Former Replacements Ace,
Excellent Again For The First Time In Years (Stereo/Mono - 3 stars)

The downward spiral that trailed Paul Westerberg since he disbanded the Replacements in 1991 finally ends with the acoustic Stereo and its “hidden” companion CD, the electric Mono. As he did with the ’Mats, who carried the banner of sentimental, chaotic Minnesota punk rock in the ’80s, Westerberg delivers a hook, an idea and a subtle emotion on nearly every track. Stereo’s highlight is “Mr. Rabbit,” almost a nursery rhyme in its simplicity and sentiment (“Every little soul must shine”). Mono, attributed to Grandpaboy (Westerberg plus an anonymous first-rate band), features “I’ll Do Anything,” with a killer guitar stutter that crosses Tom Petty with Bad Company. Not very punk rock, but classic whatever you call it.

by Charles M. Young
Blender Magazine
2002