By Brent Thompson
Guitarist/vocalist Slim Dunlap is best known for his days in The Replacements, having played on the band’s Don’t Tell A Soul and All Shook Down albums. But following his days in the beloved ‘Mats, Dunlap released two acclaimed solo records – The Old New Me and Times Like This. Long out-of-print, the albums have now been re-packaged and remastered on a new double-CD entitled Every Little Word (Curation Records). Overseen by Dunlap’s family and Peter Jesperson (a well known figure in The Replacements’ camp), the project brings Slim’s recorded output back into a well-deserved spotlight. Start with “Cozy,” “Partners In Crime,” “The Ballad Of The Opening Band” or the beautiful instrumental “Love Lost” and you’ll be instantly hooked. Enthusiastic fan Bruce Springsteen stated that Dunlap was “a really unique guitarist, singer and songwriter, and one of the deepest and truest rock and roll souls I’ve ever heard. He has two fabulous solo albums out that I would tell everyone to run out and get.” If you already own the two Dunlap albums, you’ll want to own this remastered collection, thanks to the work of Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering. For the most avid fans, the vinyl companion Every Little Word – The Best of the Bonus Tracks is scheduled for a March 2026 release. Slim Dunlap passed away in 2024 after 12 debilitating years, the result of a massive stroke. But his music endures and, thanks to Every Little Word, it has never sounded better.