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“Big Star’s 3rd: Sister Lovers.” Big Star. Jem. This ambitious, sprawling 1974 album is one of the pillars of Alex Chilton’s reputation as an underground pop genius, and it far outclasses much of his overrated ‘80s music. With an acoustic guitar foundation, jangly dissonances and periodic freak-outs, the richly melodic, emotionally naked “3rd” combines rock, chamber-folk, Spector, Velvet Underground, “Pet Sounds” and other styles to capture the ache of adolescence, plus a chilling numbness of spirit. The CD contains three previously unreleased tracks: the floating, amorphous “Dream Lover,” the jagged “Downs” and a relatively straight remake of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” *** 1/2