Tuesday, May 28, 2019

The Best New Big Star Album in 45 Years




So apparently, this Luther Russell guy has been doing his thing since 1991. First, in a band with Jakob Dylan. (Never heard about it.) Then, two records on DGC with the Freewheelers. (Must have slipped by me.) Then, three solo records, one of which,"Down At Kit's" received a rave over at All Music. (I had no idea...) Then, after a few more critically acclaimed records, released an album under the moniker Those Pretty Wrongs with Big Star's Jody Stephens. (THAT one, I have!)

Now, thanks to a chat box tip from my friend and loyal BW reader Kevin M, I have been fervently spinning his new release, "Medium Cool." Jody Stephens is nowhere in sight, but boy does Russell nail that Big Star sound. 

"Medium Cool" is the perfect length, at 36 minutes and there isn't a bad track in the lot.  Maybe at times, it sounds a bit too much like a Rutles version of Chilton and Bell, but come on, is that really a bad thing?







9 comments:

kevin m said...

Glad you liked it Sal! I spent a good chunk of the holiday weekend listening to Medium Cool. You're right; not a bad song on the record.

Shriner said...

As Big Star as it gets! I'll have to check this out...

Ken D said...

Very nice! Thanks for the tip.

Anonymous said...

That's Radio City alright, just missing a little unpredictability.

A walk in the woods said...

Good stuff!!

Chris Collins said...

Wow. This sounds JUST like Big Star! I kinda love it!

Dr Wu said...

After reading Kevin M.’s Luther Russell recommendation, I pulled the discography thread this past holiday weekend. Really loved the Freewheelers’ ‘Waitin’ for George’ album. Less Big Star, more Mad Dogs and Englishmen. How someone this talented flies so far under the radar for thirty years is one of life’s great mysteries. Much gratitude to Kevin M. and Burning Wood for the share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxudQ2lOLD4&list=OLAK5uy_nqcyg2azCY4xPgFDgomVlSxQRMEfjUJjs

JAYESSEMM said...

I'm diggin' Medium Cool -- thanks Sal.

M_Sharp said...

Liking this a LOT!