 Big Star 's first album — 1972 's # 1 Record — was met by enthusiastic reviews , but ineffective marketing by Stax Records and limited distribution stunted its commercial success . Frustration took its toll on band relations : Bell left not long after the first record 's commercial progress stalled , and Hummel left to finish his college education after a second album , Radio City , was completed in December 1973 . Like # 1 Record , Radio City received excellent reviews , but label issues again thwarted sales — Columbia Records , which had assumed control of the Stax catalog , likewise effectively vetoed its distribution . After a third album was deemed non @-@ commercially viable and shelved before receiving a title , the band broke up late in 1974 . Four years later , the first two Big Star LPs were released together in the UK as a double album . The band 's third album was finally issued soon afterward ; titled Third / Sister Lovers , it found limited commercial success . Shortly thereafter , Chris Bell was killed in a car accident at the age of 27 . 
