The Replacements was a Minnesota quartet whose all-too-brief existence has taken on legendary proportions among modern-rock aficionados, and whose demise left a noticeable gap in the quality of the rocking side of "alternative rock."
But several pretenders to the Replacements' throne have come and gone, while others still strive to replace the Replacements . . . if that's even possible.Four recent releases spotlight artists who just might sneak up on unsuspecting Replacements fans, including new efforts from one of the Replacements' former members, a Seattle "grunge" act, Boston's most critically acclaimed act and a Buffalo power-trio that really has that Replacements sound down.
DINOSAUR JR.; "Where You Been?" (Sire). * *
Since splashing on the scene as Dinosaur, Jake Mascis' take on the power-trio has gotten critical worship and built an increasingly dedicated fan base. However, after the Boston band signed to a major label, slowly but surely, the quality of material has slipped, especially when recalling the band's third album, "Bug."
Dinosaur Jr.'s fifth studio album, "Where You Been?" is named for an oft-asked question the band received during a nearly three-year hiatus. This is a considerably mainstreamed effort that features all of the band's worst excesses - needless guitar soloing, half-hearted ballads and Mascis straining to hit high notes.
Mascis has no one but himself to blame for the mess, though, since he wrote and produced all of it. Fortunately, "On the Way," "Drawerings" and "Out There" show some of the old talent shining through.
GOO GOO DOLLS; "Superstar Car Wash" (Warner Bros./Metal Blade). * * * *
After this band signed on to a major label, many of the Buffalo trio's fans feared it would lose its goofy edge (especially in light of its snotty takes on Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Down on the Corner" and Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper"). They have, to some effect, but if this album is any indication, many might not consider that a bad thing.
Producer Gavin McKillop has the band echoing the Replacements, especially when they rage through such power/punk/pop stomps as "Lucky Star" and "Domino."
Better yet, the alienated-sounding "On the Lie," "Another Second Time Around" and "We Are the Normal" have guitarist John Rzeznik straying into Replacements frontman Paul Westerberg territory magnificently (no small surprise, since the latter was written by Westerberg).
CHRIS MARS; "75% Less Fat" (Smash/Island). * * *
Following closely on the heels of his surprisingly good debut, "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades," former Replacements drummer Chris Mars has come up with a sophomore effort that breaks little new ground, but is still refreshing in light of all the Seattle wannabes.
Again playing 90 percent of everything himself, Mars mixes both Replacements-inspired smoke ("Car Camping," "Skipping School") with Ray Davies-like smart-guy rock ("Public Opinion," "Weasel").
This time around, though, Mars leaves his sniping at Westerberg at home, making his second album more likeable, but not quite as memorable. Let's hope he sticks around for quite some time.
TREEPEOPLE; "Just Kidding" (C/Z). * * *
Once a sadly neglected member of the Washington "grunge" fraternity, this Seattle-based quartet has opened up its sound to include crunching punk and (gasp!) poppy jangles.
While the album was recorded in pieces (with three members recording their contributions last fall, and guitarist/vocalist Doug Martsch coming in later with some session musicians to record his contributions), the band's fourth album may be its best.
Martsch's "Clouds and Faces" and "Anything's Possible" feature memorable hooks and surprising smarts, while Scott Schmaljohn's "Outside In" and "Fishbasket" are punkish standouts from an increasing proficient band.