“Mark it zero dude!”
No… how about an ‘X?’
As it stands for those keeping score in my quest to collect The Replacements discography on vinyl:
[ ] Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash
[X] Hootenanny
[X] Let It Be
[X] Tim
[X] Please to Meet Me
[X]Don’t Tell a Soul
[ ] All Shook Down
Record Store Day was on Saturday… and yes I took a more than a few text messages from Kirsten to make my way down to Ditch Records at some bizarre hour to line-up.
Blah, I could not get out of bed to save my life Saturday morning, but I still had to take part.
When I finally rolled in around what? noon? Jeremy (hey same name as me!) said he had something special for me. Sure enough, the next and arguable most important treasure on my quest to collect the Replacements discography on vinyl. Their seminal 1984 record Let It Be.
When I first got into the Replacements later in my life, the first song I heard was track one, side one off this album, “I Will Dare.”
The Replacements – “I Will Dare”
This first song I heard on a compilation collection a bunch of years ago opened me up to what would become one of my favourite bands! It makes having this record so special in my collection.
I made a time late last night to make a cup of coffee (I didn’t want to fall asleep!) and drop the needle with my fancy headphones on and have a listen.
One thing that became clear… I need yet another record player and probably a much better amp. There were challenges with sound. People talk a mean game about how much “better vinyl is.” But basically, its work. I like the work, don’t get me wrong… but its not for everyone.
I sat, and listened to the whole record while staring at the cover. There was no liner notes or guts to the record I bought… just the sleeve and the record. But that is fine.
Side one still had flares of the 80s punk/hardcore roots. Especially after “I Will Dare.” I really enjoyed “Favourite Thing.”
The Replacerments – “Favourite Thing” errrr “Favorite Thing.”
Let It Be is ofter considered one of The Replacements better (if not best) albums. Having listened to much of their discography, I personally am not so sure. There are some misses on this record sandwiched between my all-time favourite cuts.
I found on side 2, the record bogged down a bit in the middle. However side 2 also is home to “Unsatisfied” and “Answering Machine.” Both those songs are so emotional, exceptional and powerful.
The Replacements – “Unsatisfied”
Wow right?
So what is the best Replacements’ record?
That is hard one, I think track for track, I might lean to Tim. But I personally enjoy “I Will Dare,” “Unsatisfied” and “Answering Machine.” Those three I’d put at or near the top of any list of “Favourite Songs” in my life.
If you are a Replacements fan, maybe you have some insight or favourite… please do share a comment.
Go with yourself.
The Morning After 