Red, Red Wine…Replacements style, that is…

By now, most of you are probably singing UB40’s version of “Red, Red Wine.” If you have never heard the Replacements’ “Red, Red Wine” you should 1) check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElrlNUxvh58
2) Kindly read the following ramble about how incredible this band is, along with other excited ululations that distract me from the subject:

Do you ever get a song stuck on your head for days at a time? Well, that happened to me this weekend and it was “Red, Red Wine” by the Replacements. I have to admit, though, that I was not a Replacements fan until a few years ago. I read Love is a Mix Tape, Rob Sheffield’s memoir, and got hooked. Around the same time, a terrific local art and poetry venue, Paper Kite Press, was hosting a series of talks. I had the pleasure of seeing local poet and writer, Jim Warner, give a rousing talk on the beauty and talent of Paul Westerberg & Co. Almost immediately, I purchased The Replacements’ “Pleased to Meet Me” and I was definitely pleased to meet them.

Until those experiences, I’d always wondered if there was more Paul Westerberg out there. You see, I loved him from Singles (another movie and soundtrack you must own, right this minute, if you don’t already. Here’s a link to purchase them: The DVD: http://www.amazon.com/Singles-Bridget-Fonda/dp/6305283516/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297040694&sr=8-1 The CD: http://www.amazon.com/Singles-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B0000028MA/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1297040739&sr=1-1Yes, I’m that serious.)

When the movie debuted in 1992, I was itching just to see the small clips Eddie Vedder had in it. It is still the one movie I say to people, “Oh my God! You have to see this movie!” I’m painfully aware, nearing the age of 30, that the movie is kind of ironic since I’m now in the predicament of some of those characters. As an 11 year-old girl, I adored these late 20-somethings all frustrated from the dating scene.

But enough of that! Back to Mr. Westerberg. It’s true that “Dyslexic Heart” was the big hit from this soundtrack. Paul didn’t really like it because he felt the “Nah, nah, nah nahs” were a bit too cheesy. Cameron Crowe, however, adored them, and because of their catchy nature, they sprinted the song up the charts. An overlooked track on that CD is Westerberg’s “Waiting for Somebody.” There is an acoustic, slow version that plays during the movie that I have yet to find but must! (If you have any leads, please let me know!) Throughout my youth, I kept thinking “There must be more Westerberg out there! He’s a lyrical genius!”

One night, I discovered his album “Eventually.” Notable tracks are: Angels Walk, Love Untold, Trumpet Clip, and Good Day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B4CN7TM1iQ

But when I began my introduction to the wonders of the Replacements, it was with “Pleased to Meet Me.” Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Or you could always choose “Don’t You Know Who I Think I Was” which is a greatest hits compilation of some of their gems. “Alex Chilton” is Paul’s homage to the late, great songwriter of Big Star and vocalist for The Box Tops. “Alex Chilton” is one of my favs because he professes, “I’m in love; but what’s that song? I’m in love, with that song.” The beats and the bass line (which I still can find no tabs too) coupled with the driving lyrics make this a must listen! Here, listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTSJYZyouek I can guarantee you will repeat it, at least once. You may also like “Can’t Hardly Wait.” It’s okay, Paul. I forgive you for the improper grammar. This song is probably one of my top favorites of all time from any band. I highly recommend listening to this one when you are looking forward to something, or driving down the country lanes in early evening during springtime, or both.

But for some reason, this weekend, the raucous “Red, Red Wine” found a loop in my musical synapses. You should introduce yourself to the Replacements. You’ll be pleased to meet them.

Be well and rock on,

Rachael