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Classic Album Review: The Bigger Lovers | This Affair Never Happened… And Here Are 11 Songs About It

Fans of Alex Chilton & Big Star will find plenty to love in the Philly outfit's third LP.

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This came out in 2004 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):

 


There are countless power-pop bands on the scene trying to duplicate the magical sound of Alex Chilton and Big Star. But few who succeed as handily as Philly’s Bigger Lovers.

From the jangly guitars and lazy grooves to the bittersweet melodies and hip-deep harmonies, the 11 tracks on their third full-length This Affair Never Happened… could be outtakes from old ’70s Big Star sessions — were it not for the wry wit and Fountains of Wayne-style irony that add a few contemporary shadings to the sunny surroundings. No, they aren’t breaking new ground here. But fans of Chilton — not to mention followers like Cheap Trick or The Soft Boys — will find plenty to love here.