Search - Paul Westerberg :: 14 Songs

Slightly disorganized, but it's almost ready for Top 40.

D. R Hayes | Clermont, FL. United States | 06/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was heartbroken when the Replacements disbanded. I remember all the way back to the first time my virgin ears heard "Left Of The Dial" back when I was 17. This was the fall of 85, and I was a senior in high school, and I was listening to college radio. Well I pretty much abandoned them for awhile to this day I still don't know why. I just felt I wasn't grown up enough maybe, but in the summer of 89 I felt drawn to them again when I heard the song "They're Blind" in a Sam Goody. I was so hit hard with pleasure from that song I ran over to the guy at the counter, and he looked at me like I was nuts asking him what that song was? Eventually I got all the Replacement albums on Sire records, and then they disbanded. I heard Paul's first solo piece from the movie "Singles" which is a loser for the moment. I lost interest in 4 minutes. Anyway the first song I would hear is "Dyslexic Heart", and it's one you want to play time and time again to get the sexual gratification of the sax. So anyway I've rambled on enough. This album has alot of promise, but the way it was put in order I feel it held it back some. Yeah "World Class Fad" charted, but I feel with a little more direction it would've set the world on fire. The first song "Knocking On Mine" a tasty bluegrass rocker, "First Glimmer" I first heard in the summer of 94 when I was in one of my depressed moods, and it brought out a little inspiration in me.....not anymore, "World Class Fad" can still rock, but my all-time fave on here is "Dice Behind Your Shades". It's got a fabulous groove going, and even though I can't understand the words the music is sexy and o so beautiful. "Things" has a beauty all of it's own; this is a song if you're driving at night with a splitting headache it'll be gone by the time that song ends. The only song that's where it belongs is the last song "Down Love" it's a awesome rocker that hints back to circa 1981, and something you can hum or sing on your way home. the rest is rather average, but good, so as I said a little more reshuffling of the song order it may have been an art statement, but it's still great to listen to."

When Westerberg goes marching in...

Mick Kelly | USA | 01/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Westerberg knows that love is not a victory march, but so what, he can still kick up his heels & cut a soft shoe shuffle. This Mpls native son knows a thing or three, & shows it on his stellar 1993 solo record, "14 Songs." Hailed as one of our greatest American songwriters - I say Westerberg co-signs w/ Bob Dylan - he cuts loose from the get go & exceeds all expectations.



Only Westerberg can perform magic like this: Swinging a mighty axe all over "World Class Fad," picking up the pieces & blowing a kiss on "Runaway Wind" & then disappearing completely on "Even Here We Are." Do not try this at home...or even on stage.



"14 Songs" is a national buried treasure & as the case w/ all Westerberg solo releases - whilst a critic's darling - it gets treated commercially like a groom stood up at the altar. It isn't right. Brother Paul, you need to get yourself a damn good time. D.G.T. Live it to the letter. "Boom, boom, out go the lights..."



"