Pitchfork

Being a Minneapolis resident, I can't really help but be biased toward the be-all, end-all of Minneapolis rock bands, The Replacements. And since their demise in 1991, the former members have been productive with their solo careers and new bands, but have not since done anything as memorable as the music the Replacements made together for those twelve years.

Even though I was about three years old when these guys formed the band, I feel somehow bonded to the 33 songs presented on this collection, as well as all of the Replacements' earlier music. When Paul Westerberg sings, "You take the skyway / High above the busy little one way," any Minneapolis resident connects with the music, knowing exactly which skyway he's talking about.

Over two discs, All For Nothing/ Nothing At All covers the band's years with Reprise Records, but leaves off a large chunk of the good stuff from the band's essential garage-rock era with Minneapolis' Twin/Tone Records. Most folks around here consider Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash, Hootenanny and especially Let It Be to be the highlights of these guys' music careers.

Regardless, the 'Mats were still in their prime when signing with Reprise and dished out a fair share of good stuff, including all their hit radio songs. This is a good collection, especially if you're looking for lost B-sides (which covers one whole disc), but if you wanna know the band as those who love them do, pick up the early stuff.