Log in

View Full Version : Power Pop God Alex Chilton Dies at 59

mark f
03-18-10, 04:33 AM
Power Pop God Alex Chilton died unexpectedly today (yesterday at the time I'm actually posting) in New Orleans from a heart attack at age 59. He started out as a teenager singing the pop classic "The Letter" with the Box Tops. After that, he co-founded one of the most influential "cult" bands of all time, Big Star, and yes, they were just as influential to future bands as the Velvet Underground ever were. Chilton's influence remains high to this very day and he was even in the middle of a current tour when he suddenly died today.

Here are some of my faves involving him:

"The Letter" by the Box Tops (Chilton was 16 (!). His uncharacteristic raspy voice was due to his having a cold when he recorded this classic.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD9mCp8SifM

"September Gurls" by Big Star
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNKSs1J38EA

"Thirteen" by Big Star
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pte3Jg-2Ax4&feature=related

"In the Street' by Big Star
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx6XeBhZETg&feature=related

"Watch the Sunrise" by Big Star
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQqmnhSLOUQ

"The Ballad of El Goodo" by Big Star
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn1t6l7UUPc

"Alex Chilton" by the Replacements
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTSJYZyouek&feature=fvst

Rock 'n Roll just died a little bit more.

R.I.P.
sarah f
03-18-10, 08:01 PM
Yeah, so so sad. We're listening to Radio City right now and actually "September Gurls" specifically. I think we'll follow it up with the Box Tops Super Hits to commemorate the "power pop god"
Caitlyn
03-19-10, 11:07 AM
My Mom is a big fan so I grew up listening to him... The Letter has always been my favorite...

Rest in Peace...
Sexy Celebrity
03-19-10, 11:27 AM
"The Letter" by the Box Tops (Chilton was 16 (!). His uncharacteristic raspy voice was due to his having a cold when he recorded this classic.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD9mCp8SifM

I always pictured some ugly, ugly guy singing this song -- but it's not!

That's too bad that he died. Not sure what he's been up to since the 1960's. R.I.P.