I saw Alex at the long, gone venue the Bottom Line, in New York City. He played so many songs that night, including an amazing version of Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You.” Unexpected? Sure. But knowing what little I do about him, it was just in line with him as an artist. We all wanted to hear “September Gurls”, and he instead played “What’s Your Sign, Girl?” Instead of “Thirteen”, he played, oh what was it? Why can’t I remember the song? It’s because it didn’t matter what the song was, it was only about hearing that ethereal voice, the one that I loved, and continue to love, so much. “I’m In Love with a Girl”, indeed. I’m in love with Alex Chilton, and I always will be.
I never travel far without a little Big Star, and “The Ballad of El Goodo” is one of my favorite songs of all time. For my money the best version ever recorded was Trip Shakespeare’s cover from their Volt EP. Sadly that one’s not on youtube, and the live version from one of their recent reunion shows that is linkable doesn’t quite live up.
