There was a great issue of Mojo in February 2000 with a cover story on Cult Heroes which included Big Star (their story got really sad/weird . . .and I remember it involved Dilaudid, the drug of choice in Drugstore Cowboy), The La's and the Velvet Underground. A few days ago I was listening to There She Goes and I thought that that song in a way proves the Big Bang theory, since I think all the matter that comprises Brit Pop burst forth from that song. Its so simple, but the underlying vibe is this feeling that resonates and resonates. The impact of Big Star is obviously well documented, but I just think its interesting how Big Star's Thirteen and In The Streets and September Gurls et al are so simple, and may sound a lot like others (Gram Parsons/Byrds mixed with . . .) but they contain such a strong underlying vibe (heart) that resonates and resonates. When I hear those songs it evokes, for example, nights out at the 9:30 Club in high school . . .having a drink in the basement (not sure how I got it) with a girl I liked. . . I didn't know those songs, but Its related. That vibe permeated what was 'college music' and at the time 9:30 represented a temple to that music. Alex Chilton, Lee Mavers, VU Lou Reed . . .Syd Barrett . . .even Johnny Thunders . . . they all seem to come from a similar place - too weak/strong romanticism which imploded/exploded? - and all had a similar impact.
