Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson Work On New Material

The second part of Rhino's Replacements re-issues, the focus of which is the legendary alt-rock pioneers' major label catalog, has been in stores for two weeks now, allowing both fans and newbies to discover the group's mid-period classics, as well as less regarded efforts. In light of this renewed recognition, a likelihood of a reunion is sadly unlikely. But those hoping to hear collaborative music from principal members of the band can be cautiously optimistic.

Billboard is reporting that Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson are "Messin' Around" with new material.

So sayeth Billboard:

Stinson told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that the trio didn't roll any tape, because "that's getting to first base. We're sort of still in the dugout chewing gum." But he assured that he and Westerberg are "good friends, and I'm sure we're going to work together again."

Hey, so that's something. Let's hope that the duo can create a video as brilliantly satirical as their clip for "Bastards of Young"



(Jonathan Graef)
jon@minneapolisfuckingrocks.com

The Replacements Turned Down Coachella Reunion Offer...But Hint At Future Possibilities

Download: The Replacements - "Color Me Impressed"

With the band's entire Twin/Tone Catalog set to be re-issued tomorrow, the inevitability of future generations discovering the music of legitimately legendary indie-rock (version 1.0) quartet The Replacements is perhaps at its highest. Further cementing that opportunity for music fans not around for the band's 80s and 90s heyday would be if the group had made the decision to re-unite at this year's Coachella Festival, set to begin on April 29th. The band, whose original line-up is largely intact (founding guitarist Bob Stinson passed away in 1995), revealed to Billboard Magazine that the group rejected what were reportedly large offers to reunite at Coachella, amongst other major festivals, because "At the last minute, it just didn't seem like the right thing to do...".

Founding band member Tommy Stinson explains more to Billboard:

"We actually talked about it again this year, and I think there was a consensus that, you know, maybe it wasn't the right time (to reunite), or maybe it is the right time," Stinson says. "Paul and I were kind of in cahoots talking to them [and] talking to (his manager) Darren (Hill). There were some things thrown out, and there were other festivals that wanted it too, if we were going to do it.

"At the last minute, it just didn't seem like the right thing to do, so we didn't do it. But I think Paul and I have something to offer each other still. I think that's pretty obvious when we get together."

At the same time, principal songwriter Paul Westerberg explains to the magazine that "I'm very hesitant about dragging the name out there and what damage we could do to the legend. Whatever we did, someone would want something else...So if I was ever going to play, I'd like to play once the whole shooting match is out, because I don't think I could physically get up there and bellow these 18 songs (from) that first record..."

Read the rest of the article here


If the Replacements were to reunite, I don't think there'd be a single soul out there who wouldn't be interested in watching "the band" live. But the reason "the band" is in quotation marks is because two of the band members are not participating: one due to shuffling his aforementioned mortal coil; the other, Chris Mars, retired from music to focus on painting. So this would be a reunion in the same sense that the Smashing Pumpkins getting back together was a "reunion".

Still, personally speaking, I can't count how many personal organs I'd be willing to give just to hear any essential Replacements cut performed live. Since the article mentioned that the band also turned down offers from major festivals, I'd assume that we're not going to hear Let It Be performed in its entirety at Pitchfork, or can expect the quartet magically show up at Lollapalooza. But there's a chance of the band getting back together. The Sire catalog will be re-issued in the fall.

Maybe then will be the right time? Perhaps. But ay any rate, Replacements fans have been shiftless when idle for 17 years, with regard to a reunion. Waiting for another couple of months won't hurt.

(Jonathan Graef

Entire Catalog Of The Replacements To Be Remastered, Reissued With Bonus Materials

Download: The Replacements - "Shiftless When Idle" (from Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash
Download: The Replacements - "Kids Don't Follow" (From Stink EP)
Download: The Replacements - "Color Me Impressed" (From Hootenanny)
Download: The Replacements - "Hayday" (From Hootenanny)
Download: The Replacements - "I Will Dare" (From Let It Be)
Download: The Replacements - "Unsatisfied" (From Let It Be)

The Replacements, one of the most beloved and influential alt-rock groups ever to come from Minneapolis, is having its entire catalog reissued and remastered with extensive bonus material, according to an article in Billboard magazine.

First up for the reissue treatment will be the band's Twin/Tone material, which includes early hardcore material like Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash and the Stink EP, as well as Hootenanny, which showed the band growing by leaps and bounds in songwriting complexity with tracks like "Within Your Reach" (featuring a drum machine) and "Color Me Impressed" and Let It Be, which is widely regarded as being one of the greatest albums rock music has ever produced.

The reissued albums were prepared by former Replacements manager/Twin/Tone head Peter Jesperson with the input of all of the surviving 'Mats members. The first four reissues of The Replacements' catalog are due April 22nd via Rhino Records. Here is the list of the bonus materials that will be included on the re-releases (via Billboard):

...Previously Unissued Tracks Marked With *):

"Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out the Trash":

"Raised in the City," live, 1980 - demo*
"Shutup," live, 1980 - demo*
"Don't Turn Me Down," live, 1980 - demo*
"Shape Up," live, 1980 - demo*
"You Ain't Gotta Dance," studio demo*
"Get on the Stick," studio demo*
"Oh Baby," studio demo*
"Like You," outtake*
"Get Lost," outtake*
"A Toe Needs a Shoe," outtake*
"Customer," alternate take*
"Basement Jam," rehearsal*
"If Only You Were Lonely"

"Stink":

"Staples in Her Stomach," outtake*
"Hey, Good Lookin'," outtake*
"(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock," outtake*
"You're Getting Married," solo home demo*

"Hootenanny":

"Lookin' for Ya"
"Junior's Got a Gun," outtake - rough mix*
"Ain't No Crime," outtake*
"Johnny Fast," outtake - rough mix*
"Treatment Bound," alternate version*
"Lovelines," alternate vocal*
"Bad Worker," solo home demo*

"Let It Be":

"20th Century Boy"
"Perfectly Lethal," outtake*
"Temptation Eyes," outtake*
"Answering Machine," solo home demo*
"Heartbeat -- It's a Lovebeat," outtake - rough mix*
"Sixteen Blue," outtake - alternate vocal*

Additionally, Rhino will also put out reissues of The Mats' major label material, which includes Tim, Pleased To Meet Me, Don't Tell A Soul and All Shook Down, later this fall.

At the top of the post, you'll find MP3s from each of The Replacements Twin/Tone albums.

The Replacements Wikipedia Page

(Jonathan Graef)

Speaking Of The Replacements...

Check out this video of The Mats performing "Johnny's Gonna Die" at the 7th Street Entry way, way back in 1981. That's just a little bit older than I am. Whoa.

Thanks to the A.V. Club for unearthing this clip. To read Noel Murray's thoughts on the video (and many, many others), go here.

(Jonathan Graef)

Tonight: Hold Your Life, Because You Just Might Lose It At The First Ave. Replacements Tribute Concert

Download: The Replacements - "Bastards of Young"

Tonight at First Ave. is the book release party for Jim Walsh's oral history about The Replacements, All Over But The Shouting.

Before you go:

Set Details And Times Over at More Cowbell

Thoughts about The Replacements by the bands who are participating at Reville (which, in the interest of full disclosure, includes One For The Team's Ian Anderson, who plays the concert tonight and writes for this blog).

Listen to our playlist of songs from Let It Be here (inspired by Jim Walsh's appearance on "Sound Opinions")

Read Idolator's take on the book here.

Buy tickets here.

(Jonathan Graef)

Idolator's Review of All Over But The Shouting

Download: The Replacements - "Little Mascara"

Read Idolator's take on Jim Walsh's oral-history of The Replacements here

(Jonathan Graef)

The Replacements Dissected On "Sound Opinions"

Download: The Replacements - "I Will Dare"
Download: The Replacements - "Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out"
Download: The Replacements - "Unsatisfied"
Download: The Replacements - "Sixteen Blue"

Over this past weekend, NPR's Sound Opinions (hosted by Chicago rock-crits Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot) devoted the majority of their program to discussing the significance and influence of The Replacements Let It Be album, their third full-length album, which was released in 1984.

Author Jim Walsh, who on Nov. 15th will release a book about the band called "All Over But The Shouting: An Oral History", was invited to share his thoughts about the band and the album. Most of the discussion revolves around placing Let It Be into the context of The Replacements stylistic evolution, as well as how the album was the product of Paul Westerberg's increase confidence as a songwriter and maturity as a person, but there is also insight into how the band and album fit into the larger pop landscape at the time. It's information that may or may not be new, depending on whether or not you've read about Walsh's book or "Our Band Could Be Your Life", but there are still some lovely insights on an absolutely amazing album. Plus, how NPR edits "Gary's Got A Boner" is pretty funny.

Download the "Sound Opinions" podcast here.

Jim Walsh will be having a release party for the book at First Avenue on Nov. 28th. Details here and tickets here.

At the top of the post, you'll find four MP3s from the album many people consider to be their best.

Sound Opinions Webpage

(Jonathan Graef)