Alex Chilton died in New Orleans yesterday, at the age of 59. His band Big Star (co-founded with Chris Bell) sold few albums, but they pioneered the genre of power pop and produced two masterpieces in the 1970s: #1 Record and Radio City. His music influenced bands (like R.E.M.) who achieved the success Big Star never would.Below are two examples of Chilton's brilliance, and one tribute to it. The first, "Thirteen," is a gorgeous and wistful teenage lullaby of rock. The second, "September Gurls," is quintessential power pop, and one of the greatest songs of all time.
The last is the Replacements' homage to Chilton, an apt eulogy:
If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?Like Paul Westerberg, I never travel far without a little Big Star. Alex Chilton will be missed, even if he's been forgotten.
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."
Cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."
I never travel far, without a little Big Star
Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song?
I'm in love with that song."
UPDATE: Here's Rolling Stone's write-up of Chilton. Here's Pitchfork's. Here's the NYT.
