Wow. That's really surprising, especially given how much bad blood there was on Mars' side (I remember how pissed off I was when I finally got the joke involved with his solo album being called 75% Less Fat)

Still, potentially good news that could maybe lead to further potentially good news. Actual reunited shows could be landmark.

A Replacements reunion without Bob Stinson is kind of like a Beatles reunion without George and John.

As much as I love the Mats, I'm very ambivalent about the idea of a reunion. And I second the feeling that the ghost of Bob Stinson would be hovering over the proceeding shaking his head bemusedly, or vomiting drunkenly. Westerberg solo last year was fun though.

I don't think there's any chance of groundbreaking new music coming out of this, or even of music that can stand toe-to-toe with Replacements stuff (even post-Bob Replacements stuff). I guess I just like the idea that some of the bitterness has gone away. It always bothered me a little bit that these guys who collaborated on music that I loved hated each other so thoroughly.

It's interesting that Slim Dunlap doesn't seem to be involved.

Bob equals George AND John? I dunno if I agree with your math keswick, but sure Bob's ghost'll undoubtedly haunt them a bit, and yeah, that's weird about Slim.

Either way, I am also glad to see some smiles from these guys. (sorry that buddyhead image is a little slow to load).

I actually gave up on expecting to be impressed with the Replacements when Pleased to Meet Me came out. I lowered my expectations from there on out and was then pleasantly surprised when a new song bowled me over. I saw them a few times with Slim, but my favorite Replacements memories are the shows with Bob.