The Replacements: Tim Let It Bleed Box Set REVIEW // Vinyl Community

The long awaited box set re-issue of The Replacements' 1985 classic, Tim, has hit the store shelves! Since I am the go-to source for new Replacements material on KZbin, I have put together this review of the 4CD/1 LP collection.
The box features a brand new remix of the album by Ed Stasium (Talking Heads, Ramones, Living Colour) from the original tapes. The 1985 'Tim' was produced and mixed by Tommy Erdelyi (aka Tommy Ramone), and was marred by hideous amounts of reverb, little to no low end, and virtually no stereo separation. I'm sure it sounded fine to him at the time. Stasium frequently worked with Erdelyi back in the 70s and 80s, but was not used back in '85. The new "Stasium Mix" is a revelation. It reveals that beneath all that reverb was a well recorded rock album.
The new mix is on both CD and vinyl, but the rest of the box set is CD only. The original 1985 mix is presented in a new remastered version, but the difference is negligible. The fourth disc features (mostly) unreleased outtakes, alternate versions, and new mixes. The fifth, and final disc is an amazing live recording of The Replacements at Cabaret Metro in Chicago on January 11, 1986.
Yet another fantastic set from The Replacements and Rhino!
NOTE: The Rhino video I reference in this video was set to "private" as I was finishing up production on this. Hopefully, it will be posted again as it was pretty awesome.
Please like this video and subscribe to the channel if you have not already done so. Thanks.
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For nearly two decades, your buddy Dave has hosted a weekly radio show in Omaha called 'New Day Rising' which airs every Sunday afternoon from 2-4pm CST on KIWR, 89.7 FM - streaming at www.897theriver.com.
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#vinylcommunity #albumreview #thereplacements #paulwesterberg #tommystinson #chrismars
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Background / Picking Up the Box Set
02:43 The origins of 'Tim: Let It Bleed'
06:09 The Ed Stasium Remix
08:59 Sons of No One - Rare and Unreleased
09:39 Not Ready For Prime Time - Live in Chicago 1986
11:21 Amazing photos
12:15 Final Thoughts

[@blasty290]

Listened to the album a couple of times now and I am loving it! Removing the effects from Paul's vocals was a huge improvement- there's so much character in his raspy voice and it's a shame that it's been covered up for so long. I'm still on the fence a bit on Here Comes A Regular, though. The original mix brought you right into that smokey, dimly lit bar room and the sad desperation of the main character, while the new version "brightens" things up a bit. Oh well, I'm just happy that both versions exist now.

[@Thedarkstuff]

The original "Here Comes a Regular" is pretty perfect, but I like the new version, too. Honestly, that song is do sad that sometimes I skip it. I have to be in the right mood. Whereas, with "Dose of Thunder" or something, I can play it over and over.

[@scottharvey2392]

The remix is amazing! It answers the "What could've been?" w/ Mats. Totally improves the record, which I didn't think could happen. So glad this came out!

[@Thedarkstuff]

Agreed. Thanks for watching.

[@VinylPotato]

I need to get this much needed remix. I really like the packaging. They did something similar for the Ramones 40th anniversary boxes.

[@markportier5466]

Very well informed and incisive commentary. Thank you.

[@Thedarkstuff]

Thank you so much, and thanks for watching.

[@EmbryonicRobot]

This is a really interesting set. I am thinking about it.... Thanks for the review.

[@Thedarkstuff]

Let me know if you get it. Curious about your thoughts on it.

[@jarrodtyrrell1817]

Get the audio book version of Bill Sullivan s book. You will love it!

[@Thedarkstuff]

Nice. Didn't know it was on audio book!

[@eatattheafter]

Great review and couldn't agree with you more about the Stasium mix. It's mind boggling how some of this amazing music had been cut out of the original mix. I can't recall any record where the new mix was so impactful.

[@Thedarkstuff]

The only other example I can think of is the new Dead Man's Pop mix of Don't Tell A Soul.

[@MegaWizard]

Homer's! And yes the new mix is amazing. It now rivals Let It Be for me.

[@Thedarkstuff]

Homers, yeah. Are you from Omaha?

[@MegaWizard]

Kansas City but I go to Homer's whenever I'm in Omaha

[@lostmixtapes]

It is killing me that I don’t have this yet! Out of town and have to wait till I get home, and even then the order is slow. But I have streamed the new mix and will continue to. Excellent summation. My initial thought was outrage that they kept this hidden for so long. No wonder Westerberg got so bitter. Although self sabotage was kind of his favorite game. Incredible. The songs just shine. Lyrics I never heard are suddenly so clear. What a revelation.

[@Thedarkstuff]

It really was destroyed in the mix. The basic tracks sounded great, as did all the vocals and lead guitar. Somehow, Tommy Erdelyi found a way to mash it together and wreck it. I've heard Tim thousands of times, and loved it - despite the flaws in the sound. But now....

[@Paneeks1960]

I thought that I was one of the only ones who was not pleased with the original pressing of Tim. I did not think that any of the instruments were recorded properly. Kind of like Alex Van Halen's drums on the original pressing of VH II. Sounded like he was recorded in the studio's bathroom. Anyways. Thanks for the heads up on the new box set Dave. Very strong delivery~ Rob/Boston

[@Thedarkstuff]

No, you weren't the only one. Although I don't really remember hearing people complain about the sound of Tim until the first wave CD came out. That made the problems even worse with all the compression. I didn't know that about Van Halen 2. Interesting. Thanks, Rob.

[@deanmorier5353]

I agree with you about the sound. It is amazing sound on the Stasium remix, and it is clearly my favorite Replacements album.

[@Thedarkstuff]

I go back and forth with Tim, Pleased, and Sorry Ma.

[@01DaveJr]

I agree with the brilliance & kick ass nature of the new mix. The original pales in comparison. The cover for the new one tho? It wouldn't be a Replacements release if it was perfect. The book/booklet has so many excellent photos. Hell, the cover of the booklet should have been the box cover. I'm surprised no one thought to find/make a Stones Let It Bleed parody/tribute. Regardless, this is the best re-issue set so far. thank you for your review. I agree with your every word about it too. That helps. Ha!

[@Thedarkstuff]

It's the Replacements, so they can't make it to perfect, you know. Agreed it's the best so far. There's still Let It Be, All Shook Down, and Hootenanny, but none of those need a remix.

[@oppothumbs1]

Lots of good stuff from you. Even the cover grabs our attention more. Hard to believe Bob would rather work his day job - he knew a bad mix when he heard one? - and didn't like the new music. What a shotty job done by Sire. For some reason on Boink. I love the track "Go"

[@Thedarkstuff]

I think Bob's resistance and lack of interest in the album had more to do with his perceived loss of status in the band. He started the band, and had been sort of the unofficial leader for a time. That time had passed though.

[@oppothumbs1]

@@Thedarkstuff Sounds about right.

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

The new mixes are cool.However,It’s the music that is still the real contender.The live cuts are the real deal here.

[@Thedarkstuff]

They are very good. Thanks for watching.

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

TIM is my favorite. To be true, i love all they made

[@Thedarkstuff]

Agreed. I like the whole catalog. Thanks for stopping by.

[@bifff8433]

I love the new Ed Stasium mix. It was a real fun listen on my headphone setup ... so much more detailed than the original mix. I have yet to spin they vinyl. I am waiting for the family to be out of the house so I can crank it. Though I have to say, back in the day, I never thought that there was anything wrong with the original mix. Well, nothing a bit of EQ could not make a bit better. My gear was a bit lacking back then. Playing it now on a way better system, I can definitely hear its shortcomings.

[@Thedarkstuff]

Have fun cranking it up! Thanks for watching!

[@Ted_James]

Nice review! So far, I've just listened on KZbin. My copy will be here tomorrow. Lots of great surprises in this. Overall, the sound is so much better. I've always been a fan of Ed Stasium's work. I felt that the bass and drums were mixed too high, like they're competing with the rest of the sounds. I do like being able to hear Tommy's bass, because he does some really interesting stuff that really compliments the songs. And of course, you need that snare drum crack. But they could've been mixed a bit lower. I had to turn the bass on my stereo almost all the way down, and then it was perfect. It's not my stereo, either. I tried other albums with no problems. I'll check it out again with both the LP and CD tomorrow when they arrive and update my review if necessary. It could be that KZbin is using a lot of compression, which could be boosting those frequencies. I love hearing the additional vocals/guitars in the new mix, but I don't really like what he did to Here Comes a Regular. I prefer the sparseness of the original. The sound is better, but I wish he had left out the additional parts.

[@Thedarkstuff]

I don't mind what he did with "Regular" but I think it's the only credible example of where the new version isn't 1000x better than the original mix imo.

[@Ted_James]

@@Thedarkstuff Good point!

[@rdrrr]

​@@ThedarkstuffI would go a bit further and say "Regular" is the only Stasium mix I didn't like - too cluttered, reminds me of the fussier ballads Paul wrote for Eventually.

[@LeonLandgren-qt9pg]

Its just being used to the orig version. It sounds better now.

[@LeonLandgren-qt9pg]

Sonically!! Taste is individual though so you are right as well.

[@Mark54115]

Excellent news, glad to hear is that good !!!! My copy from Rhino is on the mail !!!! The Don't tell a soul box set version, is so much better than the original !!!! I really hope, Rhino puts out same Box sets of Let it be, Hootenanny and All shook down in no particular Order. As you said Dave, when they got you, they got you. Saw Superchunk in Baltimore, 2 weeks a go, they were on fire, they were selling a couple of copies, of their brand new Box Set compilation Misfits and Mistakes, oh boy, you are in for a treat !!!!! At the same level of Tossing Seeds, Incidental Music and Cup of Sand.

[@Thedarkstuff]

See what I mean about Rhino sending them late! How was the new drummer in Superchunk??

[@Mark54115]

She was solid, did the job, seemed like she enjoyed playing with then band, however, she is no Jon Wurster.@@Thedarkstuff

[@VinylPotato]

Just listened to this on streaming. It's perfect. Do you know if Paul was involved with the remix at all? Any clues in the book? Just curious about that. My local store didn't have this yet but I'll get it eventually.

[@Thedarkstuff]

I listened to an interview with Ed Stasium who said he would send them to "the band" (Paul and Tommy) who would offer thoughts and whatnot. But he was basically given free reign.

[@RiseAbove924]

The Ed Stasium mixes of Tim do sound great! The album definitely now has a more cleaner and clearer sound. However, despite the issues with the production of the original 1985 album, I've always preferred Mats albums to be somewhat dirty, rough around the edges, and a little flawed - just like the band themselves. After repeatedly playing these new mixes and comparing them to my original vinyl pressing and my remastered reissue, I still enjoy the original mixes of "Waitress in the Sky" and "Here Come A Regular" more IMO.

[@Thedarkstuff]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. I don't remember the sound of Tim being as much of an issue when it was originally released. There were issues, to be sure, but I think it was when it was first mastered for CD in 1987 that it became more obvious. I love the new mix and doubt I will go back and listen to the old one. I have heard it - and loved it - thousands of times, but now I get to listen to this new one thousands more.

[@LeonLandgren-qt9pg]

Fantastic review. I also like your dont tell a soul review. Im a big fan of "Aching to be" whats your take on the song? Never seen them live but they are respected in Sweden Sthlm in the press. Tim is a classic gonna enjoy this version of Tim & bastards of young sounded better for sure, with the mix done by Ed.

[@Thedarkstuff]

I love "Aching To Be." It's an amazing song. Glad to see some Replacements fans in Sweden.

[@LeonLandgren-qt9pg]

@@Thedarkstuff yeah i remember having a torrent to listen to with all their major releases in 2009 so Im excited about these mixes.

[@tobysbreathisverybad]

Pre ordered for the extra 7”. Worth a couple days wait. I mean…. We have waited 35+ years

[@Thedarkstuff]

Fair point, and I do wish I had that 7". But, the earlier Rhino releases were quite late. They've obviously improved.

[@Yougotadollar]

I wasn't going to buy this. You've changed my mind.

[@vinylrichie007]

I just don’t play CDs much anymore.

[@anfrankogezamartincic1161]

Who needs CDs or records when we have YTube

[@Thedarkstuff]

Well, there is one LP in there!

[@vinylrichie007]

@@Thedarkstuff The remixed album by itself would be more appealing to me. That said, I’ve never listened to Tim.

[@Thedarkstuff]

@@vinylrichie007 I bet they put the remixed version as a stand alone vinyl release in the future.

[@peterjonas4971]

I ordered it from Rhino. Does it mean I won't get it in the mail anytime soon? I npoticed that it's cheaper on Amazon, but I have giving that asshole my money.

[@Thedarkstuff]

At this point, I don't know. Anecdotally, I am hearing people are getting it from Rhino only a day or two after release date. Maybe they've heard the criticism.

[@peterjonas4971]

@@Thedarkstuff Thanks!

[@plasticspoon839]

I received mine on the release date direct from Rhino.

[@silverfishla]

I gotta say...I don't think the Stasium Mix is very good. Yeah, you can hear more stuff, but it sounds fluffy because everything gets equal treatment. Lacks direction, if I dare say.

[@Thedarkstuff]

Agree to disagree. Thanks for much for watching.

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

Sorry, man, but I have to disagree with your review. Ed Stasium's mixes, for the most part, sucked. Stasium did good on Hold My Life, Bastards Of Young, Left Of The Dial, and Little Mascara, but everything else was a crappy mix. The softer songs like Kiss Me On The Bus, Waitress In The Sky, and Swingin Party were all poorly mixed. It felt like I had two sub woofers strapped to my ears at full blast. Just overwhelming lows, making the tracks quite muddy. They were dreadful to listen to. The 2023 remaster of the whole album, however, sounds great from top to bottom. It pulls things up without feeling like you're glued to the speakers.

[@Thedarkstuff]

Hey, man, to each their own. I wonder whether or not your speakers are broken or something (~_^), but it's 'Tim' and the songs are the most important thing. Thanks for watching.

[@LoveKills70]

What are u waiting on Rsd ?

[@Thedarkstuff]

Not sure exactly what you mean. But there is a Replacements record for this week's RSD. I will definitely be getting it.