Tim [LP]

The Replacements: Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar, piano); Bob Stinson (guitar); Tommy Stinson (bass); Chris Mars (drums, background vocals).
Additional personnel: Alex Chilton (background vocals).
Recorded at Nicollet Studios, Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1985.
TIM, the Replacements' major-label debut, was the last album to feature the original Replacements lineup. A departure from the raw, punk-rock aesthetic that dominated their Twin/Tone releases, TIM demonstrated Paul Westerberg's gift for song craft with uptempo rock anthems ("Bastards Of Young" and "Left Of The Dial"), poignant ballads ("Here Comes A Regular") and clever lyricism ("Little Mascara"). Westerberg's gritty yet melodic vocals convey a sense of urgency that perfectly compliments the rough-hewn songs. This "maturing," tighter sound would be a hallmark of subsequent Replacements albums.