Big Star is often cited as a prime example of power pop. Drawing upon pop music traditions — especially The Beatles, The Byrds, The Kinks, The Zombies, Badfinger, The Who, Moby Grape, The Beach Boys and Free — Big Star's music was lyrical, powerful, and at times melancholic pop for the post-1960s generation. Their approach not only recalled the British Invasion groups but the spare, relaxed style of Stax Records, the Memphis soul label, as well as the edgy rockabilly of early Sun Records. In an era of singer-songwriters and heavy-metal groups, they played melodic, concisely written songs. Their reputation, negligible in 1974 beyond a small coterie of admirers, has steadily grown, and they are today considered one of pop's classic groups.
Big Star was formed in 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States by guitarist/vocalist Chris Bell, bassist Andy Hummel, drummer Jody Stephens, and guitarist/vocalist Alex Chilton. All four at times contributed to the songwriting and lead vocals, with Chilton and Bell singing and writing the majority of the early songs as a team modeled after Lennon and McCartney's collaborative style. Chilton, a former teen pop idol, and Bell had a musically fruitful but difficult relationship. The band's first two albums had a string of great reviews but sold almost nothing, not helped by Stax's struggle to know how to sell a bunch of white guys playing retro rock. The failure to break through was a huge blow to Chilton and Bell, and their relationship deteriorated, and by the time their third album Third/Sister Lovers came around, Bell had left to pursue a solo career that was cut short by his untimely death.
Chilton and Stephens have toured since 1993 under the Big Star name with Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow of The Posies in the band. This lineup released the album In Space in 2005.
After the EP Live Tribute to Alex Chilton was released in June 2011, Stephens wrote on the Ardent blog that the tribute performance in May 2010 was the last performance for Big Star as a band.
On March 17th, 2010, Alex Chilton passed away in a New Orleans hospital at the age of 59. Big Star was scheduled to play at SXSW that week. Andy Hummel died of cancer in Weatherford, Texas, on 19 July 2010 .
Big Star has gained more recent exposure with bands like Superdrag, Weezer, R.E.M., The Replacements, Primal Scream, the Posies, Bill Lloyd and the dB's citing them as an influence. Three of Big Star’s albums, Radio City, #1 Record, and Third/Sister Lovers were included in Rolling Stone magazine’s "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in 2003.
Big Star's biggest champions have been Teenage Fanclub who have been involved in re-issuing some of their work and even named one of their albums after one Big Star's most affecting songs, "thirteen". It was a song covered live on occasion by Elliott Smith who was clearly influenced by Chilton's vocal style (the similarities in the higher vocal register are notable there and on Give Me Another Chance and I'm in Love with a Girl). The Bangles also scored a hit in the 80s with their cover of "September Gurls". Cheap Trick have recorded several covers of "In The Street" for use as the theme song for the sitcom That '70s Show.
Paul Westerberg wrote and recorded ( with his band, The Replacements) the song "Alex Chilton", which contains the line, "I never travel far, without a little Big Star." Westerberg lists Chilton as one of his greatest influences, and has covered "September Gurls" live, both solo and with his band.
Night Time
Big Star Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Air goes cool and hurrying on my way
And dressing so sweet, all the people to see
They're looking at me, all the people to see
And when I set my eyes on you
You look like a kitty
And when you're in the mood
Caught a glance in your eyes
And fell through the skies
Glance in your eyes
And fell through the skies
I'm walking down the freezing street
Scarf goes out behind
You said, "Get them away"
Please don't say a word
Get me out of here
Get me out of here
I hate it here
Get me out of here
The lyrics to Big Star's "Night Time" convey the experience of being out and about in the city at night. The singer describes how the air feels cool and how they feel hurried on their way. They notice the people around them, who are dressed attractively, and they feel as though the people are looking at them too. The highlight of the song is the moment when the singer has a chance encounter with someone they're attracted to- they describe the person as looking like a kitty and note that they look especially pretty when they're in the mood. The relationship between the singer and the object of their affection is left ambiguous, but the song ends on a note of distress as the singer begs to be taken away from the present situation.
In interpreting the lyrics to "Night Time," one can identify a sense of excitement and danger associated with being out on the town after dark. The singer notes the allure of other people, but this attraction is also tinged with uncertainty and anxiety. The mention of the scarf blowing behind the singer suggests that they are moving quickly- perhaps running away from something or somewhere. The mention of the person that the singer finds attractive is a moment of brightness in an otherwise dark song. However, this positivity is short-lived, as the song ends with the singer pleading to be taken away- it's not clear whether this desire to leave is related to the person they've just met, or whether it's a more general feeling of discomfort.
Line by Line Meaning
At nighttime, I go out and see the people
During the night, I go outside and observe people.
Air goes cool and hurrying on my way
The cool air blows as I rush to my destination.
And dressing so sweet, all the people to see
People dress well to impress everyone else.
They're looking at me, all the people to see
People are watching me as I pass by.
And when I set my eyes on you
I notice you and make eye contact.
You look like a kitty
I find you adorable like a kitten.
And when you're in the mood
When you are feeling happy.
Oh, you look so pretty
You look beautiful when happy.
Caught a glance in your eyes
I caught your gaze.
And fell through the skies
I felt a strong attraction.
Glance in your eyes
Your eyes are captivating.
And fell through the skies
I fell deeply in love.
I'm walking down the freezing street
I am strolling down the cold street.
Scarf goes out behind
My scarf waves in the wind as I walk.
You said, "Get them away"
You told someone to remove something or someone from your presence.
Please don't say a word
I do not want to hear anymore.
Get me out of here
I need to leave this place.
Get me out of here
Please help me escape this situation.
I hate it here
I do not like being in this location.
Get me out of here
I desperately need to leave this area.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LOUIS JOSEPH WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheInformation
RIP Alex Chilton, one of the most influential artists on not only my own music, but the music of countless artists I love. I can't imagine a world without his work, nor do I want to.
Shruggz Da Str8-Faced Clown
This band deserved to be huger than they were
OH_I _Will
No sheet Sherlock
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
This song helped me through a pretty tough few months in my life. Thank you, Alex.
Thomas Craymer
It has helped me through many rough times and continues to do so!
OH_I _Will
@Thomas Craymer how?
Thomas Craymer
@OH_I _Will It's just one of those songs... often it's these sadder, darker songs (like much of Big Star's "Third" album) that let one know they're not alone in this darkness
Michael O'Hare
This song and album helped me through a rough year or two. Sad but beautiful memories listening to this when i needed it most. The greatest wintertime album of all time.. Cheers.
Eric Tansley
Me too ! Going through my second divorce at the age of 66 ! Alex Chilton will always help us. RIP.
edmund184
One of those songs that takes a few listens before you realize how good it is. Very subtle. The production is magnificent.