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The Box Tops: I Met Her in Church (1968)

The Box Tops: I Met Her in Church (1968)

In later years Alex Chilton -- who died in March 2010 -- was mostly known for the legendary but short-lived 70s power-pop band Big Star which was hugely influential across the generations and was paid tribute to by the Replacements in a song named after him.

But before the pop of Big Star, Chilton out of Memphis was the singer in the Box Tops which scored big with The Letter in '67 and Cry Like A Baby the following year. The band recorded at the famous American Sound Studio with the legendary songwriter-producer Dann Penn.

Although they were a pop-rock band, Chilton also brought a style which seemed to come straight from the gospel church and onto the grubby street. His pained and often heart-aching sound ripped raw and colourblind listeners could have been forgiven thinking he was black.

Written by Penn and Spooner Oldham, I Met Her in Church of '68 exemplifies the soul power, pure passion and genuine commitment that Chilton brought to the lyrics.

Alex Chilton was only 17 when he sang this.

Added: 19 Mar 10

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Comments

Paul Rowe - Mar 23, 2010

Thanks Graham, I adore this song, and have been melancholy since hearing about Chilton's death last week. Been listening to Big Star all weekend, and for a break, the Vega/Chilton/Vaughan album Cubist Blues, as unlike Box Tops/Big Star as you can get. I had been hoping the reformed Big Star might make it down this way, but that won't be the case now.

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