One Man Mutiny

Tommy Stinson was born and bred into rock ‘n’ roll. As a teenager, he held down the bottom end as the bassist for the ultimate ‘80s under-to-above-ground rock band, the Replacements. Solo work as Bash & Pop and a long-term gig with Axl Rose’s Guns N’ Roses has kept him in fighting form. “It’s a Drag” sounds like what the Replacements did best, shuffling rockers with cheeky swagger reminiscent of the Faces and the Rolling Stones. “Meant to Be” is even better. The rumbling power chords and perfect lead guitar hook meet Stinson’s gritty delivery for a track that proves he learned a lot from his days with Paul Westerberg. “Come to Hide” is reminiscent of the poignant acoustic ballads that highlighted the final Replacements album, All Shook Down. Another acoustic ballad “Zero to Stupid” features fine country harmonies and a beautifully somber melody. “Seize The Moment” would fit perfectly on a Replacements reunion album (hint). Stinson’s made an impressive solo album here that both reinforces the greatness of his former band and establishes him as a mature, experienced talent doing great work.