This week Rhino released a one-disc Replacements compilation, Don’t You Know Who I Think I Was?. Unlike 1997’s Farewell Dinner, it draws from both the Twin/Tone (8) and Sire (10) eras. I decided to judge it (not including its much-heralded two new songs, okay but hardly spectacular) by picking my favorite Replacements songs and seeing if the new disc leaves any out. No covers, although covers, usually energetic and defiantly half-assed, were a major part of the ‘Mats concert experience, and Kiss’ “Black Diamond” is a highlight of Let It Be. I didn’t refer to the new CD’s tracklist but instead picked my faves and then compared, thus avoiding the temptation to bias my list in favor of unchosen tracks. And since there are 18 old songs on the new CD, I only pick that many (preventing me from including all of Let It Be. The verdict? We agree on 14; I reverse the proportion of Twin/Tone (10) and Sire (8) stuff. I can’t quibble with them including “Takin’ a Ride,” since I almost included it, but “Kiss Me on the Bus” (love the lyrics, but the music’s nothing special) and “Skyway” are a little overrated, and I don’t think the last album, which really might as well have been called a Paul Westerberg solo album, needs to be represented (“Merry Go Round”). The first four songs I list are the ones that weren’t picked; then I comment on another six I especially like, and list the remaining eight in the body of #10.
“Favorite Thing”
A true classic from Let It Be; it’s mind-boggling that it could be left off. A love song so casual it’s perfect, or perfectly f*cked up, or both.
“If Only You Were Lonely”
Granted, this is a 1982 B-side, but any diehard ‘Mats fan knows about it (it was also compiled on the odd eight-song EP Boink), so there’s no excuse for leaving it off. One of Westerberg’s greatest songs of self-conscious longing.
“Johnny’s Gonna Die”
Written as a tribute to the hard-living Johnny Thunders (and the title proved correct), it can also be listened to retrospectively as a tribute to the equally hard-living and ill-fated Bob Stinson, the ‘Mats’ lead guitarist and lead substance abuser (in a group where there was a lot of competition for that “distinction”).
“Swingin Party”
I suppose the compiler didn’t want to overrepresent Tim, and perhaps felt that this song was too similar to the must-have “Here Comes a Regular.” Reasonable thinking, and I wouldn’t insist on this somewhat slight song.
“Here Comes a Regular”
One of the most profoundly sad songs in rock history, its sadness worn as a badge of pride.
“Within Your Reach”
Their brilliant disco experiment. Well, not really disco, but the drum machine was a bold move that predictably pissed off some doctrinaire fans.
“I Will Dare”
The pop move that leads off Let It Be, complete with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck taking the guitar solo.
“Unsatisfied”
The crux of Westerberg’s angst.
“Answering Machine”
“How do you say ‘I’m lonely’ to an answering machine?”
“Bastards of Young”
I wish they’d recorded this explosive song in the more brutal, messy style of their Twin/Tone period.
Other favorites: “Left of the Dial” (a rallying cry for indie rock even though it was issued on a major label), “Alex Chilton” (ode to a hero as messed up as them), “Color Me Impressed,” “Can’t Hardly Wait,” “Kids Don’t Follow,” “Shiftless When Idle,” “Achin’ to Be,” “I’ll Be You”
