 PAUL
WESTERBERG >> STEREO. VAGRANT RECORDS 2002Fame can impose strange effects on a musician’s home life.It allowed Elvis Presley to die on the shitter and still retain some dignity.It bought Michael Jackson his own (heavy) petting zoo.And, on a smaller scale, it allows Paul Westerberg to telecommute.Years after The Replacements took the world by surprise and then self-destructed, Westerberg still carries enough clout to record a two-CD set from the comfort of his casa.This collection of impromptu recordings pointedly illustrates two facts about Westerberg’s talent: First, it gives explanation as to why The Replacements were able to achieve so much in such a short time—a testament to Westerberg’s fertile and spontaneous musical mind. Second, it proves that record companies should just let him continue to explore music outside of the confines of typical studio production. Like this column’s other old-timer, Exene Cervenka (see Original Sinners review), he takes a great degree of pleasure in moving away from the sound people might expect him to play.The alternative guru opts for flat-out rock-and-roll.It might not be technically demonstrative or even witty, but Stereo is just plain good music. Westerberg’s home recordings are as raw as Texas lunchmeat, and as honest as most other musicians’ records should be.His music stands naked with off-notes, missed lyrics, and every other sound created in an organic musical experience fully exposed.Just put it in the CD player, put on some headphones, and relish in what music is supposed to sound like. Stereo feels much more real than anything else you’ll hear today. - By Eric Seeger |
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Eargasm |