Big Star's "Thirteen" - Jody Stephens, Mike Mills, Luther Russell 

arguably the greatest song ever written about being 13 and in love

The very first time I heard this Big Star song, the line "Rock and roll is here to stay", it took me by surprise how beautifully it was sung, I cried.

Big Star are Mike Mills Heroes, like Mike Mills and R.E.M. were ours in the 80's.

I always hear those phased backing vocals in my head. Beautiful record.

There's an exceptional Big Star Documentary out called "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me"

God, a tear came to my eye as I sang along with this. Had no idea Jody Stephens had a decent singing voice as well

Everyone can kinda whisper/sing this song in their sensitive moments. Lovely that way.

One of the greatest songs of all time. Mike Mills one of the greatest backing vocal singers and most underrated of all time. When I have a sing along with REM songs I am going for his bits more the Stipey. Great stuff boys.

Exemplary writing and production. The lyric is a story and the music is its messenger. I am so moved by this piece, its restraint, its plain-ness. Beautiful.

Thank you friends

Whenever I hear this song I wonder what they would have told her dad about the 1966 Rolling Stones song "Paint It Black."

Simply beautiful ❤

They had me at 12-string guitar ... whew!

Glad to hear they finally let go of all the infighting that plagued the early years , Chris Bell even got a name check , too late of course but proof if it were needed that time eventually heals even the most destructive rifts.

This must be my favourite Big Star song .

This song slays me.

Mike Mills! The great Mike Mills!

A beautiful rendition of such a tender song. Loved it!

Jody remains, bears witness and we are grateful.

Beautiful. 💜

Well done! Thanks for this.

Chris Bell is somewhere smiling now :)

Thanks for this very nice Big Star song.

SUPER SPECIAL 🌟

Just gorgeous !

Mike your’re the best..

Still love it :)

Excellent 🙂

crushed it

Good job Mike.

Brilliant

really good

I have heard such criticism of this song from people (including from my own generation born mid-1960s) that it's creepy or inappropriate. I don't buy that at all. These lines: "If it's so then let me know / if it's no then I will go / I won't make you" make clear that this kid is unsure, scared, driven, ultimately respectful. This is high-level emotional lyric-writing. Young people and desire are weird - but I think Big Star sang about this in a beautiful, human way. I love it and I understand why it is listened to 50 years later - and will be many years from now. Very good performance from MM and Jody and Luther - but I have to say I prefer the version from this fantastic KEXP show ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QfXVqjma9j8.html

My name is Jody Stephens

Really enjoy Elliott Smith’s rendition

How is this Big Star without Alex Chilton and Chris Bell?

OMG Jody was singing harmony on many BS tracks. Wow

Lol there are Mike Mills fanboys?

Love this song! Check out this version from Jimmy Kimmel Live just a few weeks ago: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1OSd724L94k.html

Great song. Horrible camera work. Musicians should be broadcast directors as they would know where to focus the shot.

Who else is here because of stargirl?

Probably the worst cover of this wonderful song