Alex Chilton 1950 - 2010

Alex Chilton died in New Orleans today.

This is the second obit blog in a row that I've written, which is depressing.The music Chilton produced with Chris Bell for Big Star was - like the work of Eric Rohmer - decidedly independent and unique. Just hearing the opening riffs of any song on #1 or Radio City evokes a clear and definite emotion for me. Their music is among the most lyrical in Rock and virtually defined the modern pop sound. Had Chris Bell not died in a car accident in the late 70s, the duo would've almost certainly been an American Lennon/McCartney; their work was THAT good and the pair were THAT complimentary.

With the death of Chilton, it seems as if an entire era is - sadly - brought to an end. They don't make 'em like that any more . . .