Music: The Replacements

Minneapolis, MN is a town that is typically known for cold weather and Prince. But there was a time, back in the early 80s, when it was home to a thriving garage punk scene. The Replacements (or the 'Mats) were the bratty, drunk little brother of that scene.Despite sporting a hardcore sound in the early days, the 'Mats gradually grew into different musical territory thanks to the songwriting of their fearless leader Paul Westerberg. But great songs alone do not a legend make. The Replacements became famous for their raucous, alcohol-soaked performances. Frequently, the band was barely able to stand up, let alone play, and when they did play, they often didn't finish their songs. Even though they garnered both critical and commercial acclaim, the band's career never really took off because of acts of self-sabotage. They epitomized the self-styled loser that Westerberg often sang about, which makes the Replacements story bittersweet. In the end, I think it's safe to call them the best bar band ever.

Let it Be (1984)

It is with this album that the 'mats fulfilled the promise of their previous two efforts to become critical and college radio darlings. Check out "I Will Dare" for some optimistic country-rock, "Androgynous" for a cross-dressing piano ballad or the affecting Westerberg lament "Answering Machine" (my favorite track).

Tim (1985)

Their major label debut and the album that might have broken the Replacements to the mainstream...if they weren't so unsure about making the leap. The music video for the anthemic opener "Bastards of Young" was a shot of speakers playing the song, an anti-video of sorts. By making it, the 'mats purposely denied themselves the esposure of MTV. Still, these are some amazing songs. Check out "Kiss me on the Bus" and "Left of the Dial", two college radio staples of the 80s.

The Replacements on SNL (1/18/86)

"Bastards of Young"/"Kiss Me on the Bus"

This tour de force performance got the 'mats banned from Saturday Night Live. Why? Well, they were roaring drunk, stole the cast's drugs and Paul drops the f-bomb at 1:31 into this clip. Check out the clothes change (rotation) between the two songs and you have to love how Bob gets rid of his poor guitar at the end (once again, after mouthing the f-bomb). This clip encapsulates the Replacements' career, incredible songs and musical energy performed by a group of self-styled losers with a penchant for self-sabotage. God bless the 'mats.

Paul Westerberg (vox, guitar)

Bob Stinson (guitar)

Tommy Stinson (bass)

Chris Mars (drums)

Is it just me, or does Paul look like a muppet with that hair?