On The Beat: Remix revives The Replacements album ‘Tim’

Not surprisingly, “Tim” quickly faded out of sight — save for the cadre of loyal fans — marked as yet another time that the ’Mats blew their chance at the big time, or at least something close to mainstream success

Nearly 40 years later, “Tim” is back, and receiving rave reviews thanks to a remix by Ed Stasium that brings the songs to full clarity, revealing them as “should-have-been hits” from the band that was as good as it was self-destructive.

That alcohol-fueled drive to self-destruction, via the personal demons of guitarist Bob Stinson, the band’s steadfast refusal to play the music industry games and their rock ’n’ roll attitude, makes the contention that’s being raised with the release of “Tim (Let It Bleed Edition)” that a clean mix would have made the Replacements the stars they deserved to be ridiculous.

Those of us who were there can confirm that, as can the band’s biographer Bob Mehr, who provides the liner notes for the Rhino Records boxed set that was released Sept. 22.

That said, the “Tim” remix does provide one key revision in Replacements history — making the band’s major label debut not a disappointment between their final Twin Tone classic “Let It Be,” often cited as their best album, and “Pleased to Meet Me,” the Jim Dickinson-produced record that’s long been my favorite.

Rather, it shows “Tim” as part of a three-album peak for Westerberg’s songwriting and the band’s pure rock ’n’ roll performance.

The “Tim (Let It Bleed Edition)” set includes a vinyl copy of the record along with the 2023 remaster of the original release, alternate versions and demos from an aborted session with Alex Chilton, and a recording of a show at Chicago’s Cabaret Metro that, having seen them about a dozen times in ’84 and ’85, I can attest captures the ’Mats in all their raucous glory.

It lists for $90 and can be found $20 cheaper online. But the good news is it’s also streaming on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify and other services.

It’s a must-hear that’s likely to become a must-buy for ’Mats fans. But it also needs to be in the ears of those who want to hear the last best rock ’n’ roll band at its peak — thanks to Stasium’s remix.

“Stop Making Sense” at the Lincoln Grand

Also on the ’80s comeback tip, Jonathan Demme’s fabulous “Stop Making Sense,” his documentary that captures a 1984 Talking Heads concert, is back in theaters and will have its Lincoln opening Friday at the Grand.

“Stop Making Sense,” which has been remastered, has been showing in limited runs, including in IMAX theaters. It’s also again receiving rave reviews, particularly for David Byrne’s performance, sometimes in the famed giant suit, and is drawing a new young audience, the sons and daughters of the generation who experienced Talking Heads in the ’70s and ’80s.

I wouldn’t bet that “Stop Making Sense” will run at the Grand for longer than a week. So don’t hesitate if you want to see it on the big screen with big sound.