Big Star: At Overton Square, Memphis

THIS REVIEW is primarily about Alex Chilton, formerly of the Box Tops and presently with Big Star. The occasions are few and far between that one gets the chance to observe, or merely realize the existence of, a living legend while said legend is still a vibrant, productive figure (and forget the English chauvinists, because post-1964 American rock has definitely had its share: Brian Wilson, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, even the Sonics and many others). There are relatively obscure ones too. I had the chance this spring to see Rocky Erickson a half dozen times live with the reformed 13th Floor Elevators, and Rocky is still every bit the incredible stylist his old Texas fans have long claimed him to be. And now yet another one, in Alex Chilton, only months later. Amazing, amazing.