The Replacements: Reviving Rock
Ah, The Replacements – the band that inspired a generation of alternative rockers and still continue to influence young artists today. Formed in Minneapolis in 1979, The Replacements started their career as a punk rock band in the underground music scene. But as the years went on, their sound began to evolve and expand, leading to some of the most beloved records in the history of rock.
The Replacements were formed by brothers Paul and Tommy Stinson, with the help of their friend Bob Stinson on guitar. Later, Chris Mars joined on drums, and the band had their classic lineup. During their first two years, the band played the local clubs and bars of Minneapolis and began to generate a following.
In 1981, The Replacements signed to Twin/Tone Records and released their debut, Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash. The album featured the raucous, punky sound that the band had developed at the time, and it was well-received by the underground music scene. From there on out, The Replacements’ sound began to evolve and become more melodic, as evidenced on their follow-up album, Hootenanny.
The Replacements’ third album, Let It Be, was a huge success, and is often cited as one of the most influential albums of the 1980s. It was a more subdued, mature sound that focused on songwriting and catchy melodies, rather than punk aggression. It featured the classic Replacements song “Unsatisfied,” which is still a fan favorite to this day.
The band’s next album, Tim, was a huge commercial success and cemented The Replacements’ place in rock history. It featured more of the same songwriting and melodic sensibilities that made Let It Be so great, but with a little more energy and catchiness. The album was a huge hit, and spawned the hit single “Bastards of Young.”
The Replacements continued to make great albums throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s. They were never able to reach the same level of success as they did with Tim, but they still managed to develop a loyal fan base. They also began to experiment with different sounds, as evidenced on their final album, All Shook Down.
The Replacements are one of the most beloved bands of all time, and their influence can still be heard in the music of today. They were a band that always pushed the envelope and weren’t afraid to take risks. They weren’t afraid to be melodic, and they weren’t afraid to be loud. They were the perfect mix of punk aggression and pop hooks, and their legacy will live on for years to come.
Replacement Troubles: The Debate
The Replacements have been one of the most influential and beloved bands in the history of alternative music, but they have also been subject to a great deal of controversy. Over the years, the band has been accused of being anti-establishment, anti-industry, and anti-authority. They were also criticized for their use of profanity and lewd behavior during live performances.
The most significant controversy surrounding The Replacements came in 1985 when they were banned from performing at Minneapolis’ First Avenue nightclub. The band had a reputation for being rowdy, and the club’s management felt that their behavior was too disruptive for the venue. This incident sparked a media firestorm, with many fans and critics accusing the club of censorship.
The band has also been criticized for their drug use and for the erratic behavior of their frontman Paul Westerberg. Over the years, Westerberg has been known to show up late or not at all to scheduled performances. This has led to numerous cancellations and rescheduling of shows.
The Replacements have also been criticized for their poor record sales. While they achieved some commercial success with their major label albums, their sales never reached the heights of their peers in the alternative music scene. This was due to their refusal to compromise their sound to meet industry standards.
Despite the controversies, The Replacements have managed to maintain a loyal fan base and remain a revered part of the alternative music scene. Their influence has been felt in the music of countless artists, and their legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
Unknown Replacements Gems
• The Replacements were originally known as the Impediments
• The Replacements started out as a hardcore punk band in the early 1980s
• The Replacements were known for their unpredictable live shows, which often included covers of songs by other artists, drunken antics, and off-key singing
• The band’s name was inspired by a nickname given to them by the restaurant across the street from the Minneapolis club they often played at
• The Replacements’ song “Alex Chilton” was written as an homage to the frontman of the band Big Star
• The Replacements were a major influence on the grunge scene of the 1990s, particularly on Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain
• The Replacements’ classic album “Let It Be” was recorded in a matter of days and was completed with the help of a 24-track tape machine
• The Replacements were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014
• The Replacements’ song “Bastards of Young” has been featured in several films and television shows, including The Breakfast Club and Freaks and Geeks
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