Paul Westerberg - Gun Shy

I waited a long time to get excited about a new album from Paul Westerberg. Paul's anti-hero status frequently parallels the paths of the man he and his original band, The Replacements, admired so much they wrote a song and named it after him -- Alex Chilton. Through the years, I've listened patiently as Westerberg struggled incoherently with his demons, always hoping for something that would equal the great highs that each 'Mats record gives me on repeated listening. Then, I guess, I gave up waiting for that and replaced it with my excitement just to know that he was still playing and recording new songs. My prayers, while still somewhat unanswered, were shifted in 2004 when Westerberg released a decidedly Beatles, Dylan, and The Byrds-influenced CD entitled Folker. On first listening, I thought, "Man, this is shit." Seriously. I shelved it for several months. During one horrific night of struggling with some demons, I found myself drawn back to listen this CD. Something happened, and after repeated listenings, I have instead discovered Folker to be one of my favorites of his solo records. I tend to listen to this record when I'm at the end of some long night or bitter fight. It gives me the feeling that I'm in need of when I want some forgiveness. Seems like only hearing the aching gravel tones of Paul's voice seeking forgiveness himself allows me to be human again. But he doesn't just ask for apologies. Westerberg knows how to plow you down using every adjective in the book to remind you why he is one of the greatest and most revered songwriters of my generation.

Nothing will ever replace his best songs with the 'Mats. Yet I cannot help but love the devil for being the angel I once knew. I highly recommend this for anyone who has ever loved The Replacements or Paul Westerberg. Check out this track, then buy the CD and let it grow on you, too. While you're at it, be sure to catch Paul during a slough of upcoming tour dates.

02/17/05 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
02/18/05 Seattle, WA Showbox
02/19/05 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
02/21/05 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
02/22/05 Los Angeles, CA Music Box At The Fonda
02/23/05 Los Angeles, CA Music Box At The Fonda
02/25/05 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
02/26/05 Anaheim, CA House Of Blues
02/27/05 San Diego, CA Belly Up Tavern
03/03/05 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
03/04/05 Kansas City, MO Grand Emporium
03/05/05 Columbia, MO Blue Note
03/07/05 Dallas, TX Gypsy Ballroom
03/08/05 Austin, TX La Zona Rosa
03/10/05 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
03/11/05 Memphis, TN New Daisy Theatre