Graham Reid | | <1 min read
In later years Alex Chilton -- who died in March 2010 -- was mostly known for the legendary but short-lived Seventies 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.
For more one-off or unusual songs with an interesting backstory see From the Vaults.
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.
SaveJeffrey Paparoa Holman - Jan 17, 2011
What a great track - almost makes me want to go back to church, if I wasn't already there.
SaveHallelujah indeed. Thanks again Graham.
Clive - Mar 9, 2015
Ah The Box Tops and Big Star,great bands.Raven has just put out a double CD of the Box Tops titled Original Albums 1967 to 1969.It covers their first 4 Albums and is great vaue for $20 odd dollars.Give me a ticket....
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