This 3-CD limited edition set is comprised of 49 re-mastered tracks from the legendary Boston band’s original tapes, plus the mysterious "Faith Healer" video, all for an incredibly low price. Chronicling Big Dipper’s years on the Homestead label, discs one and two include the 1987 EP "BooBoo" and the LPs "Heavens" (1987) and "Craps" (1988). Nine little or seldom heard bonus tracks from that era fill out Disc 2. Disc 3 compiles fifteen previously unreleased tracks from the band’s 1991 and 1992 post-Epic recording sessions. Extensive liner notes from the original band members and Tom Scharpling (host of The Best Show on WFMU).
Big Dipper was formed in 1985 amidst the fertile Boston music scene of the day, after guitarist Gary Waleik and bassist Steve Michener left the original lineup of Volcano Suns (which they'd formed with drummer and vocalist Peter Prescott after the breakup of Prescott's earlier band Mission Of Burma). Still anxious to pursue their musical muses, Michener briefly played in an early line-up of Dumptruck, while Waleik started writing songs with singer/guitarist Bill Goffrier, who had moved to Boston after his former band, the Wichita, KS-based indie pioneers the Embarrassment, had split up in 1983. Completing their lineup with the additions of Michener and local drummer Jeff Oliphant, the band took to writing songs in their practice space and playing a few small gigs around Boston and Cambridge, before finally getting around to laying down a few tracks at a local studio. The band sent 6 songs to the legendary Homestead label, just to see if anyone might be interested. The response was clear and to the point as a recording contract and a hefty check for $1000 soon showed up in the mail. At this point, the band did not even have a name. But they settled on Big Dipper, and went back into the studio to record three more songs, thus giving life to the Boo-Boo EP, which came out on Homestead in March of 1987. Leading off with the killer "Faith Healer", Boo-Boo was well-received on both the local and national indie scenes. Later the same year, the band’s debut full-length LP Heavens was released to even greater acclaim. An excellent synthesis of sunny power pop, neo-psychedelia, and indie rock angst, Heavens launched the band onto national tours, critical acclaim, and respectable record sales. All Music Guide has called Heavens “one of the finest American indie albums of its era.”
In 1988, Big Dipper released Craps, their final album with Homestead, and continued to tour and cement their reputation as one of the most vibrant bands from the thriving Boston music scene. The band signed to Epic/CBS in 1989, and released one album Slam, before being chewed up and spit out by the major label machine. It was not a pleasant process for anyone involved. By 1992, Big Dipper was no more. It had been amazing ride, but after nearly 7 years it was over.
On March 18th, 2008, Merge Records will be releasing Supercluster: The Big Dipper Anthology. This 3 CD set will include reissues of the band’s debut EP - Boo-Boo - and first two LPs - Heavens and Craps as well as 9 bonus tracks, a video and one previously unreleased CD – the “lost” album - Very Loud Array, which was the last recorded document from Big Dipper, but never saw the light of day, UNTIL NOW!!
Hi Big Dipper's! It's really appreciated - We are unsigned, no booking promotion or anything, so-our myspace friends is pretty much what get's us going!!!
It's BIG DIPPER, it's new, and it's TERRIFIC! I had always hoped the day would come. I think we all know that you have a lot more..... so let's keep them coming!!!
Hi Big Dipper, thank you very much for adding us. i'm so happy to have come across your music (yeah i know i'm late), as it is just amazing! but you know that already i'm sure. so thanks and again and best wishes to you. Brian
Jeremy H. said you guys are considering a trek through the Midwest. If you guys played Mpls/St. Paul, it would be great. I could envision a Big Dipper show at Triple Rock Social Club (Mpls) or one at The Turf Club (St. Paul). If you play in the Twin Cities, they will come. Do it!
Great set last night guys! My girl and I want to echo the venerable Robert Pollard's call for MORE BIG DIPPER! We will travel great distances to see it.
Outstanding show last night at The Paradise. Great setlist, great sound. Even better, a new song. Keep this going! Show those so-called indie rock kings how it's really done.
Have a great gig tonite, guys! I will be there in spirit but I will really be crushing our Grenache. I do want you to mail me by ceremonial piece of roast beef from Mr. Pollard's pre-show tray. Steve
