Graeme Thomson The news that Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson reunited recently to record a limited-edition EP under The Replacements banner makes the release of this low-budget, no-frills box-set a timely one. While there are no extras to attract aficionados (the albums were reissued individually in 2008 with bonuses), it’s a neat introduction to the most gifted, explosive and self-destructive rock and roll band of the Eighties. Formed in Minneapolis in 1979 by singer and principal songwriter Paul Westerberg, Chris Mars (drums), Tommy Stinson (bass) and his now-deceased, step-brother Bob on lead guitar, The Replacements began as just another bunch of high school drop-outs channelling the punk ethic of No Future through a jagged howl of teen alienation. What raised them above the pack was the quality (and heart) of Westerberg’s songs and the sloppy magnificence of their playing. Their 1981 debut