WHEN they set out in 1979, they were as wild, thrilling and trashy as The Sex
Pistols. By the time they disbanded, The Replacements were as musical,
inspired and eclectic as The Clash.
Fronted by the mercurial Paul Westerberg, the US band had a chaotic chemistry
involving rock ’n’ roll, country, folk, pop and even tear-stained balladry,
all embedded in impossibly loose punk.
Here SFTW assesses their first three albums and the early Stink EP, all
re-issued with loads of fascinating extra tracks. Their remaining four
albums are re-released in August.
SORRY MA, FORGOT TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH (1981):
The original album’s 18 tracks, many barely two minutes long, were a fast,
loud introduction with the tinniest level of production possible.
Rating **** STINK (1982):
This mini-album bore the band’s first great anthem, Kids Don’t Follow, plus
F*** School and Dope Smokin’ Moron as it railed against stuffy middle-class
America.
Rating ***1/2 HOOTENANNY (1983):
Taking its name from what people call informal gatherings of folksingers, this
album saw Westerberg growing as a songwriter. Color Me Impressed is a
rocking standout track.Rating **** LET IT BE (1984):
It all came together in one intense rush of genius. Unsatisfied was the raw
Reagan-era counterpart to the Stones’ Satisfaction. The opening pairing of I
Will Dare and Favorite Thing defined the spirit of Eighties youth.
Rating *****
