While I would be very happy to agree that the 'Mats "Alex Chilton" is a great fucking song...to discount the sheer BRILLIANCE of those first two Big Star records seems dangerous. One might even be able to argue that there would be no Replacements had there not been a Big Star!

For the question at hand, however, I'll throw in my vote for The Replacements. Their ability to be a trashy, snotty rock band, but then also be able to toss a "Sixteen Blue" or "Skyway" or "Here Comes a Regular" into the mix? AMAZING.

I'm with richat all the way.

I have never been a fan of Big Star - I have never seen why everyone makes such a big deal of Alex Chilton's music. I'm tempted to make this thread incorporate a derail into the best Alex Chilton song to make a believer out of me.

BUT...best Re-band? Of the three given, 'Mats hands down. Pleased To Meet Me can hold my attention for days.

The Residents are routinely at the top of my "Creepiest and Most Unlistenable/Damaged/Spooky/STAYTHEFUCKAWAYFROMME" music list.

PLACEM

I can never get past the utter fangirl I knew in college who seemed to know no other music than Alex Chilton. I mean, I was hardly a music expert and barely ventured outside my safe zone of Bob, Bruce, and Tom Petty. But sheesh, I didn't bring them into every conversation....

Poor kid, I hope she grew up OK, but we all hated her.

That kind of fandom can be oppressive, that's for sure. I've known a few, and in fact, to this day harbour some resentment toward Pink Floyd for the assholes I knew who loved them. I know...it's not the band's fault that their fans can be dicks, but...

THE RESIDENTS tower over all those other bands with their glaring, single eyeballs.

≡ Click to see image ≡

It's the all-seeing eyes of the Residents for me baby. I went to see their last show and I stood in the freezing cold for two hours until my toes turned to flesh lollies. It was worth it though.

Alex Chilton: Big Star totally kick arse (haven't heard the recent effort. don't want to). Don't care for the dude's solo stuff. He produced the first Cramps album though which gives him major bonus points.

Let me do a little selective editing here...

Best Re___ents band?

becomes

Best Re______n_ts band?

The answer is clear. They'll be there for you.

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

But I vote Replacements.

That's some nice math, SpiffyRob.

Replacements, hands down. The Refreshments have a few great songs, and the Residents are kind of more palatable as an idea than something to listen to.