Paul Westerberg - Stereo/Mono

These are actually 2 different albums released and packaged together. Since they're technically separate albums I'll do separate reviews of each disc.

First off is Stereo



After a few unsuccessful solo attempts, Paul Westerberg (dubbed the king of "Slacker Rock") decided to say goodbye to studios and session musicians and record and perform everything by himself in his basement. The recordings tend to be a big "crude" since he didn't fix any imperfections in his songs like the tape running out in the middle of the song. This happens in at least 2 of the songs on said album. Despite the DIY approach to the album the sound quality is actually quite nicer than you would expect.

The music itself is also nothing to expect anything less of. Despite recording everything by himself, his songs are nothing short of great. Many consider this album his best work since leaving The Replacements. Many of the songs on the album are quite folk rockesque which might remind you of Bob Dylan. The album is filled with the well loved "ballads" many renown Westerberg for. There is also a hidden track which is a garagey cover of the New Wave song Postcards from Paradise from Flesh for Lulu.

Now on to Mono



Now Mono is credited to his Grandpaboy alter ego. Grandpaboy is what Westerberg claims is his "hard rock" work, and it's mostly a reminder of old school blues rock and rock and roll and influenced by his idol Alex Chilton. These songs are more upbeat than Stereo and as the title suggests the songs are in Mono. This album sounds like Westerberg is trying to record an album he wanted to sound like it was recorded in the 60's with the rough recordings.

These songs are more catchy than in Stereo and the music feels less depressing than the Stereo counterpart. The songs would probably remind you of The Replacements album Pleased to Meet Me.

Stereo recommended tracks: Got You Down, Dirt to Mud, Let the Bad Times Roll

Mono recommended tracks: Silent Film Star, Eyes Like Sparks, Let's Not Belong Together


Stereo Rating 5/5

Mono Rating 4/5

Man, I'm a huge Replacements fan, but I've never listened to much of his solo stuff. I will check these out.

Basically Stereo is like all of the slow Replacements ballads all in one album. Kind of like You're Getting Married.

The problem with his solo stuff is that it's not as available online (illegally) as the Replacements albums.

I usually pay for my Replacements stuff. I'll probably get it legally. They're one of the few artists I actually pay for.

I went to this CD place near my school and had them order it for me. I payed $13 for it, but I think it's worth it for a double album.

I would pay that for a single album. I'll definitely get this.

I say go for it, you won't regret your purchase.

Also I was listening to my Replacements vinyl collection

WANT

I should get a CD copy of Pleased to Meet Me...

I don't have any physical copies of their stuff. I bought a couple albums off of iTunes. I found a copy of "All Shook Down" at a used book store, but it was before I really got into them. I regret not buying it.

I buy physical first. This place near my college campus is cool and sells the non remastered versions of their albums. I mostly picked the non remastered version because they were slightly cheaper because the remastered ones have bonus tracks.

I found out about a cool record shop in my area a few days ago, and I plan on going there with one of my friends soon. She also likes the Replacements, so hopefully I can find some of their stuff.

That would be great, they only sell Pleased to Meet Me and Tim. I still want Hootenanny and Let it Be

What's weird, is that I've never heard of "All Shook Down" again since I saw it in that store. I would really like to get physical copies of "Tim" and "Let it Be," but any of their albums would be great.

That particular album isn't high on the "albums I should buy" list

If it's not too good, than it's a good thing I didn't buy it because I probably wouldn't have listened to any more of their stuff.

Oh, you haven't listened to it?

I usually don't agree with most fans, but it's kind of a reason why it's near the bottom of the list of favorite Replacements albums.

Nope. I completely forgot it existed until I mentioned it. I like Pleased to Meet Me and Tim the most, despite Let it Be being everyone else's favorite.

Tim's my personal favorite with Let it Be at #2.

Tim is my favorite too. "Here Comes a Regular" is my favorite song.

I'm either going for Left of the Dial or Answering Machine

The only song on Tim I don't like is "Waitress in the Sky" because I dislike the original.

I thought Waitress in the Sky was the original song since Paul is credited as the songwriter for it.

It is, but it's based on the song "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman something-or-other. I don't like original because I used to carpool with this kid I hated, and he would make me watch The Sandlot every other day. That song is right at the beginning of the movie.

OIC