The Replacements at CBGB's (12-09-1984)

On December 9th, 1984, The Replacements played at CBGB's! The Mats played an absolutely epic set that appears to include more covers than original songs. The band covered a wide range of bizarre songs, including the Gilligan's Island theme, If I Only Had A Brain, and KISS's "Black Diamond." All in all, it was another Replacements gig for the ages!

1. Lovelines

2. Hear You Been to College

3. Easier Said Than Done (The Essex Cover)

4. Color Me Impressed

5. Music Is My Life

6. Jolene (Dolly Parton Cover)

7. Do the Clam (Elvis Presley Cover)

8. Walk on the Wild Side (Lou Reed Cover)

9. Hippy Hippy Shake (Chan Romero Cover)

10. Can't Get Enough of Your Love (Bad Company Cover)

11. My Generation (The Who Cover)

12. Substitute (The Who Cover)

13. Take Me Down to the Hospital

14. Do It for the Money

15. Iron Man (Black Sabbath Cover)

16. G.T.O. (Ronny & The Daytonas Cover)

17. The New World (X Cover)

18. It's Alright (J.J. Jackson & The Jackals Cover)

19. I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher Cover)

20. Kids Don't Follow

21. Fuck School

22. Takin a Ride

23. Temptation Eyes (The Grass Roots Cover)

24. I'm in Trouble

25. September Gurls (Big Star Cover)

26. My Best Friend's Girl (The Cars Cover)

27. Layla (Derek & The Dominos Cover)

28. One of the Boys (Mott The Hoople Cover)

29. Take a Letter, Maria (Justin Greaves Cover)

30. If I Could Slip Away

31. Green Acres Theme (Vic Mizzy Cover)

32. If I Only Had a Brain (Harold Arlen Cover)

33. Ballad of Gilligan's Island (The Marvelettes Cover)

34. Data Control (Husker Du Cover)

35. Be My Lover (Alice Cooper Cover)

36. Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones Cover)

37. I'll Be There (The Jackson 5 Cover)

38. Black Diamond (KISS Cover)

Soul Asylum at Maxwell's (12-05-1986)

On December 5th, 1986, Soul Asylum played at Maxwell’s! 1986 was a big year for the Minneapolis band, as they released two albums, Made To Be Broken and a rare cassette only release entitled Time’s Incinerator. Both records were produced by their Twin Cities peer, Bob Mould.

The Feelies at Maxwell's (11-22-1985)

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends! Here’s a Turkey Day treat for you!

On November 22nd, 1985, the Feelies played at Maxwell’s! he show was the second of a two-night stand, and based on the Village Voice blurb included with the tape, it appears to be one of the first official gigs that the band played as the Feelies in five years. The band showcased some of their new material that would appear on their incredible 1986 album The Good Earth, including “Let’s Go,” “On The Roof,” and the holiday appropriate, “When Company Comes!” Happy Thanksgiving to all my Feelies loving friends! Also, this is labeled as the 1:00am “late show,” so I’m actually not sure if this is the 21st or 22nd. Either way, it rules! Enjoy!

Sonic Youth at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center (11-21-1997)

On November 21st, 1997, Sonic Youth played at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. For this swanky orchestra hall gig, the band played almost entirely instrumental songs. They also previewed several songs that would appear on the forthcoming 1998 album "A Thousand Leaves." 

Set list:  

Karen Koltrane

Ineffable Me

Anagrama

Wildflower Soul

Hoarfrost Stil

French Tickler

Hits Of Sunshine

Female Mechanic Now on Duty

Heather Angel -- 

Sunday

Alex Chilton at Maxwell's (11-20-1987)

Photo by Ted Barron

On November 20th, 1987, Alex Chilton played at Maxwell’s! This wasn’t just any Maxwell’s gig, though, as Chilton was by backed by Paul Westerberg of The Replacements for part of his set! Replacements fans are well aware of Paul Westerberg’s affinity for Chilton, as he penned a tribute to the Big Star frontman (titled “Alex Chilton”) on the band’s 1987 album, Pleased To Meet Me. I’m actually not sure of the logistics of this live collaboration because The Replacements had a show on the same night at The Beacon Theater in Manhattan. I’m guessing Paul hopped into a cab and rushed through the Lincoln Tunnel right after their set. If anyone has any information, please let me know!

Photo by Ted Barron

Tiny Lights at Court Tavern (11-19-1989)

On November 19th, 1989, Tiny Lights played at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick! Tiny Lights originally formed in Hoboken in 1985. According to the Painfully Obscure blog, the band was set to release their third album, Know it You Love, in 1989, but the release was pushed until 1990 because their label had dissolved. Despite this, the master recordings for the album were sent to the pressing plant before Gaia dissolved, and a number of advance tapes were printed up. Though Know It You Love was never officially released, the band released Hot Chocolate Massage in 1990.

From 1988 to 1994 Tiny Lights toured the United States extensively, performing with Michelle Shocked, 10,000 Maniacs, Henry Rollins, in addition to their Hoboken peers, The Feelies and The Bongos.

Iggy Pop at The Ritz (11-13-1986)

On November 13th, 1986, Iggy Pop played at the Ritz as part of a two night concert series sponsored by St. Pauli Girl. In 1986, Iggy Pop released his seventh solo album Blah-Blah-Blah, his most commercially successful album.  The record included a cover of Johnny O’Keefe’s “Wild One”  and three original songs co-written with ex-Sex Pistols guitar player Steve Jones. The remaining tracks were co-written by Bowie, who also produced the album with David Richards.

Replacements Interview On KJHK - Lawrence, KS (UNKNOWN Date - 1984)

A few weeks ago, I paid a visit to the Bar None Records' offices in Hoboken. My friend Glenn Morrow and I spent a couple of hours digging through boxes of old tapes that he had in a storage room and uncovered some gems, including this cassette labeled "Neats LP / Replacements Radio Broadcast." What an interesting one this turned out to be! The Replacements sat down for an interview and performed a few tracks live on KJHK in Lawrence, KS.

From what I was able to gather from listening to the interview and in-studio live performance, the broadcast took place at some point in 1984 after the release of "Hootenanny." The interview is absolutely incredible, as the Mats ham it up and perform some tracks live, including a rendition of the Gilligan’s Island theme song. Listen to this right now!!!!

If anyone has an additional information about this interview, please let me know!

Alejandro Escovedo at Mercury Lounge (11-11-2000)

On November 11th, 2000, Alejandro Escovedo played at Mercury Lounge! During 2000, Escovedo toured between releases, as he released Bourbonitis Blues in 1999 and A Man Under the Influence in April 2001. This set features some songs from A Man Under The Influence, which was produced by Chris Stamey.

Royal Trux at Mercury Lounge (11-09-1996)

On November 19th, 1996, Royal Trux played at Mercury Lounge! The band played a number of songs from their forthcoming sixth studio album, Sweet Sixteen, which was released in February of 1997.  The group split in 2001, but reunited in 2015. Their first album in almost two decades is scheduled for release in early 2019.

Government Issue at CBGB's (11-08-1987)

On November 8th, 1987, Government Issue played at CBGB’s! Forming in Washington D.C. in 1980, Government Issue was a part of the first wave of hardcore bands to emerge from our nation’s capital, alongside legendary acts such as Minor Threat. Over the course of the 1980s, the band shuffled through several different lineups, with John Stabb and Tom Lyle remaining constant on lead vocals and guitars, respectively. Around the time of this gig, J. Robbins joined on bass and Peter Moffett assumed drumming duties from Sean Saley. A few months prior, the band released their sixth LP on Giant Records, You. The lineup at this gig would remain in place until the band broke up in 1989. Subsequently, J. Robbins formed the beloved Jawbox and Burning Airlines, while Moffett joined Wool.

Government Issue has reunited sporadically over the last decade. They performed reunion shows in 2007, 2010, 2014, and 2015.

Nikki Sudden at Maxwell's (11-05-1988)

On November 5th, 1988, Nikki Sudden played at Maxwell’s! Best known as the frontman of the legendary British post-punk act Swell Maps. Following the breakup of Swell Maps in 1980, Sudden started a solo career and also released records with Dave Kusworth as the Jacobites. In 1988, Nikki Sudden released his fourth solo album, Crown of Thorns. He sadly passed away in March of 2006 at the age of 49.

In 2013 and 2014, The Numero Group reissued a series of Sudden's albums on vinyl, including Waiting on Egypt, The Bible Belt, Jacobites, Texas, Kiss You Kidnapped Charabanc scheduled for February 2014.

Afghan Whigs at Bowery Ballroom (11-04-1998)

On November 4th, 1998, The Afghan Whigs played at the Bowery Ballroom! A week prior to this show, the group released their sixth studio album, 1965. At this time, the group embarked on their own headlining tour, and toured with Aerosmith as their opening act.

Red Red Meat at Brownie's (11-04-1995)

On November 4th, 1995, Red Red Meat played at Brownie’s! The Chicago based blues-inspired indie rock quartet were in the midst of touring in support of their second album on Sub Pop, Bunny Gets Paid, which was released in October of 1995. Subsequently, the band would release their fourth full length in 1997, There’s A Star Above The Manger Tonight, before disbanding later that year.

Chavez at Maxwell's (11-02-1996)

On November 2nd, 1996, Chavez played at Maxwell's! Chavez originally formed in 1993 km New York City. The band played a fierce brand of math rock.  Three days after this show, the band released their second studio album, Ride the Fader, on Matador Records. After a period of inactivity, the band re-formed in 2006.

Dead Boys at The Ritz (10-31-1986)

Happy Halloween! On this day in 1986, the Dead Boys reunited for a Halloween performance at The Ritz! Although the group initially disbanded, they reunited for several gigs in New York throughout the 1980s. They re-released their first album as Younger, Louder and Snottier in 1989. The group formally reunited in 2017 and continues to play live shows.

Eugenius at Maxwell's (10-31-1992)

On October 31st, 1992, Eugenius played at Maxwell’s! Based out of the burgeoning indie rock scene in Glasgow, Scotland, the band was formed under the name Captain America in 1990 by Eugene Kelly after the dissolution of The Vaselines. Since Kurt Cobain was a huge fan of The Vaselines, he invited Eugenius on their 1991 European tour. In 1992 the band released their second EP, Flame On.   Around the same time,  the band was forced to change their name to Eugenius after threat of legal action from Marvel Comics. In 1992, the band also released their debut album, Oomalama. The band disbanded in 1996.

At The Drive-In at Bowery Ballroom (10-28-2000)

On October 28th, 2000, At The Drive-In played at the Bowery Ballroom! The El Paso band had just released the critically successful Relationship of Command in September of 2000. Despite the success of the album, the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2001, with Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez forming the Mars Volta and Jim Ward forming Sparta. The group reunited in 2012 and subsequent release their fourth studio album, in•ter a•li•a, in 2017.

Mudhoney at Maxwell's (10-28-1990)

On October 28th, 1990, Mudhoney played at Maxwell’s!

Minutemen at Maxwell's (10-27-1985)

On October 27th, 1985, the Minutemen played at Maxwell’s! Hailing from the working class town of San Pedro, California, the trio consisting of D. Boon, Mike Watt, and George Hurley formed in 1980 after the dissolution of The Reactionaries.  The band would go on to release four full lengths and a number of EPs on Los Angeles’ SST Records, including their double album magnum opus, Double Nickels On The Dime.

Though the band was associated with the underground punk and hardcore scenes in the 1980s, the Minutemen incorporated a wide variety of stylistic influences into their music, including funk, jazz, and blues.  In popular culture, the group is most widely recognizable for their song “Corona,” which served as the theme song for the popular MTV show Jackass.

Tragically, guitarist D. Boon passed away in a car accident on December 22nd, 1985, less than two months after this show.  The end of this tape contains a short radio segment (on WFMU, I believe) announcing his passing.