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Big Star — Thirteen
Album: #1 Record/Radio City
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 649








Released: 1978
Length: 2:34
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Won't you let me walk you home from school?
Won't you let me meet you at the pool?
Maybe Friday I can
Get tickets for the dance
And I'll take you, ooh ooh

Won't you tell your dad get off my back?
Tell him what we said 'bout Paint It Black
Rock and roll is here to stay
Come inside where it's okay
And I'll shake you, ooh ooh

Won't you tell me what you're thinking of?
Would you be an outlaw for my love?
If it's so, well let me know
If it's no, well I can go
I won't make you, ooh ooh
Comments (104)add comment
This is one I didn't realize had an original version, because Garbage has a bitchin' cover of it on one of their singles. 
 richlister wrote:
Big Starsailor?
 
This song was released before most of the members of Starsailor were born.
 lemmoth wrote:
Bill

Should I give up on the chance that you may add some more Big Star to the playlist?  I've been asking for years, and i am technically incompetent so can't upload myself. {#Stupid} 

 
Still only this track in the library Bill {#Stupid}
 Propayne wrote:
Made a trip with my son to Memphis and took a tour of Ardent and met Jody.

 

Copy this link into a browser and listen to a podcast from last year with Mr. Stephens that was quite enjoyable.

But then again, you probably got a whiff of all of this just by being there.  Sounds like fun.

https://soundcloud.com/dadrockshow/road-trip-special-big-stars-jody-stephens
Made a trip with my son to Memphis and took a tour of Ardent and met Jody.

Magical all the way around. 
 emersonrp wrote:
Occasionally, I think some song is the most gorgeous, or happy, or sad, or perfect song ever written.  Then I hear this one again.

 
Yes, I know what you mean.
Bill

Should I give up on the chance that you may add some more Big Star to the playlist?  I've been asking for years, and i am technically incompetent so can't upload myself. {#Stupid} 
 leafmold wrote:

Or could it be 13 year old lyrics???

 
It was written in 1971, so as of this date, they are 45 year old lyrics. Yikes!
 leafmold wrote:

Excellent documentary
absolutely !!!!!
 
 


 ScottFromWyoming wrote:
 Dec. 2013, treatment_bound wrote:
Has anybody out there seen this full-length feature doc. on the band which came out last year?  If so, please comment on it if you care to.

I hope to pick up a DVD of it at some point soon.

 
It's on Netflix Streaming now... I just added it to my list.

 
Excellent documentary
 shayc4 wrote:
4 year old lyrics...{#Wall}

 
Or could it be 13 year old lyrics???
What's going on this morning? Have you pinched my favourites list? I really like this song.
4 year old lyrics...{#Wall}
 Dec. 2013, treatment_bound wrote:
Has anybody out there seen this full-length feature doc. on the band which came out last year?  If so, please comment on it if you care to.

I hope to pick up a DVD of it at some point soon.

 
It's on Netflix Streaming now... I just added it to my list.
There's a decent cover of this on Disc 1 of that (relatively) new Wilco box set. 

Alpha Mike Foxtrot: Rare Tracks 1994-2014 (4CD)
That same version by Wilco is also on the Big Star tribute album, which was recorded in '98 but didn't get released until 2006.

I've never seen nor heard this album pictured below (and it's not on youtube)...has anybody out there listened to it and care to comment?
  

                 
"Back of a Car" – Gin Blossoms 2:43
"Nighttime" – The Afghan Whigs 4:47
"The Ballad of El Goodo" – Matthew Sweet 4:18
"Don't Lie to Me" – Juliana Hatfield 3:05
"You Get What You Deserve" – Idle Wilds 3:06
"Give Me Another Chance" – Whiskeytown 4:14
"When My Baby's Beside Me" – Kelly Willis 3:02
"Jesus Christ" – Teenage Fanclub 2:53
"What's Goin Ahn" – The Posies 3:22
"Thirteen" – Wilco 3:25
"Hot Thing" – Big Star 4:12

            

     
  
 It was moving, sad and yes excellent.
Darlington wrote:

Its excellent.  

 

treatment_bound wrote:

Has anybody out there seen this full-length feature doc. on the band which came out last year?  If so, please comment on it if you care to.





I hope to pick up a DVD of it at some point soon.

 



 

Brilliantly captures the way I felt when I was thirteen.

Its excellent.  

 

treatment_bound wrote:

Has anybody out there seen this full-length feature doc. on the band which came out last year?  If so, please comment on it if you care to.





I hope to pick up a DVD of it at some point soon.

 


A lovely tune.
 lemmoth wrote:
After years of pleading with Bill for more Big Star, should I just give up.....................Nah...

This is one of the most influential and amazing bands, that failed to make it big, in the history of rock.



 
Unfortunately uploads of Big Star keep being rejected. Maybe I should try again with another of their slower tunes.

Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote (over a DECADE) ago:

>>there isn't enough power pop played anywhere and it's about time it's played here on paradise. thanks bill. now how about some "shoes", "db's", early "nick lowe","20/20", "the posies", "the records", "dwight twilley band", lots more "big star", "cheap trick", "badfinger", "urge overkill" and the ever popular and more. (all which i sent to bill months ago... come on bill! whats up?).<<



Wow!  I stumbled on Kurt's post from 2003 when he was pleading for some Urge Overkill (and others) here on Radio Paradise, to no avail. 

Just wanted to add that I recently heard both Sister Havana and Somebody Else's Body for the first time in A LONG TIME, and you know what...THEY BOTH SOUNDED GREAT!!!  I'm with ya' Kurt!

How about adding a little Urge Overkill to the festivities here, as it's never too late!





Has anybody out there seen this full-length feature doc. on the band which came out last year?  If so, please comment on it if you care to.





I hope to pick up a DVD of it at some point soon.
Heh. I thought I'd never hear/heard Big Star on RP... and then I see I already rated this. Hmm. 8
I get goosebumps every time I hear this; pretty melody.{#Angel}
Occasionally, I think some song is the most gorgeous, or happy, or sad, or perfect song ever written.  Then I hear this one again.
Big Starsailor?

Currently making my way through this box set which came out in 2009:

File:Big-star-keep-eye-sky.jpg
It's got everything you'd ever want (and then some)...scads of demos, early versions/alternate mixes, and this vintage '73 recording just after Chris Bell departed where they opened for...wait for it...Archie Bell & The Drells!


Disc four – Live at Lafayette's Music Room, Memphis, TN, January 1973

"When My Baby's Beside Me"
"My Life Is Right"
"She's a Mover"
"Way Out West"
"The Ballad of El Goodo"
"In the Street"
"Back of a Car "
"Thirteen"
"The India Song"
"Try Again"
"Watch the Sunrise"
"Don't Lie to Me"
"Hot Burrito"
"I Got Kinda Lost"
"Baby Strange"
"Slut"
"There Was a Light"
"ST 100/6"
"Come On Now"
"O My Soul"




 Propayne wrote:

+1

 
+2
 lemmoth wrote:
After years of pleading with Bill for more Big Star, should I just give up.....................Nah...

This is one of the most influential and amazing bands, that failed to make it big, in the history of rock.
 
+1
After years of pleading with Bill for more Big Star, should I just give up.....................Nah...

This is one of the most influential and amazing bands, that failed to make it big, in the history of rock.


Alex was - to use an overused term that is appropriate here - a pop music genius.
more. big. star. PLEASE.
Can't believe I just missed this great song.  Oh wait, I listened to it, intentionally on my Ipod on the way to work this morning.

What an amazing band.
Thanks
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
We would all love to hear "September Gurls".
 
Yes. Very strange: I don't think I heard Big Star at all as a teen—and that was a handful of years after the band split up—but this song took me back to those years when I first heard it about five years ago. Ex post facto nostalgia. 
More Big Star!!!!
thrilling to hear this on Radio Paradise. Only the most exquisite Big Star song of all time. 
 lemmoth wrote:
Bill

Please

How can this remain the only Big Star song on RP
Cmon man I'm begging you

Plenty of suggestions below
 
Bill is holding steadfast.
He did this with The Pixies for years.
He finally gave in but verbally complains every once in a while about his not liking the Pixies.

How could you not like Big Star? {#Mrgreen}

This is his show.
And it's still pretty darn good... even without "September Gurls". 
But it would be so much better with it.


repeat modus:
"most underrated group of all time"

pls play more of them. even it´s way too late to pay them justice
Love this tune. Would love to hear more Big Star songs.
Bill

Please

How can this remain the only Big Star song on RP
Cmon man I'm begging you

Plenty of suggestions below
 tutakea wrote:
it´s that simple:
most underrated group of all time
most underrated song of all time
 
+1!
it´s that simple:
most underrated group of all time
most underrated song of all time


Terrific song.

Love Big Star. 
 treatment_bound wrote:


Sadly, Andy Hummel (composer of The India Song ) passed away 3 weeks ago.  We're now down to just one original Big Star member (Jody Stephens).

Can't we finally add some more of their songs here, at least while Jody's still around and maybe he'll appreciate them if nobody else will?

 

AMEN to that notion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill

You are killing my ability to get any work done.  Alex and Big Star are the most wonderful musical discovery I ever made.

 gshrieves wrote:
RP needs more Big Star! I'd suggest Back of a Car, Mod Lang, September Gurls, Feel,  - hell, everything except The India Song

 

Sadly, Andy Hummel (composer of The India Song ) passed away 3 weeks ago.  We're now down to just one original Big Star member (Jody Stephens).

Can't we finally add some more of their songs here, at least while Jody's still around and maybe he'll appreciate them if nobody else will?

 gshrieves wrote:
RP needs more Big Star! I'd suggest Back of a Car, Mod Lang, September Gurls, Feel,  - hell, everything except The India Song. 

And how about Chris Bell - I Am the Cosmos? Powerful stuff... 
 
Somewhere, Andy Hummell sheds a silent tear...


#1 Record

All songs by Chris Bell and Alex Chilton, except where noted.

Side one
  1. "Feel" - 3:34
  2. "The Ballad of El Goodo" - 4:21
  3. "In the Street" - 2:55
  4. "Thirteen" - 2:34
  5. "Don't Lie to Me" - 3:07
  6. "The India Song" (Andy Hummell) - 2:20
Side two
  1. "When My Baby's Beside Me" - 3:22
  2. "My Life Is Right" (Bell, Eubanks) - 3:07
  3. "Give Me Another Chance" - 3:26
  4. "Try Again" - 3:31
  5. "Watch the Sunrise" - 3:45
  6. "ST 100/6" - 1:01


RP needs more Big Star! I'd suggest Back of a Car, Mod Lang, September Gurls, Feel,  - hell, everything except The India Song. 

And how about Chris Bell - I Am the Cosmos? Powerful stuff... 
 treatment_bound wrote:


It looks like I'm pretty late to the party on this topic, but is there a reason RP plays only 1 (ONE!) Big Star song?
 
I wrote this almost 2 1/2 years ago, and it seems like it's worthy of another positing...

 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
We would all love to hear "September Gurls".
 
Or "Life Is White".

We would all love to hear "September Gurls".
 robco1 wrote:
R.I.P. — and thank you for the music.
 
Another great one gone. He didn't attain fame or fortune, but he was a big star in the hearts of many. Yes, Rest In Peace Alex Chilton.

Yes, RIP to Mr. Chilton though I do actually prefer the Ryan Adams version.
Thank you!  I second the request to add "Ballad of El Goodo" to the playlist.

R.I.P. — and thank you for the music.
 Businessgypsy wrote:
toterola wrote:
God save Alex Chilton!
R.I.P., Alex 3/17/2010

If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.

(chorus:)

Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."

Cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.

(chorus)

I never travel far, without a little Big Star

Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.

(chorus)
Artist: The Replacements
Album: Pleased To Meet Me


  Amen to that. 


toterola wrote:
God save Alex Chilton!
R.I.P., Alex 3/17/2010

If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.

(chorus:)

Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."

Cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.

(chorus)

I never travel far, without a little Big Star

Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.

(chorus)
Artist: The Replacements
Album: Pleased To Meet Me


 meddle wrote:
Great tune and Elliott Smith covers it very well.

There should be at least five other Big Star songs here.

In the Street
Watch the Sunrise
September Gurls
O My Soul
You Get What You Deserve


I'd add a few more, but these should be there.

What a great band. So under-appreciated.
 
You forgot Balled Of El Goodo

God save Alex Chilton!
Great tune and Elliott Smith covers it very well. There should be at least five other Big Star songs here. In the Street Watch the Sunrise September Gurls O My Soul You Get What You Deserve I'd add a few more, but these should be there. What a great band. So under-appreciated.
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
Ain't gonna happen. I sure wish it would though.
It looks like I'm pretty late to the party on this topic, but is there a reason RP plays only 1 (ONE!) Big Star song?
Brilliant to hear this song on R.P. This is the sort of stuff i want from RP not KT Tunstall and the kooks etc. 9.
tinybubbles wrote:
Now I want to hear September Gurls!
Ain't gonna happen. I sure wish it would though.
Now I want to hear September Gurls!
Not the best Big Star song but any song from their first 2 albums is welcome.
dionysius wrote:
Right now, this minute, my favorite song in the world ever.
I feel that.
RedGuitar wrote:
Isn't the singer for this band the same one that sang "The Letter" by the Boxtops?
At the age of 16.
RedGuitar wrote:
Isn't the singer for this band the same one that sang "The Letter" by the Boxtops?
You mean "My baby, she sent me a letter ..." Wow! I NEVER would have guessed that! It's a fine tune - both songs are.
Right now, this minute, my favorite song in the world ever. Thanks, Bill.
RedGuitar wrote:
Isn't the singer for this band the same one that sang "The Letter" by the Boxtops?
Yes one and the same. The great Alex Chilton. The Replacements wrote a song named after him.
Isn't the singer for this band the same one that sang "The Letter" by the Boxtops?
Elliott Smith used to cover this during live shows... very beautiful..
I must be missing this, but this song seems so flat. It sounds pretty but feels empty.
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
there isn't enough power pop played anywhere and it's about time it's played here on paradise.
yep
Last_DJ wrote:
I agree with you, there is too much "Progressive" music being played . . .
xport? blue? shug? ok, which one of you guys wrote this?
redeyespy wrote:
Packs huge emotional impact without being syrupy.
Very well said! The song balances on the edge, but ends up on the right side of the fence. It must be the outright earnestness and the memory of how it felt once to be thirteen. I think everyone can relate.
I always wished this song was much longer.......
Love it! Thanks RP.
Pretty good!
So pretty...
dionysius wrote:
Such a sweet, perfect pop song. Glad to hear it played here on RP. The other posters are right--we do need more Big Star/Alex Chilton/Chris Bell on RP, and I will upload more in the future (Mark promises, here). And it's a puzzling, crying shame the wistful pure pop perfection of "September Gurls" hasn't made the playlist! We shall at least enjoy it on the LRC, soon.
Let's all keep uploading it! Maybe they will cave in to the pressure!
First time I heard this song was almost twenty years ago. It was the first time ever hearing about Alex Chilton/Big Star. I don't like everything recorded by Alex Chilton, but this is such a sweet, wonderful song!! Every time I hear it, it takes me back to my first boyfriend period. In its simplicity, it's brilliant..
This song is total greatness.
Such a sweet, perfect pop song. Glad to hear it played here on RP. The other posters are right--we do need more Big Star/Alex Chilton/Chris Bell on RP, and I will upload more in the future (Mark promises, here). And it's a puzzling, crying shame the wistful pure pop perfection of "September Gurls" hasn't made the playlist! We shall at least enjoy it on the LRC, soon.
spoontazz1 wrote:
How about SEPTEMBER GURLS?
It got the boot a few times already.
This has a nice tender touch on the guitar. Very good.
"Paint it Black, you devil!" "THIRTEEN" (Bell/*Chilton*) Won't you let me walk you home from school Won't you let me meet you at the pool Maybe Friday I can Get tickets for the dance And I'll take you Won't you tell your dad, "Get off my back" Tell him what we said 'bout 'Paint It Black' Rock 'n Roll is here to stay Come inside where it's okay And I'll shake you. Won't you tell me what you're thinking of Would you be an outlaw for my love If it's so, well, let me know If it's "no", well, I can go I won't make you
Good song. Wilco does a nice (better) version.
Good old friends. This was a much overlooked recording. EXCELLENT. Please play more.
YES! I love this song! A friend put it on a mix tape for me several years ago, and I fell in love. (With it. Not him. Although...) This is just sweet, in the best way. Thanks for playing it, Bill!
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
there isn't enough power pop played anywhere and it's about time it's played here on paradise. thanks bill. now how about some "shoes", "db's", early "nick lowe","20/20", "the posies", "the records", "dwight twilley band", lots more "big star", "cheap trick", "badfinger", "urge overkill" and the ever popular and more. (all which i sent to bill months ago... come on bill! whats up?).
:iamwith:
I've uploaded this song but it got a sorry! Probably Bill had a better quality MP3(?). Not the first time such a thing happened, but I'm glad it made it to the playlist anyway. I could hardly believe a song like this wouldn't, because there aren't too many lovesongs so beautiful and pure (innocent) as this one. Really wonderful.
This song just nails the innocense of Middle School, just as kids are hitting their awkward, adolescense. This song sums up those emotions perfectly. Just like four or five of Big Stars other songs (Back of the Car, September Gurls, Chris Bell's "You and Your Sister"). These are all just amazing and I can't help but feel emotional everytime I hear them. This song makes me want to learn the guitar. Thank you. MORE BIG STAR!
Packs huge emotional impact without being syrupy. This album is stellar. The entire thing should be in the rotation.
Originally Posted by Kurt_from_La_Qui: there isn't enough power pop played anywhere and it's about time it's played here on paradise. thanks bill. now how about some "shoes", "db's", early "nick lowe","20/20", "the posies", "the records", "dwight twilley band", lots more "big star", "cheap trick", "badfinger", "urge overkill" and the ever popular and more. (all which i sent to bill months ago... come on bill! whats up?).
Yeah, these are great choices!
very good. reminds me of Starsailor. but maybe less melodramatic.
Originally Posted by spoontazz1: Ahh, Big Star, yummm. Wilco, on eo fhte many bands clearly influenced by Big Star, does a sweet cover of this too.. How about SEPTEMBER GURLS?
Ditto that request
Ahh, Big Star, yummm. Wilco, on eo fhte many bands clearly influenced by Big Star, does a sweet cover of this too.. How about SEPTEMBER GURLS?
I agree with you, there is too much "Progressive" music being played, and not enough emphasis on good, basic rock, which all good power pop bands display, I would love to hear some Jellyfish.
Originally Posted by Kurt_from_La_Qui: there isn't enough power pop played anywhere and it's about time it's played here on paradise. thanks bill. now how about some "shoes", "db's", early "nick lowe","20/20", "the posies", "the records", "dwight twilley band", lots more "big star", "cheap trick", "badfinger", "urge overkill" and the ever popular and more. (all which i sent to bill months ago... come on bill! whats up?).
there isn\'t enough power pop played anywhere and it\'s about time it\'s played here on paradise. thanks bill. now how about some \"shoes\", \"db\'s\", early \"nick lowe\",\"20/20\", \"the posies\", \"the records\", \"dwight twilley band\", lots more \"big star\", \"cheap trick\", \"badfinger\", \"urge overkill\" and the ever popular and more. (all which i sent to bill months ago... come on bill! whats up?).
Bill! You can\'t play this too much! Anything off this incredible CD, anytime! Thank you thank you thank you ...