The band's best known lineup consisted of Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar), Bob Stinson (guitar), Tommy Stinson (bass) and Chris Mars (drums). They were infamous for their abrasive, hard drinking lifestyles and their ragged stage performances, notorious for coming to some shows too drunk to play very well at all. Sometimes, they just performed entire sets of covers, their picks showing their debt to 70s hard rock outfits.
The sound of this band showed off what their many fans saw as the very best of independent rock n' roll. More than possibly any other band since The Rolling Stones and the the Ramones, the Replacements embodied the spirit of rock, from their raucous performances, drug addictions, charismatic and romantic frontman, and wild, sometimes basic and sometimes powerfully confessional songs. At any given time, almost any list of 'The Best Rock Albums Of All Time' will include either the album 'Let It Be' or 'Tim', sometimes both.
Their sound started off as a classic rock influenced shade of punk, mutating to a melodic hardcore sound reminiscent of local buddies Hüsker Dü. They also progressed into a relatively straightforward but heartfelt rock style, with a number of highly soulful ballads from the heart of Westerberg to round out the mix.
The band broke up in 1991. Bob Stinson, who was fired from the band in 1986 (and was subsequently replaced by Slim Dunlap), died in 1995. Westerberg and Mars both have solo careers, and Tommy Stinson formed several bands, like Perfect and Bash and Pop, and now plays bass for Guns and Roses and Soul Asylum.
In 2012, Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson reformed the Replacements and recorded an EP, "Songs for Slim" as a benefit for former member Slim Dunlap, who had suffered a stroke. The band played their first show since 1991 on August 24, 2013 at RiotFest in Toronto, and has since played at several festivals since. The band also currently includes Josh Freese on drums and Dave Minehan on guitar. The band played its final show in June 2015.
Alex Chilton
The Replacements Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song? I'm in love with that song."
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song? I'm in love with that song."
I never travel far, without a little Big Star
Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song? I'm in love with that song."
"I'm in love. What's that song? I'm in love with that song."
The Replacements' song "Alex Chilton" pays tribute to Alex Chilton, the lead singer of Big Star, one of the most influential bands of the 1970s. The lyrics are filled with references to Chilton's life, career, and music. The opening lines of the song ask what it would be like if Chilton was from another planet, perhaps suggesting that he was a musical alien who was different from everyone else. The chorus of the song describes the effect that Chilton had on his fans, who sang for him and fell in love with his songs.
The song also touches on Chilton's artistic and personal struggles. The line "cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice" seems to refer to the harsh critical reception of many of Chilton's post-Big Star albums. The line "invisible man who can sing in a visible voice" might suggest that Chilton was a private person who expressed himself most fully through his music. Finally, the lyric "I never travel far, without a little Big Star" is a clear indication of the lasting impact that Chilton and Big Star had on popular music.
Line by Line Meaning
If he was from Venus, would he feed us with a spoon?
If Alex Chilton was an otherworldly being, would he provide us with everything we need without even asking?
If he was from Mars, wouldn't that be cool?
If Alex Chilton was from another planet, wouldn't that be amazing?
Standing right on campus, would he stamp us in a file?
If Alex Chilton was in charge, would he organize us like we are nothing but paperwork?
Hangin' down in Memphis all the while.
Alex Chilton spends his time in Memphis.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
Alex Chilton is idolized by millions of young people.
They sing "I'm in love. What's that song? I'm in love with that song."
The young people admire Alex Chilton so much that they sing of being in love with his music.
Cerebral rape and pillage in a village of his choice.
Alex Chilton gains whatever he desires with his intellectual strength.
Invisible man who can sing in a visible voice.
Although Alex Chilton isn't easy to distinguish from anyone else, his voice resonates distinctly.
Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face.
In conversations and meetings, Alex Chilton feels and looks great.
Checkin' his stash by the trash at St. Mark's place.
Alex Chilton is checking his possessions in a place that's not so great.
I never travel far, without a little Big Star
Alex Chilton's music is never too far from him, even when he travels.
Runnin' 'round the house, Mickey Mouse and the Tarot cards.
Alex Chilton does simple things around the house, like playing children's games and tarot card readings.
Falling asleep with a flop pop video on.
Alex Chilton falls asleep to a low-budget pop music video.
If he was from Venus, would he meet us on the moon?
If Alex Chilton had a greater capacity than Earthbound humans, would he still choose to meet us on our level?
If he died in Memphis, then that'd be cool, babe.
The idea of Alex Chilton dying in Memphis appeals to the songwriter for some reason.
Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he comes 'round
Alex Chilton is idolized by millions of young people.
"I'm in love. What's that song? I'm in love with that song."
The young people admire Alex Chilton so much that they sing of being in love with his music.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS MARS, PAUL WESTERBERG, TOMMY STINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kithsnitchler1199
Freshmen year in high school, used to walk around the hallways with this album in my headphones. I'm 50 now and still love it.
@55TeleMark
I’m 68. Keep rock in’!
@flowerpot3787
sophomore and doing the same thing now!🤟
@johnflushing9328
One of the greatest tribute songs from one of the best about another. Classic!
@mattcamerson6761
one of the greatest R&R songs of all time. i don't understand why it's not more popular.
@winter7564
Thanks Dad for playing this song all the time when I was a kid!
@vapordave2234
You're welcome, Son. Now, stop touching my records!!
@rickg8015
More people, especially kids these days should listen to Big Star.. R.I.P., Mr. Alex Chilton.
@DrRestezi
First song that made me aware of The Replacements. Fan ever since. Didn't discover Alex and Big Star until a bit later. Amazing confluence of talents in their respective legacies.
@oppothumbs1
Paul actually was only a little into Big Star and Alex Chilton for a couple years . It's overblow said Paul. Big Star = 5 good songs. Paul = 50 good-great songs with the Replacements and solo.