The problem with coming in late on an artwork lauded as "influential" is that you've probably encountered the work it influenced first, so its truly innovative qualities are lost. Thus, if you are hearing
Big Star's debut album for the first time decades after its release (as, inevitably, most people must), you may be reminded of
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers or
R.E.M., who came after -- that is, if you don't think of
the Byrds and
the Beatles circa 1965. What was remarkable about
#1 Record in 1972 was that nobody except
Big Star (and maybe
Badfinger and
the Raspberries) wanted to sound like this -- simple, light pop with sweet harmonies and jangly guitars. Since then, dozens of bands have rediscovered those pleasures. But in a way, that's an advantage because, whatever freshness is lost across the years,
Big Star's craft is only confirmed. These are sturdy songs, feelingly performed, and once you get beyond the style to the content, you'll still be impressed. ~ William Ruhlmann