01: Album Review: Tim/ The Replacements

--- I’ll start my series of album reviews, which I hope to expand, with an album I first heard last night. After being thoroughly convinced that the Minneapolis band ‘The Replacements’ had offered my stereo the absolute peak of their talent with the critically acclaimed Let It Be, I heard the first few seconds of the final track on the 1985 follow-up Tim, “Here Comes a Regular” (oddly the first song I listened too). Yeah, so it’s obvious that the guys new label cleaned up the sound, but this, this was 'The Replacements'’ with grown up angst, saluting college-rock farewell, flaunting their brief stranglehold on rock and roll and it’s great unbounded wonder.
Before alt-rock, there was “Left Of The Dial”, this band’s ironic rocker about popular music, an answer to “Seen Your Video” from the last album, mocking the new MTV generation. Released five years later, “Dial” or even the juicy single “Kiss Me On the Bus” could have been stealing attention from the Seattle breed, but seems just fine with it’s concealed underground barstool following. Tim, with more assorted colors than Let It Be, authenticates the diversity that these post-punk bands can bring to the table if your name isn’t 'R.E.M.'.
Paul Westerberg, The Replacements voice, just in case you haven’t heard is Jeff Tweedy at his best before the alt-country revolution, and Steven Malkmus at his slyest before the lo-fi 90’s surge. He is a rock star that could carry a crowd through their lives to the promise land of good old rock and roll divine healing. Tommy Ramone, or Erdelyi, whichever you choose, production is a great accomplishment. It makes a difference, harnessing the band’s ferocity, retaining the punk spirit at the same time. This logical step into a brighter, bolder arena was Tim’s goal, and the sound was given tremendous treatment. The songs of this record don’t require a lot of explaining. There is a little filler, but a lot of splendid amazement.
Bottom Line: A great little American album and a great achievement. 'The Replacements' in the Reagan 80’s thrashing it up like they never would again.
Overall Rating: 8.0/ 10
Album Highlight: Left of the Dial