Description
The Replacements – Hootenanny – 180 Gram Blue Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Lacquers cut by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound
Pressed on exclusive 180g blue vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Bob Mehr
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Hootenanny is the second studio album by American rock band The Replacements, released in April 1983. This album is a significant release in the band’s catalog, marking a transitional phase as they began to move away from their earlier punk roots toward a more diverse sound that would eventually help define the alternative rock genre. Known for their raw energy, irreverent attitude, and a mix of punk, rock, and melodic sensibilities, The Replacements have become one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.
The Replacements, formed in Minneapolis in 1979, were a key part of the American underground rock scene in the early 1980s. The band consisted of Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar), Bob Stinson (lead guitar), Tommy Stinson (bass), and Chris Mars (drums). Their debut album, “Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” (1981), was a fast, loud, and chaotic collection of punk rock songs that established them as a band with potential.
Hootenanny was recorded with the band’s characteristic spontaneity, capturing their unfiltered and often reckless approach to music. The album was a departure from the straightforward punk sound of their debut, featuring experiments with different genres and styles. This eclecticism would become a hallmark of The Replacements’ music as they developed their signature sound.
The album’s title reflects its diverse and loose nature, with each track offering something different in terms of style and influence. Here are some of the standout tracks:
“Hootenanny” – The title track opens the album with a tongue-in-cheek jam session where the band members swap instruments. It’s a chaotic, bluesy number that sets the tone for the rest of the album’s experimental approach.
“Run It” – A fast-paced, punk-influenced track that harkens back to their earlier sound. It’s raw and energetic, capturing the band’s youthful rebelliousness.
“Color Me Impressed” – One of the most well-known songs from the album, this track is a perfect example of the band’s emerging melodic sensibilities. It’s a catchy, mid-tempo rocker with introspective lyrics, hinting at the more mature themes Paul Westerberg would explore in later albums.
“Willpower” – A slower, moody track that stands out for its brooding atmosphere and minimalist arrangement. It’s a significant departure from the band’s usual sound, showing their willingness to experiment with darker tones.
“Take Me Down to the Hospital” – A rollicking rock song with a tongue-in-cheek, almost chaotic energy. The track’s reckless spirit is characteristic of The Replacements’ early style.
“Mr. Whirly” – A playful, almost absurdist track that references The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling” and features nonsensical lyrics. It exemplifies the band’s irreverent sense of humor.
“Within Your Reach” – A solo effort by Paul Westerberg, this track is one of the first glimpses into the more introspective and emotional songwriting that would become central to The Replacements’ later work. It features a synth-driven arrangement, a significant departure from the band’s usual guitar-based sound.
“Lovelines” – A humorous track where Westerberg reads personal ads from a newspaper over a jangly guitar riff, showcasing the band’s knack for blending humor with music.
Hootenanny captures The Replacements at a crossroads, where their punk roots began to merge with broader musical influences, including rock, blues, and even elements of folk and pop. The album is characterized by its spontaneity and willingness to experiment, with the band not taking themselves too seriously and embracing a loose, DIY ethos.
The album’s lyrics touch on themes of youth, frustration, and confusion, with a mix of humor and sincerity. Paul Westerberg’s songwriting was starting to mature, and while Hootenanny might not have the depth of their later work, it shows the band in the process of finding their voice.
At the time of its release, Hootenanny received positive reviews from critics who appreciated its raw energy and eclectic style. While it didn’t achieve significant commercial success, it helped build the band’s reputation within the underground rock scene and set the stage for their subsequent breakthrough albums, such as “Let It Be” (1984) and “Tim” (1985).
In retrospect, Hootenanny is often seen as a pivotal album in The Replacements’ discography. It captures the band at a moment of transition, where they were beginning to explore new sounds and ideas that would later define their contribution to alternative rock. The album’s raw and unpolished nature is part of its charm, offering a snapshot of a band that was still figuring things out but doing so with undeniable talent and charisma.
Hootenanny remains an essential listen for fans of The Replacements and those interested in the evolution of alternative rock in the 1980s. It’s a record that, while perhaps rough around the edges, showcases the spirit of a band that would go on to influence countless others with their blend of raw emotion, sharp wit, and musical experimentation. The album stands as a testament to the band’s fearless approach to making music and their refusal to be confined to any one genre or style.
Track Listing
Hootenanny
Run It
Color Me Impressed
Willpower
Take Me Down To The Hospital
Mr. Whirly
Within Your Reach
Buck Hill
Lovelines
You Lose
Hayday
Treatment Bound
