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.
The Replacements initially formed in 1979, and were wild and quickly became notorious for their drunken, chaotic gigs. After they built up a sizable local following, the Minneapolis label Twin/Tone signed them. Critics and fellow musicians were quick to praise the band, and they developed a large underground following.
