Doom & Gloom From the Tomb

Beale Street Green/Breakdown

Even though the recent Big Star box set, Keep An Eye On The Sky, was jam-packed with rarities and unreleased tracks, I don’t think there’s any crossover with these two essential Big Star/Alex Chilton bootlegs. The strangest exclusion from the box set is the breathtaking instrumental track, “Another Time, Another Place, And You,” that kicks off the Beale Street Green disc. I guess there is some question as to whether this is actually Big Star, and not just Chris Bell solo? Whatever, it’s a gorgeous piece of music, all fluttering acoustic guitars and mellotron. There are also some alternate mixes, a cool rehearsal session (with the band tearing through #1 Record/Radio City numbers), some 70s Chilton demos/outtakes and other fun stuff. You need it! I’ve also included the Beale Street Breakdown bootleg, which is highlighted by the (in)famous Sister Lovers-era Chilton/Jody Stephens live radio performance. One of the more wasted/out of it things you’ll ever hear. But it’s great. The disc is filled out by some very good Chilton live recordings from the late 70s in New York. I especially like his deadpan recitation of the Shangri-Las’ “Past, Present, and Future.” Shall we dance? 

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