Customer Reviews

Horseshoes And Hand Grenades

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Comparisons to the Replacements will be inevitable, since Mars was that band's drummer. Replacement fans will be pleased, if not quite blown away with "Horseshoes and Handgrenades." The songwriting here shows Mars to be close to former bandmate and Replacements frontman Paul Westerberg in lyrical wit, melodic pop leads, and catchy hooks. His voice is a bit raspy and lacks the range and vocal nuance of Westerberg's but is up carrying the material, if not taking it a step higher. Mars plays most of the instruments except bass, and again shows himself to be accomplished beyond the drum kit in showcasing the melodies and turning the hooks. The more I listened the better I liked this set of tunes and Mars' treatment of the material. For Replacement fans, this is a worthwhile addition to your collection. For those seeking an introduction to that band and its players, I'd recommend "Tim" or "Pleased to Meet Me," both masterful examples of power pop.

I just got this album on cd today. I originally bought the album on cassette and I recently read an article about the Minneapolis Music Scene and I remembered how much I loved this album when it first came out. This is a no frills rock album with some good hooks and some very overlooked rock songs. The killer cuts on this album are " Reverse Status", "Popular Creeps","Monkey Sees", and "Outer Limits". " Monkey Sees" is hands down a great simple rock song. There is really not a bad song on this album. It flows very well from beginning to end. Steal this album if you have too.

I love this disc. It's better than any of Westerberg's solo work, though it disappeared from sight while Paul got all the press. Witty, unpretentious power pop. I particularly like "Reverse Status" and its take on rich kids pretending to be poor.

Paul Westerbergh can always smile and say he outsold his former buddy Chris Mars all he wants. Of course, Paul had a lot more money behind him. However, when comparing Chris and Paul's solo works, this album is vastly superior to anything Paul has done. Real catchy hooks and sharp lyrics will have you listening to this album over and over. How unfortunate that Paul's ego trip caused him to ignore Chris' suggestion while both were still with the Mats, they could have produced such great music.

If you are even looking at this cd I assume you are a Replacements fan. I am and I am one of the suckers still buying Replacement (many Paul Westerberg)solo cds. Most times I am left disappointed with the very notable exception of this cd (also try another out of print, but great cd from Tommy Stinson's short lived band - Bash and Pop).

There really isn't a bad track and many great ones that are just as good power pop as the Replacements released. It lacks the emotional punch of Westerberg's lyrics, but the hooks are Mats-like ala Tim and Pleased to Meet Me. It is similar, but stands alone apart from the Replacement's cds. It's a shame this is out of print. It is a real hidden gem you won't regret buying.

Everybody was so sure that Paul Westerbergh was the talent behind the Replacements and that he would go on and release solo efforts that had that Replacements' sound. But Paul was the problem with the Replacements. He was the driving force behind the two worst 'Mats albums ever (the last two). And what do you know, Chris Mars comes out and releases one EXCELLENT album! I love every song on this album, especially "City Lights on Mars" and "Popular Creeps." This sounds like Replacements, before Paul ruined them!