Book Review: There Was A Light: The Cosmic History of Chris Bell and the Rise of Big Star

An oral history, the book contains new and archival interviews with those closest to Chris Bell and the Big Star circle including members Chris Bell, Alex Chilton. Andy Hummel and Jody Stephens. The book reveals the production fo the beloved bands' masterful debut in 1972, to recounting Bell's second act as a struggling solo musician, to the group's falling out due to toxic personality conflicts and turmoil. It also delves into the processes fro the second and third albums. Tupica even discusses the following decades after its 1975 breakup when the obscure group had managed to inspire some of rock's most important bands, including: R.E.M., the Replacements, Yo La Tengo, Teenage Fanclub, Beck and Wilco.

By Rich Tupica

(paperback) $37.99