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» Add News | Chris Bell
As one one half of the songwriting duo (along with Alex Chilton) behind Big Star, a band whose albums #1 Record, Radio City, and Sister
Lovers all went on to receive unanimous critical acclaim, and a band who has been cited as a main influence by artists such as The Counting
Crows, R.E.M., The Replacements, The Bangles, Teenage Fanclub. You would be lead to believe that the songwriting duo of Alex Chilton and
Chris Bell was just as well known as the duo of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards or that of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Though speaking
in terms of quality you could easily comp ...read more
As one one half of the songwriting duo (along with Alex Chilton) behind Big Star, a band whose albums #1 Record, Radio City, and Sister
Lovers all went on to receive unanimous critical acclaim, and a band who has been cited as a main influence by artists such as The Counting
Crows, R.E.M., The Replacements, The Bangles, Teenage Fanclub. You would be lead to believe that the songwriting duo of Alex Chilton and
Chris Bell was just as well known as the duo of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards or that of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Though speaking
in terms of quality you could easily compare the three, in terms of popularity though the names Chris Bell and Alex Chilton would never be
mentioned. This is because that although all their albums were praised by critics, distribution problems with Big Star's label Stax their albums
more often than not never found their way to distributors.
And so sadly Chris Bell and Alex Chilton never received the credit they so rightfully deserved, and may be only known to some who read the
credits of that 70's show as being the writers of the theme song "In The Street." (Warning: Cheap Trick plays that version). And shortly after
the release of #1 Record Chris depressed by the failure of the album to take off parted ways with Big Star, and although he made some
contributions to Big Stars second album Radio City (Back Of A Car, and O My Soul) Chris Bell would never return to the band. Instead Chris
embarked on a solo career, he continued to write and record songs but as he did his depression became worse and worse and he soon
became suicidal (which can be seen clearly in the lyrics of his songs). Chris' Brother David was a strong believer in Chris and in order to help
revitalize Chris' career he insisted that he and Chris go to a studio in France. After much persuasion Chris agreed and they recorded tracks
for a planned album. When the tracks were rejected Chris returned to Memphis and made a few recordings with Jody Stephens (Big Star's
drummer), and local musician Ken Woodley before returning to Europe to play solo shows in folk clubs. He began talks with Chilton about a
Big Star reunion which ultimately failed and resulted in Bell giving up music for a management position in a family fast food chain.
But in 1977 a small New York Record Label named "Car" released a Chris Bell singer featuring "I Am The Cosmos," backed by "You and Your
Sister," which featured Chilton on backing vocals. This recording like The Big Star albums was well received by critics, and it motivated Chris
to start a new band. But on December 27, 1978 on his way to his father's restaurant Chris' car struck a telephone pole and he was instantly
killed. « hide |
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