This album's been billed as Alex Chilton's covers record, but I'm
not sure that that's much of a distinction; he's been a reluctant
songwriter ever since his return from dishwashing oblivion in the mid '80s.
The one-time pop auteur has turned himself into a human jukebox suitable
for any occasion; whether you want to hear crooned standards, greasy blues,
giddy disco, or teary-eyed country, he can deliver. His voice is thin but
nimble, and his guitar playing ably fills all of the spaces that a rhythm
section can't.
But his versatility comes packaged with a certain
detachment; Chilton gets the job done but there's no mistaking that it's a
job, not a labor of love. He sounds like he likes his job best on the funky
novelties "Oogum Boogum" and "You've Got A Booger Bear Under There," and
his picking shines on the loungy stroll "Shiny Stockings," but if you're
looking for heartfelt you're better off picking up Radio City or Like
Flies On Sherbert.
If you like Alex Chilton, check out:
The Box Tops Cry Like A Baby
Big Star Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star Radio City
Alexander "Skip" Spence Oar
Alex Chilton Like Flies On Sherbert
