Achin’ to be reunited? Maybe ...
As Spearsy tries to get his bearings -- it's all ball-bearings these days -- on his first day back to work, correspondent Jane files an emergency Stuck in the 80s post:
In the wake of this week's reissue releases of their first four albums, The Replacements are entertaining the idea of a reunion, giving hope to '80s indie rock fans for the first live taste of the group since they disbanded in 1991.
Remastered versions of "Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out the Trash," "Stink," "Hootenanny" and "Let It Be," originally produced on the Minneapolis label True/Tone, have been released through Rhino Records, with new bonus tracks on each, including alternate versions, demos and some surprises. Of note are covers of Bill Haley & the Comets' "Rock Around the Clock" and "Hey Good Lookin' " on "Stink" along with T.Rex’s "20th Century Boy" and my personal favorite, "Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat)," initially performed by the DeFranco Family, both on "Let It Be." The reissues of the band’s remaining major label albums originally released on Sire/Reprise are due out later this year.
Per Billboard.com, Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson have been fielding offers to perform in a number of venues, including the respected Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival with what would be a revamped 'Mats lineup. Original drummer Chris Mars is retired from the music business, and lead guitarist Bob Stinson died in 1995.
"We actually talked about it again this year ..." Stinson said. "At the last minute, it just didn't seem like the right thing to do, so we didn't do it. But I think Paul and I have something to offer each other still."
"I'm very hesitant about dragging the name out there and what damage we could do to the legend," Westerberg said. "But, I don't know. The records hold the key to the whole thing."
JANE'S TOP 5 FAVORITE REPLACEMENT TUNES:
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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THIS WEEK'S SHOW: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rock Tampa Bay. To hear the latest "Stuck in the 80s" episode now, 
Aha! Now all The Replacements music on your imeem makes sense. Well, other than just really having a yen to hear them.
I love "Heartbeat (It's a love beat)" Guilty pleasure by The DeFranco family. I'll have to check the cover out asap.
Posted by: Marissa | April 24, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I saw them open for Elvis Costello in Toronto on his Mighty Like A Rose tour. They were drinking onstage and really made asses of themselves. Quite frankly they sucked. I never really understood the reputation or the attraction to these guys. But I like a lot of stuff that others can't stand either. The cover of Heartbeat sounds like it might be a hoot though. will have to check that out. I am a sucker for a good/bad cover song.
Posted by: Douglas Arthur | April 24, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I saw them in Tampa one time about 1990. I'm pretty sure two of them vomited right off stage during a long instrumental.
Posted by: Spears | April 24, 2008 at 09:25 AM
I have the reissue of "Let It Be" on its way to my house as we speak (thanks, smokin' hot UPS guy!) with the "Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat)" cover on it. I'll throw it on the imeem playlist as soon as I can.
And Mr. Spears, I'm sure they vomited right off stage -- actually, I'm surprised it wasn't right on the stage.
Posted by: jane | April 24, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Love the Mats! I would definitely go see Paul & Tommy if they did a tour. Just checked iTunes, and of course, they don't have the remasters.
Posted by: Bassnote | April 24, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Bassnote, I had to order "Let It Be" from Amazon. It was the only one of the four reissues in stock at the moment, believe it or not. Drat that iTunes.
Posted by: jane | April 24, 2008 at 10:38 AM
YES! just checked Amazon and saw that 'If Only You Were Lonely' is on the remaster of 'Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out The Trash'! It's about time that song got released on CD. I am ordering it today.
Posted by: Bassnote | April 24, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Playlist update: "Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat)" and "20th Century Boy" from the remastered "Let It Be" are now included. Just scroll down to listen.
Posted by: jane | April 24, 2008 at 01:22 PM
As a Mats fan from way back, and a native Minnesotan, my vote for best song is Skyway. But if you've never spent anytime in downtown Minneapolis, maybe it doesn't make so much sense...
Posted by: Anne | April 24, 2008 at 01:23 PM
I sort of don't want them to get back together because I saw their last show in Chicago. They played the taste of Chicago, and it was billed as their last concert, but I really didn't think it was true because I have heard so many bands say they will never tour again, and next thing you know they have a big tour lined up. I can't remember how many times KISS said it would be the last show. The Replacements have stayed true to their word.
Posted by: Neil | April 24, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Recently I read how Pamela Des Barres became an ordained minister. I guess she anticipated there'd be a new chick comin' to town.
So when's the tell-all about you and Stewart coming out?
Posted by: Tonianne | April 24, 2008 at 04:00 PM
An ordained minister -- wow. I don't even want to know the details on that one. "I'm With the Band" is a great beach read.
And the tell-all. Still hush-hush -- shhh. Don't want to blow my book deal. Or tip Stewart off that I'm stalking him. ;-)
Posted by: jane | April 24, 2008 at 04:09 PM
ive never heard one replacements song. i guess their hair wasnt big enough.
Posted by: chad | April 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM