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Watch This Documentary About The Replacements, The Greatest Band Of The '80s
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 29, 2012
Modified Dec 29, 2012
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 29, 2012
Modified Dec 29, 2012
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Talking Heads, The Smiths, Husker Dü, R.E.M., Sonic Youth, The Pixies, Hall & Oates—there were plenty of transcendent bands who were able to cut through the bullshit of '80s production and create incredible music during a decade dominated by hair metal and synth pop. And on top of that formidable pile is The Replacements, the dumbest smart band to ever exist.
In a lot of ways, the class clowns of Minneapolis (spiritual cousins to that purple-studded prince of Lake Minnetonka, Prince) were the closest thing the '80s had to The Velvet Underground—a profoundly stubborn group who, despite having one of the greatest rock songwriters at their helm, could never quite break through to the mainstream, often because of their legendary self-sabotaging streak. And yet, their influence ran deep, with many of their biggest fans forming their own bands (see: Goo Goo Dolls, The Hold Steady, The Decemberists).
Whether you already love them, or you don't know much about them, or you think their music is total bullshit, you should find a few hours and watch the fantastic "Color Me Obsessed" documentary below, which tracks the band's brief but remarkable 12-year-career through their fans—then you can discover why a bunch of self-loathing, fame-averse brats with oodles of raw talent inspired as much passionate fandom as any band that's ever existed.
Tagged
color me obsessed
documentary
Music
replacements
rock
The Replacements
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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