Big Shot Chronicles

Game Theory | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 2, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alias Records
• ASIN: B000001HV0
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #187,643 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Here It Is Tomorrow

2. Where You Going Northern

3. I've Tried Subtley

4. Erica's Word

5. Make Any Vows

6. Regenisraen

7. Crash Into June

8. Book Of Millionaires

9. The Only Lesson Learned

10. Too Closely

11. Never Mind

12. Like A Girl Jesus

13. Girl w/ a Guitar

14. Come Home With Me

15. Seattle

16. Linus And Lucy

17. Faithless

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pop Rocks, June 19, 2001

By 

"c_rosevear" (Olympia, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Shot Chronicles (Audio CD)

"Like the Beatles, I've somehow managed to write lyrics a lot of people think have hidden meaning to be deciphered, but I've done it without any of the burdensome worldwide superstardom the Beatles had to put up with."

-Scott Miller, Game Theory frontman on his lyrics to "Regenisraen."

Cryptic lyrics are only part of the charm of this 1986 release. "Big Shot Chronicles" is a strange mixture of youthful angst, nervously beautiful poetry, personal politics and warm milk. In 1987 I purchased this album on cassette tape, and played it continuously until it was worn out from use. Then I bought another copy (this time on CD).

"Big Shot Chronicles" continues to be my favorite album from Game Theory, and holds definite appeal to anyone who enjoys high energy, brightly-presented pop. The album starts with a jarring anthem, "Here It Is Tomorrow" then eases into the sweetly self-recriminating "Where You Going Northern." The transition illustrates Game Theory's talent for entertaining through testimonial and confession. "Regenisraen" is a beautifully obtuse ballad, while the "Book of Millionaires" is cynical and moody. However, my favorite would have to be "Like a Girl Jesus," a strange little love song.

Worldwide superstardom may not have been the fate of Game Theory, but this album will always be an important part of this reviewer's personal soundtrack. This album is becoming more difficult to find; I recommend you grab a copy if you can find it, and listen to it several times before developing your own opinion.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When there was still hope for rock 'n roll....., December 26, 2005

By 

J. McDonald - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Big Shot Chronicles (Audio CD)

I first heard Game Theory when I purchased an old various artists LP called "the enigma variations". Soon after that I went out and purchased this release (which wasn't easy to find).

Once you hear this CD you'll get excited that you've found something very wonderful, then you might also find yourself feeling a bit sad. Sad because this incredible collection of songs fell on deaf ears when released, and also because it shines a light on the fact that most current pop/rock music isn't a tenth as inventive or original as the material released by Game Theory.

There's really nothing I can say to make you understand what Game Theory is, I can only say that one day you'll probably own this CD and say to yourself "Wow, how did ANYONE ever miss this group?"

-JM

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A power-pop masterpiece, April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Big Shot Chronicles (Audio CD)

Though many Game Theory fans may prefer the earlier albums, "The Big Shot Chronicles" is clearly the band's finest outing. From the opening cut, it's an impressive effort and Scott Miller and company do not disappoint. The jangling guitars and Miller's high-pitched vocals weave a tapestry of power pop. It's a bit psychedelic, a bit folk, a bit garage thrown together and brilliantly produced by yet another whiney singer-songwriter--Mitch Easter. The sad part is, "Chronicles" should've been Game Theory's breakthrough album. Its follow-up, the eclectic "Lolita Nation," buried its gems in a mountain of Revolution #9ish loops, clever titles, and song snippets--all hinting at what this band could've been. It saddens me that so many haven't heard "Chronicles." Perhaps, some enlightened filmmaker will slip a few of its cuts into his next movie and fuel some new interest in this classic.