We can't help ourselves; watch a live performance of "September Gurls" by Grand Atlantic.

During their week at SXSW in Austin, our favorite Aussies Grand Atlantic played a live version of Alex Chilton's "September Gurls" during their set at Sonny's Vintage on March 18 (the day after Chilton passed away) and we've got it on video! Yeah! The video consists of the band performing the song live mixed in with random video footage of the group, turning it into a short film-style video. Enjoy!

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Grand Atlantic covers Alex Chilton's "September Gurls," Just Months Before His Death

While many are or have, Grand Atlantic is certainly not jumping on any sort of bandwagon to tribute iconic pop singer/songwriter Alex Chilton. Eerily enough, roughly two months before Chilton's death, Grand Atlantic had recorded one of Big Star's most memorable "hit" songs "September Gurls."

When Chilton's sudden passing on March 17 came to press, many of his biggest fans and followers were at SXSW in Austin, Texas. If they weren't planning to attend the SXSW-scheduled show of Big Star on Saturday, March 20, it was only because the fans themselves were probably playing in their own band, influenced by this seminal power-pop group. It was a shock heard around the indie rock world, one that still stuns us today.

Grand Atlantic singer/guitarist Phil Usher was one of those people. An honor of Chilton's past work both in Big Star and The Box Tops, and eerily enough, just about two months before Chilton died, Grand Atlantic recorded a cover of Big Star's understated and powerful love song "September Gurls." We get chills as we tell you this.

After SXSW and Chilton's passing, we asked Usher to tell us about his personal experiences with the music of Alex Chilton.

"The music of The Box Tops and Big Star have resonated with me in a unique way. I am a sucker for great rock n roll with inspiring melodies and Alex had it pulsing through his veins. I actually discovered Big Star through the recommendation of friends, after they mentioned that they thought my music reminded me of the band. I have always been a big Teenage Fanclub fan and have now realized what a huge impact Alex had on their music as well. I had hoped to catch him perform at SXSW along with many others, but unfortunately it was not to be. As with many great artists, he may have been under-appreciated and under-rated during his time here, but his music will live on and continue to inspire and encourage others like myself. I feel so fortunate to have found his music and feel as if the musical landscape would not be the same without Mr. Chilton. Rest easy Alex."

Take a breath, close your eyes and listen to Grand Atlantic's stunning version of "September Gurls." Click Here to Read More..

Einsten and Alan Cohen Experience Join Big Star Tribute in Spirit

Musicians and fans were saddened upon the news that Alex Chilton of Big Star passed away March 17. The shock hit hard, and especially made an impact at this year's SXSW. Rolling Stone reports Big Star's remaining members Jon Auer, Ken Stringfellow and Jody Stephens were joined by several musicians who wanted to help celebrate Chilton's memory and allow Big Star to still perform a show at Antone’s Night Club. Performances included Curt Kirkwood on "In the Street," M. Ward of She & Him on "Big Black Car," Mike Mills of R.E.M. on "Jesus Christ," and John Doe of X on "I'm In Love with a Girl."

An array of musicians continued to provide musical support in order to honor the legacy of Chilton. Other performers included Sondre Lerche, Chris Stamey, Chuck Prophet, Evan Dando, Amy Speace, Susan Cowsill, and the Watson Twins. Original Big Star member Andy Hummel even traveled all the way from Lithuania in order to show support for his fallen band mate.

Even bands and fans that were not in attendance at SXSW have the memory of Chilton in their minds and hearts. Although they didn't perform at SXSW, Alan Cohen Experience was there in spirit as the new song "Einstein" was even played at Antone’s during the set break before the Big Star tribute.

Although the news of Alex Chilton's passing created heartbreak all throughout Austin, and throughout the music world, his legacy and Big Star's music will certainly continue to live on.

Visit http://www.alancohenexperience.com to download Alan Cohen Exerience's song "Einstein."

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