Comments on: CD Review: Chris Bell, “I Am the Cosmos” Deluxe Reissue

By: Joe Martin

Joe Martin — Sat, 08 May 2010 20:12:04 +0000

I just want to say thanks to you John & Richard & Andy & everyone involved. When i 1st heard Big Star as a snotty nosed kid in the late 80's i was totaly blown away. They were a massive part of what made me realise how truly soul enriching great music can be. I wish i could say they were the first band to make me pick up a guitar (unfortunatly that *honour* apparently goes to Shakin'Stevens-who at least had me strumming a guitar before i could walk), but never the less the music made & recorded by you guys has pretty much kept me going at times. RIP Chris, Alex et al, your beautiful music will live on for ever. Thank you so much.

By: John Fry

John Fry — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:27:01 +0000

Thanks, Joseph, for your reaction to this project. Was there anything in particular that you liked about it?

By: Joseph Cianciarulo

Joseph Cianciarulo — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:21:28 +0000

cool cool big star solo record

By: richardrosebrough

richardrosebrough — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:01:16 +0000

It's good to hear from Andy.
Thanks to John Fry and Adam Hill for their meticulous work. I had never heard Bill Cunningham's strings on Save Yourself quite like this. The track was powerful when we cut it in Paris but this version from Disk 2 is stunning. Also, Alec Paleo generated a mix of “Get Away”, also on Disk 2 that knocked my socks off. I had never heard Alex C's guitar work and had forgetten about those tom ODs. I think Chris would have been really pleased. I can just see that grin on his face!
-Richard

By: johnfry

johnfry — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:20:24 +0000

In case anyone is actually interesed, here are some of the notable mentions for Cosmos in the "best of 2009" writings:

Best Of 2009 Mentions for Chris Bell “I Am The Cosmos (Deluxe Edition)”…
BLURT Magazine (Writers Best Of Reissues/Archival)
UNCUT Magazine (#10 Best Of Reissues)
Chunklet (#1 Best Of Reissues)
No Depression (#5 Best Of Reissues)
Commercial Appeal (#1 Best Of Records)

All the best,

John Fry

By: John Hamptone

John Hamptone — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:31:16 +0000

Chris was ridiculously complex, lost yet found … a beautiful soul despite whatever rumours are going around. I knew Chris from 1975 until his untimely death. The day I began working at Ardent Studios, he was working on a song, and the speakers, while maintaining an ultimate clarity, were louder than the Shuttle at fifteen feet! But he said that it helps him feel like he's at a live gig level.Always fashionably late, and always fashionable, an avid tennis player, he looked like Greg Kinnear in “Sabrina”. When Chris would let you in, you always found an extremely intense, yet understated presence that anyone could take with them. I have, and now and then, I open that gilded box, peek inside, well up with rememberance, and carry on. The little I knew of him added to the charm. R I P Chris, we'll jam again someday.

By: kshane

kshane — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:04:51 +0000

I can't tell you how honored I am to know that you, John, Andy, and Jody are reading Popdose. The music obviously means a lot to me, and your interest is wonderful validation for what we're trying to do here. Thanks so much!

By: David Bell

David Bell — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:03:45 +0000

Ken, It is always a pleasure to read positive reviews of my brother's music. Thank you for your great review and helping to keep the music going. The deluxe handmade reissue has wonderful treats for fans with unheard songs ( until now ) on Disc 2 and many alternate versions of the originals. John and Adam did a terrific job. all the best david bell

By: rob

rob — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:48:52 +0000

I just love this. I'm feeling Big-Starry-eyed with all this participation of some of musical heroes.

I suppose it's too much to ask for, having the lead singer of the Boxtops chime in…

By: johnfry

johnfry — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:33:42 +0000

On the mastering side, let's give due credit to Larry and Kevin Nix at L. Nix Mastering (located at Ardent). Larry was the mastering engineer at Stax and we cut the original #1 Record and Radio City vinyl masters together, on the same lathe that did Chris' Car 45 and the Rhino 45 reproduction (just 31 years apart).
We've now got Andy, Jody, and me on here. All we need is David Bell, Chris' brother.
John Fry