Song #191 - "The Letter" - The Box Tops

Recorded - March 1967

Released - July 1967

#1 for weeks of September 23, 30 & October 7 and 14, 1967. 

     1967 showed just how diverse and integrated the music scene had become with numerous white artists crossing over on the R&B and soul charts. The most notable and best of these were The Rascals. However, there was a similar sounding group from Memphis Tennessee, who although they did not have as much success as The Rascals, managed to have a strong #1 hit. They were The Box Tops, and their biggest hit was "The Letter". 

     The Box Tops history begins with The Devilles, a Memphis band that formed in 1963 and which contained several future Box Tops members. In early 1967, they settled upon a solid lineup, and changed their name to The Box Tops. "The Letter" was their debut single, and it was written unusually by Wayne Carson, a songwriter in the Country genre. Yet there are zero Country elements present in "The Letter". No, this song is pure soul. 

     The best element, and what I imagine made "The Letter" such a smash hit, is lead singer Alex Chilton's vocal performance. So many singers that graced the pop charts had studio polished vocals. Alex, on the other hand, delivers a unique, gritty, and soulful vocal that predates the trademark vocal style of Bruce Springsteen by a good five years. 

     Musically, there is a nice blend of organ and guitar led rock and roll with a strident but not overpowering brass and string section. "The Letter" also appeals to me as although it is a lyrically happy song, it is set in a minor key, which gives it more of a moody feel. Had this song been set in a major key, and had it featured a smooth polished lead vocalist, it would have been nowhere near as exciting to listen to. 

     The Box Tops aren't exactly a one hit wonder as they had a #2 hit with "Cry Like A Baby". This song contains even more of a soul than "The Letter" and even uses an electric sitar, while still retaining the band's original sound. I think it's a crying shame that I have to review the song that kept "Cry Like A Baby" off the top, Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey", instead. 

Final Verdict - Don't let the Box Tops' two hit wonder status deter you from listening to "The Letter". If you love rock and soul music, this song will be right up your alley. It's certainly a buried gem and in this case, I hope that my reviewing it will cause a new generation of listeners to dig it up and check it out. 

                      Coming Up Next - "To Sir With Love" by Lulu. 

Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock, and if you send in enough box tops, you'll receive an official Dr. Rock action figurine -                not really