Pleased to Meet Me starts off strong with "I.O.U", a song that frequently exposes the Replacements' deep roots in classic rock. For some necessary clarification, when I use the term classic rock I don't mean the Eagles or the Rolling Stones or whatever the media is calling "classic" now. I'm talking about real rock and roll. Musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan (even though he can't sing) and Neil Young. Hell, I'm even talking about the Stooges. Point is, despite all the minimalism that was going around during that era, the Replacements wrote a musically accomplished and very catchy song. Which, in my opinion, is a rare thing.
Next, they launch right into "Alex Chilton" which debatably contains the best drumming ever heard on a Replacements record. This song is one of the Replacements many would-be-hits. It is a superb rock song and is more than worthy of the Top Forty, yet for some reason it wasn't noticed. This was perhaps due to the bands unreliability. The Replacements were a dangerous act to sign. It is for this reason that they have been called both the most overlooked and underrated rock band ever.
The next track, titled "I Don't Know" is a step down in songwriting effort from "Alex Chilton" but there is no decline in quality. However, "I Don't Know" is more chaotic, humorous and reveals that the Replacements, contrary to their obvious musical influences, are not rock stars. They are just as capable of writing a funny song as the Descendents and other contemporaries.
After "I Don't Know", the band slows it down with the quiet and smooth "Nightclub Jitters". It's a relaxing song with a nice beat, something you might listen to while taking a nap. In contrast to the previous track, you can hardly tell it's the same band. Unfortunately, the album slows down after that, running through several mediocre songs. But on the bright side it has a strong finish to match it"s ending.
Pleased to Meet Me wraps up with two phenomenal songs. First, "Skyway", a melancholy song that would suck if it were done by any other band. Sorry, I can't describe it better you have to hear to understand. Then it's straight into the Replacements' classic "Can't Hardly Wait" to close the album. This feature an interesting assortment of strings, brass and other instruments and surprisingly creates a good effect.
This is a Replacements album worth acquiring no matter who you are. Whether you are a longtime fan of someone who has never heard them before. This isn't just a good Replacement's album, it's a good album period.
