Description
The Replacements – Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash – Vinyl Record
The Replacements’ Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash (1981) is the debut album from the Minneapolis-based punk rock band and one of the earliest examples of their raw, energetic sound. The album showcases the band’s aggressive yet melodic approach to punk, while also highlighting the irreverent humor and chaotic energy that would become hallmarks of their music.
Led by frontman Paul Westerberg, along with guitarist Bob Stinson, bassist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars, The Replacements would go on to influence countless alternative rock bands with their blend of punk, rock, and heart-on-sleeve lyricism. However, Sorry Ma captures the band at their most reckless and unpolished, with fast, raucous songs that mix teenage frustration with bursts of humor.
Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash is defined by its fast, raw, and furious punk sound. The songs are short and aggressive, most clocking in at under two minutes. The chaotic guitar riffs and frantic rhythm section are tightly packed into a lo-fi production style that captures the DIY spirit of early punk. While primarily a punk record, Sorry Ma incorporates elements of garage rock and even hints of the power pop sound that The Replacements would explore on later albums. The band’s rough-edged, guitar-driven sound gives the album a gritty, rebellious quality. The production, helmed by Peter Jesperson, is intentionally raw and unpolished, emphasizing the reckless energy of the band. The mix is fast and furious, giving the album a scrappy, underground feel.
Key Tracks
“Takin’ a Ride”: The album opener sets the tone with a fast, aggressive punk riff and a shout-along chorus. The song is a perfect introduction to The Replacements’ early sound—high-energy, full of attitude, and unapologetically raw.
“Customer”: Another standout track, “Customer” is a burst of fast-paced, irreverent punk rock that captures the youthful energy of the band. The song’s catchy guitar riff and humorous lyrics make it a fan favorite.
“I Hate Music”: A short, punchy anthem, this track embodies the band’s tongue-in-cheek, rebellious attitude. With lines like “I hate music / It’s got too many notes,” the song captures their irreverent take on the punk ethos.
“Shiftless When Idle”: One of the most melodic tracks on the album, “Shiftless When Idle” hints at the band’s evolving sound. The lyrics reflect the aimlessness of youth, a theme that Westerberg would continue to explore throughout The Replacements’ career.
“Johnny’s Gonna Die”: A slower, more contemplative song that stands out from the rest of the album’s fast-paced tracks. This darker, more introspective track foreshadows Westerberg’s growth as a songwriter.
The lyrics on Sorry Ma reflect the frustration, boredom, and rebelliousness of suburban youth. Songs like “Takin’ a Ride” and “I’m in Trouble” speak to the restlessness of being young and aimless, capturing the punk spirit of defiance. The Replacements’ sense of humor is evident throughout the album, with songs like “I Hate Music” and “Customer” showcasing Westerberg’s wit and playful attitude. The album’s title itself is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the mundane, everyday responsibilities that clash with the band’s chaotic lifestyle. While much of the album is loud and brash, there are moments that hint at Westerberg’s more introspective, vulnerable side. “Johnny’s Gonna Die” explores themes of mortality and burnout, and other tracks reflect a sense of alienation that would become more pronounced in later Replacements albums.
Bob Stinson’s chaotic, frenzied guitar playing is a defining feature of Sorry Ma. His shredding and reckless style create a sense of urgency, propelling the songs forward with a mix of punk intensity and rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Tommy Stinson’s bass and Chris Mars’ drumming provide the relentless backbone for the album’s fast-paced sound. The rhythm section keeps the momentum high, adding to the frenetic energy that defines much of the record. Westerberg’s vocal style on Sorry Ma is raw and unrefined, matching the scrappy nature of the music. His voice has a youthful sneer, filled with both frustration and humor, and his delivery shifts between shout-along anthems and more introspective moments.
Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash captures The Replacements at their most punk-oriented, but it also foreshadows the band’s future evolution toward a more melodic, introspective sound. This debut laid the groundwork for the band’s shift toward alternative rock and their role as pioneers in the genre.
The Replacements became a major influence on the development of alternative rock in the 1980s and 1990s, and Sorry Ma is a key starting point. The album’s mix of punk aggression, irreverent humor, and rock ‘n’ roll attitude inspired countless bands, from Green Day to The Goo Goo Dolls. Sorry Ma quickly became a cult classic in the underground punk scene. The band’s raw energy, humor, and relatable themes resonated with punk fans, helping to cement The Replacements’ place in the Minneapolis and national punk scene.
Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash by The Replacements is a raucous, raw debut that showcases the band’s early punk energy, irreverent humor, and chaotic sound. The album captures the youthful frustration and rebelliousness of early 1980s punk while hinting at the more melodic and introspective directions the band would explore in their later work. As a crucial early release in the band’s discography, Sorry Ma set the stage for The Replacements’ transformation into one of the most influential bands in alternative rock history.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Takin A Ride
Careless
Customer
Hangin Downtown
Kick Your Door Down
Otto
I Bought A Headache
Rattlesnake
I Hate Music
Johnny’s Gonna Die
Shiftless When Idle
More Cigarettes
Don’t Ask Why
Something To Dü
I’m In Trouble
Love You Till Friday
Shutup
Raised In The City
