Yeah, so we’re one week away folks. The Replacements play Portland’s Crystal Ballroom Friday, April 10. I can’t hardly wait.

I’m pretty sure the last show The ’Mats played was Austin City Limits in October 2014. Paul wore overalls and frequently played while laying down on a hammock (click on the above link if you haven’t already). The band was tight, just as they have been since kicking off their reunion tour over a year ago.

Some ’Mats fans still doth protest these reunion tours. “It’s not The ’Mats, Bob’s gone,” they’ll say, or “They’re just in it for the money, fuck this reunion shit.” When I first heard they were doing a festival circuit back in 2013, I kinda had the same reaction. I was really skeptical—most reunion tours suck, frankly. Also, my affection for festivals began and ended after the first Lollapalooza. So, I held out hope for a ’Mats US tour of small clubs.

Then I watched the festival mayhem unfold online. Holy crap, did I miss out!

It began with Riotfest! in Toronto and ended at the aforementioned ACL Fest. What a run! I mean Jesus, did they play a shitty show? You tell me—I wasn’t there. Heck, I even watched them play Jimmy Fallon online (I’d share that clip but NBC has removed it).

Why are they so good (again)? Some idears:

1. It looks like Paul and Tommy are having fun again (a lot of fun).
2. Dave Minehan on guitar. The guy fucking rocks. Check out his first band, The Neighborhoods.
3. Josh Freese on drums. Dude also plays with Devo.

Here’s another clip, going waaayyyy back (not) Riot Fest! Chicago (and yeah, that’s J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr. lurking on the side):

 

So, who’s excited about Friday, April 10 in Portland? That would be me.

“Can’t hardly wait, I can’t wait!”