“If demons come while you’re under, I’ll be a blue moon in the dark”

Since I waited so long to write about this, I have lost a majority of the minor details pertaining to my initial reactions.  That is not nearly as important as the music anyway.  I have included links to the video that accompanies some of these songs.  Please keep in mind that my video camera is crap & likes to turn itself off.  Also, I like to be as close as possible & I do not possess a wide-angle lens.  Sorry.  Just listen to the music & pretend the quality is better.  Then, go to a live show because live music is better for you anyway. 

The show opened with Chris Stamey, Sondre Lerche, Laura Chilton and others performing “Kanga Roo.”  It was absolutely beautiful. 

This was followed by Yo La Tengo’s set of  “Take Care,” “Windows Hotel” & “My Baby Just Cares For Me.”  I had heard great things about YLT & they did not disappoint.  I would certainly see them again if given the chance.  Ira truly channeled his inner Alex for “Windows Hotel” & Georgia’s “Take Care” made me cry.

YLT also backed Jon Spencer on “Rock Hard” & Bangkok,” two of my favorite solo rockers from Alex.   I have never heard Jon Spencer’s music but if he always performs with such enthusiasm, I would gladly see him again as well.  In another venue, I would have been dancing but the City Winery is a bit tight for that. 

Alan Vega joined YLT & Jon Spencer for “Rubber Room” & “Dreambaby Dream.” 

Next up was a set by Gary Talley & Bill Cunningham from The Box Tops, Terry Manning (mix master extraordinaire) & Richard Dworkin.  They played “Free Again,” “Choo Choo Train,” “Neon Rainbow,” “Cry Like a Baby” “Soul Deep” & “The Letter.”  I absolutely could not believe how great they sounded.  Gary Talley has the voice to keep these songs alive.  I would definitely see a Bill Cunningham/Gary Talley Box Tops show.  Once again, I really wanted to dance.  Curses on tight seating!

Ronnie Spector then came out to sing “Walkin in the Rain.”  This was odd because I had no idea what correlation she had to Alex &, in all honesty, she seemed to be there more for herself whereas everyone else seemed to be there to honor Alex.  Such being the case, I would have liked to have heard “Be My Baby” since I remember playing it over & over again on my cassette player when I got the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack.  My best friend & I would carry it around when we took the dog for a walk, intentionally walking near the house of the boy she had a crush on hoping he would hear.  Back on topic, she then sang a song Alex wrote, “Baby, You’re Okay” with Fran Kowalski.   I love this style of music so I did enjoy both songs.

Danny Kroha from The Gories then sang “Tinaninanoo.”  

Then, Marshall Krenshaw sang “Guantanamerika,” “Dalai Lama” & “Little GTO.”  I was most partial to “Little GTO.”  I would say it was because I am not as familiar with the other two songs but I had never heard the two Alex Chilton solo songs YLT did & I loved them…

Having read some of the stories surrounding the making of “Third/Sister Lovers,” I was excited to see (Elizabeth) Lesa Aldridge (Hoehn).   She was beautiful & it was so enjoyable to watch her perform “Downs” & ”Jesus Christ.”  It was particularly nice to hear her tell of the origins of “Jesus Christ.”

Once I saw this guitar on stage, I knew my favorite part of the show was about to begin – the Big Star segments!

Jody Stephens & Jon Auer were joined by Chris Stamey, Gene Holder & Terry Manning.  They performed “In the Street,” “When My Baby’s Beside Me,” “Back of a Car” & “Way Out West” (which was even more heart wrenching in light of Andy Hummel’s recent passing & the touching, heartfelt introduction Jody gave).

Evan Dando sang “Nighttime.”  Sorry, Evan, Susan Marshall will forever reign supreme as the premier coverer (I don’t care if that isn’t a word) of this song.  Unfortunately, her version is not on youtube.  I should change that.

Jon Auer followed that (thank God) with “Thirteen.”  I missed Ken Stringfellow’s high harmonies so I sang them from my seat (poorly).

This was followed by most favorite part of the entire evening.  Jody singing “Blue Moon” while Jon played guitar & sang harmonies.  The video link is from someone else whose camera recording did this far more justice than mine.   I don’t have any words to describe how beautiful this was so please just watch the video & dream like I do that Jody, Jon & Ken will get together to play some more & Jody will sing more because he should.

Sondre Lerche came back out (actually he came through the audience) to sing “The Ballad of El Goodo.”  I was still coming down from a “Blue Moon” high but I think this was probably good  I know the drums were awesome.

Last up was “September Gurls” followed by Jesse Malin leading everyone in The Replacements’ “Alex Chilton.”  I wish Jon & Jody or anyone else sang it.  Sorry.  I’m not trying to be mean.  I just didn’t get the Jesse Malin/Alex Chilton connection & I like Jon and Jody a lot more. 

Overall, it was an incredible evening & it was truly amazing to hear the variety in the music that Alex wrote & performed.  I do believe his friends gave him a most proper tribute.   My very favorite moment of the night was definitely “Blue Moon.” 

Getting a gorgeous print of one of Stephanie Chernikowski’s photos of Alex was a really nice memento too   I wish I could have met her & picked her brain for some advice.  Her rock photos are gorgeous.