By 1985 Minneapolis-based The Replacements had carved out a space in the punk rock underground, but Tim marked their shift toward a sound that began to explore the roomier horizon of alternative rock. With their ragged guitars and Westerberg’s soulful voice, The Replacements blended punk’s sharp edge with a melodic sensibility that gave them a sound which was both aggressive and tender, cynical yet hopeful, combining influences like The Clash, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan into one neat package. When listening to Tim I couldn’t help but think of Bruce Springsteen’s gift for storytelling. Like Springsteen, Westerberg has an uncanny ability to write about outsiders, lost souls, and the downtrodden with both grit and empathy. Tracks like “Bastards of Young” and “Left of the Dial” capture the restless spirit of young adulthood in a same way “Born To Run” does, laying bare the contradictions of feeling invincible yet constantly searching for meaning. It’s that poetic symmetry which is coompelling– as I’ve written countless times about The Boss, his ability to pointedly critique the institutions around us while also turning that wonderfully poignant magnifying glass on himself is a calling card.
Tim has those same essential ingredients. There’s something underneath the pomp and circumstance that reminds you beauty can be found in imperfection as long as you look hard enough to find it.
Standout Songs: “Bastards of Young”, “Swingin Party”, “Left of the Dial”, “Kiss Me On The Bus”, “Hold My Life”
