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The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 7:59 am
by gregpolard
I looked to see if there was a separate thread already for this book and I didn't see one, so I figured I'd start. If there is one, sorry!

Anyway, I bought this book when it came out as an iBook to read on my phone and kinda neglected it until now cause, let's face it, reading on an iPhone sucks.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through and really enjoying it. I know several of you on here read it and was curious what your thoughts are. I figure since we know the story it's not like there's any spoilers.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 8:12 am
by scannest
I think it was one of the great rock bios. I don't think anyone outside of their immediate circle had an understanding of the scope of Bob's awful childhood until the book came out. I felt deeply for him reading the book. And Tommy living with the knowledge of what his father did to his half-brother...
It also paints a portrait of Westerberg as a deeply confused, complex character. Mehr does a good job of getting at the reasons for all that self-destructive behavior. So yeah, ultimately it's a very sad story but totally compelling.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 8:38 am
by gregpolard
scannest wrote:I think it was one of the great rock bios. I don't think anyone outside of their immediate circle had an understanding of the scope of Bob's awful childhood until the book came out. I felt deeply for him reading the book. And Tommy living with the knowledge of what his father did to his half-brother...
It also paints a portrait of Westerberg as a deeply confused, complex character. Mehr does a good job of getting at the reasons for all that self-destructive behavior. So yeah, ultimately it's a very sad story but totally compelling.


Yeah, I had no idea about Bob's backstory until reading this (like you said - most didn't). Heartbreaking to read.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 3:14 pm
by creature

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 12:53 pm
by gregpolard



Nice read! I actually got into them way later than I should have. I was into Husker since middle school but didn't get into the Replacements until I was an adult and they quickly became one of my favorites.

I know scannest can help me here - Paul solo....I'm not too well versed. I've had "14 Songs" and "Eventually" for years...I added a bunch via Apple Music but what are your favorites?

I also need to listen to the new Bash & Pop, I think.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 1:11 pm
by scannest
There's not a single PW release that I dislike. That said, my favorite solo releases are COME FEEL ME TREMBLE, MONO (as Grandpaboy) and the PW and THE GHOST GLOVES CAT WING JOY BOYS e.p.

As far as Tommy, I love both the Bash & Pop records. He had a band called Perfect that put out a great record (posthumously) called ONE, TWICE, THREE TIMES a MAYBE. All of his solo records have a couple good-to-great songs, but nothing that I'd say is essential.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 1:27 pm
by JGJR
All you REALLY need is the Stereo/Mono combination. None of Paul's other solo stuff (and I've heard most of it) is anywhere close to that level of quality IMO. Those albums are as good as his Replacements work, though. I have no clue about that EP, though. Sounds interesting.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 7:10 pm
by gregpolard
Thank you both

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 1:31 pm
by JGJR
gregpolard wrote:Thank you both


You got it. I'd be curious for your thoughts on Stereo and Mono. I had the 2 CD set and played the shit out of those in 2002. The only time I saw Paul was during that time, too. I still go back to them fairly often.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 9:13 am
by gregpolard
Finished the book last night. Scannest, you weren't kidding when you said it's a sad but compelling read.

I always knew about their tendency as a band (especially Paul) to shoot themselves in the foot so many times, but the detail at which we learned just how much it occurred and how much it messed with them (again - especially Paul) was depressing.

Re: The Replacements "Trouble Boys"

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 10:00 am
by JGJR
scannest wrote:I think it was one of the great rock bios. I don't think anyone outside of their immediate circle had an understanding of the scope of Bob's awful childhood until the book came out. I felt deeply for him reading the book. And Tommy living with the knowledge of what his father did to his half-brother...
It also paints a portrait of Westerberg as a deeply confused, complex character. Mehr does a good job of getting at the reasons for all that self-destructive behavior. So yeah, ultimately it's a very sad story but totally compelling.


I agree with this assessment completely.