Singles Going Single # 79 - Grandpaboy (Paul Westerberg) 7" (1997, Soundproof/Monolyth)

While many fans of The Replacements savor Paul Westerburg's post-Mats solo material, no one is in denial over the contrasts between the two. Yes, his clever wordplay and philosophy remain firmly tethered to the aesthetics of Minneapolis' fab-four, but there was something a little different afoot. In fact, his stark, confessional Suicane Gratification in 1999, and 2002's likeminded Stereo albums proved to be sheer gold mines, chockablock with his most affecting ballads to date.

Then there's his decidedly more whimsical side. In 1997, he had a bright idea to create an alter-ego dubbed Grandpaboy, ostensibly to house his rawer, louder, and arguably raunchier songs. Crazy thing is, this single and a simultaneously issued Grandpaboy ep, whether coincidentally or nor, serve as the perfect precursor to his recent web-exclusive releases, e.g. 49:00 formally available through Amazon.com. I supposed you'd actually have to hear 49:00 to know what I'm talking about, but anyway... Although two more Grandpaboy albums were to follow in the '00s, I still think this single (and for that matter the ep) stand as the most enjoyable and representative efforts Westerberg has recorded under his assumed moniker. "I Want My Money Back" is rip-roaring, impulsive, and was most likely recorded on the fly given it's tossed-off sense of abandon. The flip, "Undone," takes a calmer path, veering towards a country angle, with some faintly plucked banjo pickin' going on in the background. Just FYI, these two tracks are credited to Winthrop Marion Percival V on the back sleeve. Hmmm...

 

A. I Want My Money Back

B. Undone

 

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