I think you're absolutely correct. This album depends greatly on context. It's where Alex Chilton comes apart. Hit record status at 16 with the Box Tops, followed by some of the greatest powerpop ever written on the first two Big Star albums. His work is brilliant on those two records. I mean, it doesn't get much better that "Thirteen," which has an amazingly sensitive Chilton vocal. Then, it all comes apart. Right here, in front of the listener's ears, so to speak. And Chilton never put it back together again, despite some isolated fine performances from his solo career. This is sonic psychodrama. But I think it is hard to really get that from the album heard our of conext.
Incidentally, your review starts somewhat negatively, and then becomes more positive as it goes along. That's what this album induces --- profound ambivalence.
Comments 6
Reply
Reply
mark s once said on ILM that big star were no better/worse than wishbone ash so maybe you cld review some wishbone ash albs next
Reply
Incidentally, your review starts somewhat negatively, and then becomes more positive as it goes along. That's what this album induces --- profound ambivalence.
Reply
Reply
"magic time" you say.
whatever.
Reply
Leave a comment