3rd

by Big Star

3rd cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1978
  • Label: PVC
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 51:40
  • Community rating: 4.65/5 from 7 ratings

Artists on this release: Steve Cropper, John Fry, Jody Stephens, Jim Dickinson, Cenotaph, Lee Baker, Tommy McClure, Carl Marsh, Alex Chilton

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Recorded in 1974 amidst band deterioration and personal turmoil, Big Star's '3rd' abandons the crisp power-pop of its predecessors for a harrowing, deconstructed soundscape. Alex Chilton's frayed, vulnerable songwriting is amplified by Jim Dickinson's experimental production, which juxtaposes stark acoustic numbers and lush, melancholic string arrangements with moments of abrasive chaos. Shelved for years and finally issued in 1978 after the group had disbanded, the album's uncommercial nature led to its legendary cult status, becoming a foundational influence for generations of alternative and indie rock artists.

Genres

Descriptors: confessional, fragile, lo-fi, piano, strings

Tracklist

  1. Kizza Me (2:43)
  2. Thank You Friends (3:06)
  3. Big Black Car (3:37)
  4. Jesus Christ (2:20)
  5. Femme Fatale (3:29)
  6. O, Dana (2:35)
  7. Holocaust (3:48)
  8. Kanga Roo (3:46)
  9. Stroke It Noel (2:06)
  10. For You (2:44)
  11. You Can't Have Me (3:18)
  12. Nightime (2:52)
  13. Blue Moon (2:07)
  14. Take Care (2:48)
  15. Nature Boy (2:38)
  16. Till The End Of The Day (2:13)
  17. Dream Lover (3:33)
  18. Downs (1:51)

Credits

  • Alex Chilton - engineer, guitar, keyboards, vocals, Written-By
  • Jody Stephens - drums, Written-By
  • Lesa Aldridge - vocals
  • Tommy Hoehn - backing vocals
  • Lee Baker - guitar
  • Jim Dickinson - bass guitar, drums, mellotron, producer, engineer, guitar, keyboards
  • Steve Cropper - guitar
  • Richard Rosebrough - drums, engineer
  • William Murphey - bass, bass guitar
  • William Eggleston - piano on "nature boy"
  • Tarp Tarrant - drums
  • Jimmy Stephens - bass guitar
  • Tommy Cathey - bass
  • Tommy McClure - bass
  • Carl Marsh - string arrangements, reeds, woodwind, synthesizer
  • John Fry - engineer
  • Glenn Fidell - coordinator [kompilation koordination]
  • Murray Brenman - design
  • Pete Tomlinson - liner notes
  • Cenotaph - photography by [photos]
  • Michael O'Brien - photography
  • Big Star - Primary Artist
  • Lou Reed - Written-By
  • Chris Gage - Written-By

More from Big Star: full discography