Biography of The Replacements

This reckless Minneapolis quartet got their start emulating hardcore punk, but by 1984 vocalist/songwriter Paul Westerberg became one of the decade's brightest new songwriters. His sense of humor is always self-deprecating, and no one from the post-punk age has worn such an interesting and complex heart on their torn-up sleeve or used an imperfect voice to such great advantage. The band's proud stance as rock underdogs, combined with Westerberg's reluctance to play the music business game, has resulted in songs that examine rock stardom and its consequences, in addition to his usual romantic turmoil. Musically, they're adept enough to lay down everything from ragged Stones grunge to Big Star-like pop to country weepers. They were called "the last great band of the '80s" by Musician. You'd better believe it. ~ John Floyd