Post by troublkepnyerhedup on Oct 7, 2004 2:07:46 GMT -5
Paul Westerberg's a 'Folker'
Brian Dukes, Up & Coming Weekly October 06, 2004
www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1147&dept_id=483438&newsid=13071974&PAG=461&rfi=9
Thank the music gods for Paul Westerberg and the best, and worst, band of all time, the Replacements. Though they were a bit before "my time," I can still appreciate their contribution to the music world, and it's on Folker, the latest from former Replacements frontman, Paul Westerberg, that we are offered the chance to, once again, appreciate something that's strangely ahead of its time.
Westerberg more than made a name for himself with the Replacements, not only due to his epic songwriting ability, but his equaled capacity to self-destruct and flame out. Indeed, "fiery wreck" would be an apt summation of all that was Replacements and Westerberg. However, just as much as they disappointed, Westerberg and cast of Replacements cronies found a connection with audiences, eventually crafting some of the most subversively delicious underground pop/rock albums of all time.
A solid and consistently burning effort, Folker is one part tongue-in-cheek self-deprecation for Westerberg, and one part raw emotion. It's no secret that Westerberg wears his heart, and writes his lyrics, on his shirtsleeve. So, it's no surprise when he croons in that ragged voice: "Buy it now, buy it now, buy it now / This is my single / This is my jingle." It's also no surprise when Westerberg depicts his father on "My Dad" as a wasted hulk of a man, all the while sympathizing for the "old man" and taking part in the blame for his condition. It's just one example of the great songwriting that Westerberg is still capable of. It certainly doesn't hurt that he's able to do so with an accompanying rhythm section that gives his yarns a certain spring and pop of freshness.
Folker is like fine wine ... much like Westerberg. You have to sniff it, swig it around and really taste it to enjoy it. On the surface, Folker is another strong showing by one of indie rock's greatest, but underneath, it's probably a better album than that ... which won't be appreciated until years later.
Among the CD's solid selections are "Looking Up In Heaven," "$100 Groom," and "As Far As I Know," which is so Beatles I had to look at the CD twice to make sure I'd not slipped in the wrong one.
All in all, Folker is the album, I think, that will finally, after three decades, allow Westerberg to stand alone ... to finally say "yeah, I was with that other band, but I'm doing my own thing now." More power to ya' Paul. Keep on rockin'.
Brian Dukes, Up & Coming Weekly October 06, 2004
www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1147&dept_id=483438&newsid=13071974&PAG=461&rfi=9
Thank the music gods for Paul Westerberg and the best, and worst, band of all time, the Replacements. Though they were a bit before "my time," I can still appreciate their contribution to the music world, and it's on Folker, the latest from former Replacements frontman, Paul Westerberg, that we are offered the chance to, once again, appreciate something that's strangely ahead of its time.
Westerberg more than made a name for himself with the Replacements, not only due to his epic songwriting ability, but his equaled capacity to self-destruct and flame out. Indeed, "fiery wreck" would be an apt summation of all that was Replacements and Westerberg. However, just as much as they disappointed, Westerberg and cast of Replacements cronies found a connection with audiences, eventually crafting some of the most subversively delicious underground pop/rock albums of all time.
A solid and consistently burning effort, Folker is one part tongue-in-cheek self-deprecation for Westerberg, and one part raw emotion. It's no secret that Westerberg wears his heart, and writes his lyrics, on his shirtsleeve. So, it's no surprise when he croons in that ragged voice: "Buy it now, buy it now, buy it now / This is my single / This is my jingle." It's also no surprise when Westerberg depicts his father on "My Dad" as a wasted hulk of a man, all the while sympathizing for the "old man" and taking part in the blame for his condition. It's just one example of the great songwriting that Westerberg is still capable of. It certainly doesn't hurt that he's able to do so with an accompanying rhythm section that gives his yarns a certain spring and pop of freshness.
Folker is like fine wine ... much like Westerberg. You have to sniff it, swig it around and really taste it to enjoy it. On the surface, Folker is another strong showing by one of indie rock's greatest, but underneath, it's probably a better album than that ... which won't be appreciated until years later.
Among the CD's solid selections are "Looking Up In Heaven," "$100 Groom," and "As Far As I Know," which is so Beatles I had to look at the CD twice to make sure I'd not slipped in the wrong one.
All in all, Folker is the album, I think, that will finally, after three decades, allow Westerberg to stand alone ... to finally say "yeah, I was with that other band, but I'm doing my own thing now." More power to ya' Paul. Keep on rockin'.
