of the Byrds — into a ramshackle but poignantly beautiful sound which recaptured the spirit of pop's past even as it pointed the way toward the music's future. 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, and their impact on subsequent generations of indie bands on both sides of the Atlantic is surpassed only by that of the Velvet Underground. Despite solid critical notice and some radio airplay, their brilliant 1972 debut, #1 Record, nevertheless fell prey to the distribution problems of the newly-formed Ardent label's parent company Stax — more often than not, the album simply never made its way to retailers. Countless alternative rock bands — R.E.M., the Replacements, the dB's, and Teenage Fanclub, to name just four — cited the band's enormous influence in the years to follow.

Ardent ADS-2803

Cover is near mint! Excellent corners.. no splits.. no scuff.. no bullets or cut outs.. beautiful shape!

Vinyl is glossy and near mint! Shrink was removed and never played!

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In the early '70s, I bought 20-30 albums at a time... only to ever listen to maybe five. Most of my auctions are those OTHER albums that never had a needle touch it!

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• Rock

• Power Pop
• Pop/Rock
• Proto-Punk

Guitar, Vocals

Christopher Bell                        Guitars, Vocals

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 and 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.

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**FREE SHIPPING TO CONTINENTAL U.S.**

Ultra fast shipping! Check my feedback!

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This is one of many from my own personal collection for sale. All LP's have been VERY well maintained over the years.

I check mail often. PLEASE write with any questions at all.

I use brand new quality record mailers and LP will be bubble wrapped to ensure secure shipping. Discount shipping for multiple items. Thank you! 

Please check out my other offers! http://cgi6.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=shotbus&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50

Thanks for looking!

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Coming soon:

Very RARE Nik Raicevic 'Head' Buddah BDS5062  NEAR MINT!

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Very Rare Nik Raicevic 'Beyond the End' Narco NR102   NEAR MINT!

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Giant Crab A Giant Crab Comes Forth         Uni-73037   VG+/VG+!

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