#474: Big Star, ‘#1 Record’

Ardent, 1972

This album is the home of the That 70s Show theme song. Bonkers, right?

This album holds the ideal 70s sound with the harmonies, the sometimes tender lyrics and the cool riffs under lyrics about growing up in small town America. There is even a track about India with heavy 1970s Hare Krishna-fanaticism vibes.

It sounds how I picture those five years after the 60s: people still mad about Vietnam, the only Kennedy left was Ted, the ERA didn’t have legs and the civil rights movement was on hold but musicians were still being worshipped.

The band broke up after three albums in 1974. There was tension in the beginning due to mismanagement and poor handling of their first album, #1 Record.

After the third album, a founding member died and the band disappeared until the 90s.

This album was quickly pulled from record stores because of disputes with different labels decimating their audience. The band was mismanaged and their work was mishandled.

We all know people who have brilliant things to offer but disorganization and inconsistency kill any chance for meaningful production.

I used to feel frustrated and almost angry at these friends for being such flakes and claiming that they were outside of normal expectations because they were ‘artists.’

Well, I woke up today and chose violence clearly.

I also think it is about time for me to practice a little self-introspection ESPECIALLY with this project. I want this project to be a consistent offering for the people reading it. I have not been good at that. I also want this project to be easily accessible, in addition to well thought out. I want this to be an effort in community building.

So this is what we are going to do so I can actually deliver and not be a flake:

`I am moving these frequent bitesize essays from Instagram to a totally free weekly newsletter in your inbox. (You are welcome to donate via substack but it is NOT required)

The link to sign up will be available on November 1 in my bio.