Big Star
Austin Music Hall, Friday, March 19 This reunion showcase was a disappointing example of what happens when power-pop goes bust. The current members of Big Star – singer Alex Chilton, drummer Jody Stephens, and Posies Jonathan Auer and Ken Stringfellow – phoned in a snoozer of a set inspiring audience speculation that someone onstage has a boat payment or college tuition bill coming due. The group opened with what’s now its flagship tune, “In the Street,” best known as the theme song from That 70’s Show. This was followed by “Don’t Lie to Me,” and “When My Baby’s Beside Me.” For those keeping score at home, the first part of the set came entirely from the group’s 1972 debut, #1 Record. They then trotted out chestnuts from their second release, Radio City, with a few new songs thrown in for good measure. The players sounded tight, but not particularly passionate, although the crowd of aging faithful assembled near the stage didn’t seem to mind. Truth be told, the showcase felt like the equivalent of trying on one’s musty old clothes to see if they still fit. They don’t.This article appears in March 26 • 2004.