I turn it over to Joe Cipriano for his experience:
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On Friday, July 27th, New Haven’s Café Nine played host to a multi-media event,
celebrating The Replacements, a band from Minneapolis
known as one of the most influential and infamous indie-rock groups to come out
of the 1980s.
A disheveled, unassuming quartet, their
raw, distinct and powerful sound was led by singer/guitarist Paul Westerberg, one
of the most prolific American songwriters of the last thirty years. Joined by guitarist Bob Stinson,
bassist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars (in later
years by guitarist Slim Dunlap and drummer Steve Foley), their music reached out to those living on the margins
of the mainstream. With songs of confidence, isolation, of love and
uncertainty, the Replacements cemented an everlasting impression on everything
left of the dial. As with so many eccentric, genius, alternative bands,
notoriety did not come easily.
There were plenty of diehard fans at
the Nine, and everyone contested adamantly, The Replacements lived a
quintessential rock-n-roll lifestyle. “Their shows were always a spectacle…” “…on
the edge of collapse…” …a mind blowing, spiritual experience… “…sloppy times
ten…” “a wild hootenanny.” There were stories of on-stage fist fights between
Paul and Bob, a show in Portland that caused a
national uproar and a television appearance on SNL filled with drunken mayhem,
earning them membership into a small circle of performers banned for life from
the iconic New York
stage. Stories like this unified those in attendance with one failsafe
prediction: Café Nine’s tribute to The Replacements was going to be interesting.
The night opened with a screening of
director Gorman Bechard’s rock documentary on The Replacements titled, ColorMe Obsessed. The film was a testament to the band’s intensity as a parade
of fans, journalists, peers and contemporaries shared their thoughts and
feelings on band’s impact on the today’s music and culture. Bechard, a Connecticut native, was
on hand for a Q & A session at the film’s conclusion and remained in-house
throughout the night. His tenacious search for the heart of what made The
Replacements so unforgettable brought out scores of people from multiple
disciplines. Tom Arnold (SNL), Dave Foley (Kids in the Hall) and George Wendt
(you know, Norm from Cheers). Colin Meloy (The Decembrists), Craig Finn (The
Hold Steady) and Tommy Ramone. These were just a few of over the 140
interviewed for the documentary. In conjunction with the interviews, Bechard’s
refreshing departure from the traditional documentary format added to the
film’s uniqueness. Rolling Stone recognized it as “one of the 7 best rock-docs
of the year.”
The night closed with a rowdy and
open whirlwind of The Replacements music, performed live by a colorful cast of
all-star, local musicians. Quarterbacked by New Haven’s Dean Falcone, the music started
with singer/guitarist Steve Atwood, who performed after a fateful encounter
prior to the show. “A while ago, Dean was at one of my gigs,” said Atwood.
“Then we broke into The Replacement’s song “I Will Dare”. It was a good
coincidence and Dean told me about the show he was doing at the Nine. He asked
me climb aboard. And I’m glad I did.”
With songs like songs like “Achin To Be” and “Bastards of Young”, the
players packed the space with enthusiasm. The crowd partied throughout the
night. Blinding solos, driving rhythm, and fearless vocals turned the evening’s
dial up to 11. Like a roaring jet engine, Falcone fueled a loud, unabashed
performance that would have made Westerberg and the boys proud.
The Replacements influenced bands
such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day and Wilco. Evidence of their musical force
can be found throughout the veins of today’s independent and mainstream music.
They continue to be a phenomenal presence, still shaping the alternative scene,
pushing the boundaries—evidence that a little fame goes a long way.
For
more about the film, visit
Catch
up with Dean Falcone and find out where he’s going next at
By: Joe Cipriano
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