Review: The Replacements give a classic the deluxe touch

By Brent Thompson

A few things in music actually live up to the hype – catching a show at Red Rocks and the Ryman, the Play It Loud museum exhibit and the deluxe reissue of Tim by The Replacements are ones that quickly come to mind. The Mats’ four CD/one LP set – titled the Let It Bleed Edition [Rhino Records] – does more than remix the quartet’s landmark 1985 album. With Ed Stasium at the knobs, Tim gets both reinvented and reinvigorated. Stasium, a friend and production partner of the album’s producer, the late Tommy Erdelyi, makes listeners feel like they are standing in the recording studio as the magic unfolds. The Let It Bleed Edition also includes a treasure trove worth of rare and unreleased tracks as well as a 1986 live show recorded in Chicago. But, even with all of the extras, you will keep coming back to the Stasium mix and you will play it loud – count on it.