Alex Chilton RIP: "I'm In Love, With That Song. I'm In Love, What's That Song?"

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Alex Chilton passed away on Saint Patrick's Day. He was 59-years-old. Chilton made his first appearance on the music scene as a young teenager. He was the very non-teenager sounding-like vocalist on the familiar hit by The Boxtops titled "The Letter." If you have not heard the song before you probably have never owned a radio:



The Boxtops
"The Letter"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD9mCp8SifM




"I never travel far, without a little Big Star"
(The Replacements "Alex Chilton")

Chilton went on to become songwriter and vocalist for the highly influential and much revered band "Big Star." Two of their songs were already featured on this blog. Here is one of those songs.


Big Star
"Thirteen"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pte3Jg-2Ax4




Chilton released many solo albums after Big Star, but mostly served as record producer extraordinaire. On the EP by The Cramps titled "Gravest Hits," Chilton did a miraculous job capturing that band's unique "ooze and throb" sound. One of my favorite sounding records to this very day:

The Cramps
"Human Fly"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPOVmWzeqEo




In the 1980's, one of my favorite bands, The Replacements, paid homage to Chilton with their song "Alex Chilton," from the album "Pleased To Meet Me."

The Replacements
"Alex Chilton"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTSJYZyouek


So even though he was somewhat of a recluse, Chilton managed to be a teenage star; the leader of a highly respected cult band; a much sought after producer; and finally, to have a brilliant song written for him by one of the truly great bands of the eighties.

All of that and so much more.

Nicely done, Alex.

May you rest in peace.





"Children by the million
sing for Alex Chilton
when he comes 'round, they sing:
'I'm in love, with that song
I'm in love, what's that song?'"
(The Replacements "Alex Chilton")


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