The Replacements
It's been a while since I put on a Replacements album. And that's gonna change because my friend Steve sent me a Wilco cover of the brilliant Color Me Impressed off of the Hootenanny album. And its got me in the mood to listen to The Replacements again.
There are three albums recorded in the mid 80s that belong in every rock music collection. They are, in chronilogical order, Let It Be, Tim, and Pleased To Meet Me.
The stuff they did before these records was garange punk and the stuff they put out after these records was missing the essential edge of the band. But even that stuff is pretty good.
The genius behind The Replacements is Paul Westerberg. He is among the best rock and roll songwriters of all time. His songs have this amazing way of combining the driving energy that defines great rock with an emotional side that makes the music mean something more.
Paul is still making music as a solo act. His solo records aren't nearly as great as the best of The Replacements, but I did really like Stereo, and a few others aren't bad either.
But I am going back to the 80s and listen to the great ones.
Paul's newly released album isn't too bad, although it cetainly lacks the edge of the classic Replacements stuff.
You should check these guys out - http://www.robrussellandthesorelosers.com
They have a Mellencamp or Springsteen fronting The Replacements kind of sound. I'm seeing them live tonight.
Posted by: Chris | September 25, 2004 at 03:04 PM
Right. On.
Mpls?
Posted by: Rob | September 27, 2004 at 02:14 AM
I'm glad there is something we finally agree on -- you are dead on, an all time great band that never got their due. Nominations for their single greatest song? I vote for "Unsatisfied".
Posted by: Bob Struble | September 27, 2004 at 10:11 AM
I started listening to the replacements again when I first found out about Golden Smog and the Minneapolis music scene. Here Comes a Regular is one of the best song ever recorded, it really portrays the mood.
Posted by: rod | September 27, 2004 at 11:23 AM
Glad to see there are other Replacements fans out there.
Posted by: Steve | September 27, 2004 at 06:04 PM
Another gross omission on my part, and I'm glad you beat me there because you got me my first Mats record (TIM). I'd say that "Don't Tell A Soul" is as good as the others mentioned. And yes, I agree with Bob, 'Unsatisfied' is the best song, although it meant more to me when I was...
Posted by: jackson | September 28, 2004 at 12:39 PM
The new Paul is as good as anything he's done solo (including Don'T Tell, which was essentially his first solo effort). Growing up In Minneapolis in the 80's, I saw the Mats 40+ times- from their "punk" (not really) beginnings in SW Mpls to Paul's maturity as a song writer- he's the best of our generation no question in my mind. It was sad to see Bob go, but Tommy is doing OK (paying the bills with G&R, but his heart is still there). And Chris having success with his art. They will always be the ultimate rock&roll band to me. All Mats fans should check out these early live videos from TwinTone:
http://www.twintone.com/video/mats/
Posted by: Rob | September 30, 2004 at 03:13 AM