#443 – Cheap Trick, ‘In Color’

In Color (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Released: September, 1977
Label: Epic
Genre: Rock, hard rock, power pop
Producer: Tom Werman

This is pretty classic rock-pop and it’s all pretty good. Hardly offensive (and if there’s a problem, that’s it) but it’s big-haired, blue-jeaned, eye-lined fun and it’s all completely polished and totally clean. If it reminds me of anything so far it’s KISS or Deff Leppard except they do it bigger and glammer, but sillier too – more of a glint in the eye. I’m sure the purists would kill me, but I would have liked some more cheese here because this is all a bit middling.

Top tracks: “Downed” (where Australia gets a mention <3) and the hit “I Want You to Want Me”.

#449 – Big Star, ‘Third/Sister Lovers’

Third/Sister Lovers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Released: 1978
Label: PVC Records
Genre: Power pop
Producer: Jim Dickinson

Nay, I hadn’t heard of Big Star before this, but I’ve definitely heard their sound before. Recorded and released in the mid-70’s this sounds decidedly 80’s: power ballads, pop, power pop. Lyrically the record is full-on. Reading into it, it’s a record documenting a band falling apart, echoed by the lead singer’s mental deterioration. Reminds me a lot of Mott the Hoople actually. One to revisit.

Top tracks: The cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” is a fantastic inclusion.