Alex Chilton RIP

game theory/loud family are great, criminally underrecognized bands who in a parallel universe would be big stars. too bad that scott miller is forever condemned by his reedy little voice to mere cult figure. i believe aimee mann (no slouch herself) called him the best songwriter out there, which isn't too far wrong--his lyrics/tunes/concept albums are extremely ambitious and interesting. "like a girl jesus" is as purty a song as has ever been penned.
speaking of big-star influenced cult figures, it's strange noone's mentioned my fave, elliott smith, who channelled chilton as closely as anyone and who also died too soon.

"I never travel far, without a little Big Star."

loomisj---I agree. Ironic that Scott's ego prevented him from stepping back and letting someone else sing the songs, which would have given them a much greater chance at commercial success,

gotta disagree, jimjoyce--i've met the guy (really nice and unassuming, btw) and i don't think his ego's an issue--it's more like he needs to sing his own songs in order to deliver 'em properly. game theory songs sung by, say eddie vedder or robert plant just wouldn't have the same appeal. personally, i like his voice and think he's a good singer--expressive and on key. it's just not a big, resonant voice, and most record buyers want big, resonant voices.

Back on topic, I'll still take Alex, even solo (in fact, especially solo!) over all that later egghead non-rock he's alleged to be somehow responsible for...and that goes for the Posies too. (Sorry AC but it had to be said. By me at least.) Nice guys? Who cares -- let's see how long of a thread we get when any of them joins the heavenly choir...(Wait, better not go there -- none of my fellow audiophiles posted to my recent Dale Hawkins RIP thread, much to absolutely nobody's surprise...but you can't tell me Alex didn't dig Dale.) Sorry, I must be in a foul mood. Rock'n'roll is dead, long live rock'n'roll! Carry on...