Big Star:

#1 Record: (1972)

Radio City: (1974)

If you know these records, you love these records. Big Star is one of those bands, like the Velvet Underground, that may not have sold many albums, but everyone who bought one either started or drew their influence into their existing band. It's hard for me to believe these weren't hit records. It's always extremely interesting when a band can tap into making music that's new, but feels familiar. Not in a derivative way, but more in a "I don't know this song, but I feel like I have know it in a past life" kind of way. That's the feeling I got the first time I heard Big Star. I arrived at the Big Star party late, and even when I did it was through the Replacements' invitations on Pleased To Meet Me with songs like, Alex Chilton. These two albums don't feel like two different albums, but rather, a continuation of a conversation with a friend.