From 1979-1991, Minneapolis quartet The Replacements, consisting of Paul Westerberg, Chris Mars, Tommy Stinson, and Bob Stinson (and later Slim Dunlap), became known as much for their irreverent attitudes and explosive live shows as they were for penning pop-rock songs with punk appeal.
Critically acclaimed, winning over both mainstream and underground audiences, the band is largely regarded as one of the most influential bands of ’80s independent rock (or as it was known as then, “alternative” rock).
Having literally grown up with The ‘Mats, as their fans affectionately refer to them, and remaining a friend and fan to this day, veteran journalist Jim Walsh, author of The Replacements: All Over But the Shouting: An Oral History, is perhaps the perfect person to tell their tale.
And not just their tale, but that of a small town and how its inhabitants could rally behind a band of neighborhood kids, watching as they blossomed from local garage act into icons while fulfilling their own rock ‘n’ roll dreams. In the book’s preface, Walsh wonders, “Maybe that is the ‘Mats’ ultimate legacy: It was a shared experience that eschewed the normally exclusionary nature of rock stardom in favor of the larger extended adoptive family.”
Walsh presents the ‘Mats in a multidimensional light, illustrating their talents and charisma, while also depicting a band that struggled with many challenges that early success can bring, and showing how easy it can be to fall into a cycle of self-destruction. But rather than turning it into a tabloid, the impression he leaves is sensitive and human.
Compiled from hours of personal interviews and research extracted from countless articles and reviews from years past, All Over But The Shouting is clearly a labor of love. The memories from those who were there are convincing enough that even if the reader had never heard of The Replacements, it is clear how they could become heroes to their fans. In cities across America, the names and places may have changed, but the story remains the same.
– Jamie Ludwig
The Replacements: All Over But the Shouting: An Oral History
Jim Walsh
Hardcover, 304 pages
$21.95, Voyageur Press
Release: November 15, 2007
Voyageur Press: www.voyageurpress.com