[2017-09-15] Chris Bell "I Am The Cosmos (Expanded Edition)" 2CD set (Omnivore)

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Jul 03, 2017 12:32 pm

Description
After co-founding Big Star, the world only received two tracks of new music from Chris Bell during his lifetime—a 1978 single on the Car Records label run by Chris Stamey (dB’s, Sneakers) titled “I Am The Cosmos” b/w ”You And Your Sister.” He would tragically be killed in a car accident later that same year. However, those were not the only tracks Bell had recorded in his post-Big Star years.

In 1974–1975, Bell worked in the famed Château D’Hérouville near Paris, France, and later recorded at both Shoe Studios and Ardent Studios in Memphis. Some of that material arrived in 1992 as I Am The Cosmos to great acclaim. An expanded 2009 release nearly doubled the track listing, adding alternate mixes, as well as some of Bell’s pre-Big Star recordings. With those early recordings now taking their proper place on Looking Forward: The Roots Of Big Star (released by Omnivore in July, 2017), it is now time for the definitive version of I Am The Cosmos.

In addition to the bonus material found on the 1992 release and 2009 reissue, this new 2-CD / Digital set adds 10 more tracks, 8 of which are previously unissued and 2 making their CD debut. The packaging contains updated liner notes from set co-producer Alec Palao as well as Bob Mehr and features previously unseen photographs. Also available the same day, the original 12 track “album”—first pressing on clear vinyl (with download card). All Chris Bell projects are being approved and overseen by Chris’ estate run by his brother, David.

With renewed reverence for his work in Big Star, as well as a look back at his earlier work, and an upcoming biography from Rich Tupica, the stars have aligned. This expanded edition of I Am The Cosmos arrives at the perfect time for long-time fans, as well of those who are just discovering the magic of Chris Bell.

Tracklist
[CD1]
1. I Am The Cosmos (Original Single Version)
2. Better Save Yourself
3. Speed Of Sound
4. Get Away
5. You And Your Sister (Original Single Version)
6. I Got Kinda Lost
7. Look Up
8. Make A Scene
9. There Was A Light
10. I Don’t Know
11. Fight At The Table
12. Though I Know She Lies
13. I Am The Cosmos (Acoustic Mix)*
14. You And Your Sister (Acoustic Version)*
15. Look Up (Acoustic Movie Mix)
16. Untitled Acoustic Instrumental (Movie Mix)

[CD2]:
1. I Am The Cosmos (Extended Alternate Version)
2. Better Save Yourself (Alternate Mix)
3. Speed Of Sound (Alternate Version)
4. Get Away (Alternate Version)
5. You And Your Sister (Alternate Version)
6. Make A Scene (Alternate Mix)
7. Fight At The Table (Alternate Mix)
8. I Don’t Know (Alternate Version)
9. Speed Of Sound (Alternate Version Backing Track)*
10. Stay With Me With Keith Sykes
11. In My Darkest Hour With Nancy Bryan
12. So Long Baby (Aka Clacton Rag)
13. Fight At The Table (Outtake With Partial Vocal)*
14. You And Your Sister (“Country” Underdub Mix)
15. Get Away (Outtake Track)*
16. Better Save Yourself (Outtake Track)*
17. I Am The Cosmos (Alternate Backing Track With Piano)*
18. Untitled Electric Instrumental (Movie Mix)*
19. Though I Know She Lies (Movie Mix)*

* Previously Unissued.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073PGV9PP/?tag=imwan-20

eelkiller · **Joined:** 10 Dec 2006 **Posts:** 1681

Between this one, the Looking Forward CD, Raspberries Live, and the recent Game Theory reissues Omnivore will be getting a lot of my money in the near future. :yay:

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

I know I keep repeating myself (seem to be doing this more often as I get older :facepalm:

) BUT with Omnivore I do not care. One of the best if not THE best reissue label out there.

Never able to get the deluxe or Handmade versions this one is the winner and great price as well. I am on this big time!

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Jul 07, 2017 12:47 pm

Bump: Added the cover image to the first post.

Jay · 12 Jul 2006

Linda wrote:

Bump: Added the cover image to the first post.

Looks familiar!

eelkiller · **Joined:** 10 Dec 2006 **Posts:** 1681

Probably because some of us have it in our collection once or twice.

Ten more tracks cinched it for me.

Jay · 12 Jul 2006

Absolutely!

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:52 pm

This came out last week, and the price has actually dropped by another $6, down to $16.99:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073PGV9PP/?tag=imwan-20

I'm extremely pleased with this edition. Can't imagine how it could ever be improved upon or expanded further -- this is my fourth version of the album, and I'm prepared to finally say "definitive" and be done with it.

The remastering was done with a strong sense of historical accuracy. The title track reminds me of how my original 1978 vinyl single sounded ... the entire set sounds like this, and it's a pleasure to listen to.

If you like Big Star and own the three albums, get this one too. It's kinda/sorta Big Star's fourth album, and truly completes the set.

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

Linda wrote:

This came out last week, and the price has actually dropped by another $6, down to $16.99:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073PGV9PP/?tag=imwan-20

I'm extremely pleased with this edition. Can't imagine how it could ever be improved upon or expanded further -- this is my fourth version of the album, and I'm prepared to finally say "definitive" and be done with it.

The remastering was done with a strong sense of historical accuracy. The title track reminds me of how my original 1978 vinyl single sounded ... the entire set sounds like this, and it's a pleasure to listen to.

If you like Big Star and own the three albums, get this one too. It's kinda/sorta Big Star's fourth album, and truly completes the set.

Yeah Linda, when Amazon notified me about my forthcoming credit I was amazed. I have this (latest) :wink:

version on this W/E's playlist. This is such a cool album.

[2017-09-15] Chris Bell "I Am The Cosmos (Expanded Edition)" 2CD set (Omnivore)

Who is WANline