Search - Replacements :: Stink

Kinda like hardcore, if hardcore was really good.

David J. Tetzlaff | Niantic, CT USA | 05/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The genre police may not find this genuine 'hardcore'. But I remember my reaction when I first started to hear 'hardcore' in the early 80s -- the Replacements had already been there and done that, but way better, on the 'Stink' EP.
One slow song, and a fistfull of loud fast funny anthems - how can you not own an album that contains a song called F--- School? My fave is "Gimme Noise" an attack on another Mpls band that jumped on the post-punk bandwagon. (The Suburbs)I give you my jacket
You give me your glamor
Gimme that racket
Gimme that hammerAnd then Bob Stinson rips into an undefinable self-destructing guitar break. You could say Stink is as much Bob's record as Paul's. Of all the Mats discs this one probably shows off Bob's gonzo playing the best. Which is a nice reminder that even though the songs are funny, this record isn't a joke."

This Stinks!!

David J. Tetzlaff | 07/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thought that would catch your attention.The second instalment from the greatest band in the world and it rocks big style. For me, this and the Huskers 'Metal Circus' are the two greatest ep's of them all.'Stink' is 20 years old but it is timeless. Wouldn't be out of place nowadays, but hey that was the Replacements for you. Ahead of their time , but at the same time so right in time!Show me a punk album that is 20 years old and still makes you want to take on the world.It's brash, funny and swaggers like an alcoholic on payday!Westerberg defined and called to arms a generation with 'Kid's Don't Follow', while 'Dope Smokin' Moron' and 'Goddamn Job' are as funny as they would get.If you want punk straight in your face get this album, if not check out the charts!!"

Quite the little album...

Michael J. McGovern | Chicago | 12/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"They were young, brash, and full of [...] and vinegar - they were the Replacements. What band in the 80's better manifested in song the frustration and angst that plagues every teenager that never gets a date? What songwriter other than Paul Westerberg could so perfectly convey just how much it [...] to deal with nagging parents, school, and girls? Freakin' no one."Stink", their second release, saw the band acting out their far-off fantasy of being a hardcore punk band. For those who are familiar with the band's later releases, it is obvious that at heart, they were just a rock band with one of the greatest pop-songwriters of the 80's as frontman. "Stink" is a much overlooked development for the 'Mats, and much more varied than it is given credit. Sure, the hardcore style they try to pull off is a bit of a pose for them, but here, we see them reveling in their youthful energy, delivering great pop songs at breakneck speed. 'Kids Don't Follow' is a great opener with a silly intro, courtesy of the Minneapolis PD, and musically, has the brash, energetic feel heard in the louder moments on "Let It Be" and "Hootenanny". "Fuck School" is easily the most enjoyable moment on the EP, as Paul and the gang rail against boring... high school. 'God Damn Job' is a song any lazy teen can relate to, and always made me think of The Velvet Undeground on steroids, instead of heroin (then again, thats just me). 'White And Lazy' kicks off the second side of the EP with high-energy trash-blues, complete with a particularly nasty harmonica and distorted vocals. The most interesting moment on "Stink" is 'Go'. For the first time as a songwriter, Westerberg opens up a bit and writes a pretty decent, close-to-heartfelt power ballad. The rest of the album is pretty standard hardcore, but the 'Mats distinctive smirk and energy makes it more enjoyable and lighthearted than most hardcore bands ever got. This album is often dismissed as immature, un-refined musically, and unrepresentative of the genious of band's later efforts. Well, you're [...] right it is[...]"