It took a January 2018 ‘Mats tribute to finally bring us out of splendid isolation…
The tribute is part of the PRF Monthly Tribute Series, brought to you by an array of folks from the Premier Rock Forum ( hence, PRF). And while I could blather on about what the PRF is and does (or does not do), I’d rather just let the series (especially this one) speak for itself.
I’m partial to “Hey, At Least We’re Not Social Distortion” — this could have been an outtake from Paul’s 49:00… Of Your Time Life. Oh and “Wake Up” — more humor here. And actually, the cover of “All Shook Down” just rocks, what a surprise!
In fact, some would say the party’s just beginning…bring your own lampshade to Friday’s show in Portland!
So, I got the above record after a screening of the film “Color Me Obsessed” a while back (thank you Jackpot Records). It’s so f’in great, I don’t even know where to begin. The only other ’Mats I have on vinyl is Tim (from my father-in-law, more on that in another post) and the Songs for Slim LP. The rest of the ’ole collection is on cassette and yes, they still work!
Why is this record so special? Evidently, it was limited to a pressing of 400, and features outtakes from their early recordings (duh!). This one is on blue vinyl, but I’ve seen it online in red/hot pink too. Why you need this record:
Arguably the best track on the damn thing is “If You Get Married,” mainly ’cuz you can’t find that song anywhere else. It’s tender, poignant and still has balls. Also, I AM a girl, and love it when Paul wears his heart on his sleeve. But I digress.
Please note: this album was not produced by ALEX CHILTON.
There are many incarnations of The Replacements. There are also many opinions as to which incarnation is the greatest.
I’ll be honest—it depends on my mood.
Today, what I really needed was plenty of thrash, with a little rockabilly and attitude thrown in. That means the original incarnation in their humble beginning. ’81 ’Mats, courtesy of Twin/Tone (twintonedigital on YouTube).
“During the first week of September 1981, Twin/Tone took the mobile recording unit and rented a bunch of video gear and recorded 15 bands live (five nights) at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis. These clips are presented as they were recorded live… in set order and very much with the tuning that troubled the night. The Replacements were the middle band of three (Husker Du closed the show) and played two 25 minute sets,” is the official statement on their YT channel.
What I’ve always loved about this footage is just how well it captures the ’Mats raucous spirit. Tommy is like, 14; Bob’s playing is solid and dangerous, Chris is a snarling drum MACHINE (that’s not a dis) and baby-faced Paul is sweating, screaming and still seems gentle somehow.
Favorite cuts: part 3 kicks off with “Johnny’s Gonna Die,” arguably the best track on Sorry Ma…just listen to Paul scream! A while later, they cover “Maybelline.” And don’t miss “I Hate Music,” another gem. Does it get any better than this?
Click on the video above to start watching the entire six-part series. Kudos to Twin/Tone for recording all this, and for sharing it!
NIGHTCLUB JITTERS 