This October, Omnivore Recordings released the comprehensive, three-CD box set Complete Third, featuring unheard sessions, demos and alternate takes of the classic Big Star album. Today’s playlist comes from Big Star drummer Jody Stephens, who also contributed extensive notes to the release. You can order Complete Third here, and enjoy Jody’s playlist below!
–Dave Lucas, Talkhouse Marketing Manager
The Lemon Twigs – “These Words”
A little bit of Queen, Nilsson, Van Dyke Parks and a lot of the Lemon Twigs.
Greyhounds – “Cuz I’m Here”
Loneliness never felt so warm.
Wilco – “Common Sense”
My post-election soundtrack…just when I thought it was within our grasps we get hairsprayed.
The Jayhawks – “Lovers of the Sun”
Gary Louris’ voice and melodies with Jayhawks harmonies and players…always a rising sun even in a dark world.
Brett Harris – “Up in the Air”
A sweet, melodious little song by a fellow Big Star Third tribute band core member.
Skylar Gudasz – “I Want to Be with You in the Darkness”
A sweet longing with a pure voice by another fellow Big Star Third tribute band core member.
Cotton Mather – “Close to the Sun”
“Next to the wonder/Backs to the thunder and/Close to the sun.” Immediately familiar-sounding but their own…Maybe a little Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young here.
Nada Surf – “Friend Hospital”
Matthew Cawes sang a solo version of this one at Karen Glauber’s 2016 SXSW songwriter panel. So glad I was there to see him sing it.
Dan Wilson – “Yoko”
A clear voice of imagination that is so full of stories and life.
The Posies – “Squirrel VS Snake”
Very exciting to get a new one from them this year. It changes my world when I turn it up.
Those Pretty Wrongs – “Ordinary”
This one is personal…essential to me this year.
Photo courtesy of the Wild Honey Foundation
