Radio City (album)
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- For other uses, see Radio City
| Radio City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Missing image Radio_city_cover.jpg Image:radio_city_cover.jpg | ||
| Vinyl Album by Big Star | ||
| Released | 1974 | |
| Recorded | 1973 | |
| Genre | rock | |
| Length | 36 min 14 s | |
| Record label | Ardent Records | |
| Producer | John Fry and Big Star | |
| Professional reviews | ||
| Allmusic.com review | 4.5 stars out of 5 | link (http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDMISS70404112128090409&sql=A6s620r6ac48b) |
| Big Star Chronology | ||
| #1 Record (1972) | Radio City (1974) | Third/Sister Lovers (1978) |
Radio City is one of the more influential albums in the history of power pop music. Released by Big Star in 1974, (see 1974 in music) Radio City was recorded during 1973 at Memphis' Ardent Studios. The album shows the influence of British Invasion bands such as the Beatles and the Kinks. Critically acclaimed upon its release, the record failed to sell due to distribution problems. The original Ardent Records LP featured record-jacket photographs by William Eggleston. "September Gurls" and "Back of a Car" are among the most famous Big Star songs; both the Searchers and the Bangles have recorded "September Gurls."
Radio City is notable for its unique, chewy guitar sound and live-sounding yet meticulous textures, and for its somewhat tortuous recording history. After Chris Bell left the group in late 1972 following the release of the band's debut, #1 Record, Big Star broke up, to reform for a 1973 Memphis convention for rock-music writers given by Ardent Records. Alex Chilton, along with bassist Danny Jones and drummer Richard Rosebrough, recorded three tracks that would appear on the finished album: "What's Goin Ahn," "Mod Lang" and "She's a Mover." Though his presence is far less obvious than on the debut, Bell seems to have contributed music and lyrics to several songs, including "O My Soul" and "Back of a Car," and may have played on the album.
Radio City 's reputation has grown since its release, with many critics and listeners of the opinion that it is not only the definitive power-pop album but one of the finest rock-music albums. As writer Richard Meltzer told an interviewer, "Big Star...is the means through which most bands today who are influenced by the Beatles get their dose of the British Invasion."
Track listing
- "O My Soul" (Chilton)
- "Life Is White" (Chilton/Hummel)
- "Way Out West" (Hummel)
- "What's Goin Ahn" (Chilton/Hummel)
- "You Get What You Deserve" (Chilton)
- "Mod Lang" (Chilton/Rosebrough)
- "Back of a Car" (Chilton/Hummel)
- "Daisy Glaze" (Chilton/Hummel/Stephens)
- "She's a Mover" (Chilton)
- "September Gurls" (Chilton)
- "Morpha Too" (Chilton)
- "I'm in Love With a Girl" (Chilton)
Personnel
- Chris Bell - Guitar, Vocals
- Alex Chilton - Guitar, Vocals
- John Fry - Engineer
- Andy Hummel - Bass
- Jody Stephens - Drums
- Danny Jones - Bass
- Richard Rosebrough - Drums