Song of the Day 9/26: The Replacements, “Bastards of Young”

The Replacements’ status as the greatest missed opportunity in rock history has gotten a major boost with the release of a newly remixed edition of their fourth LP, their major-label debut “Tim.” Given the rapturous reviews “Tim: Let It Bleed Edition” is getting you might think the album was brand new, and most reviewers say it sounds as if it is.

“Tim,” released in 1985, was as famous for its muddy, tinny sound as Paul Westerberg’s maturing, more pop-oriented songwriting. The new mix brings greater clarity to every element of their sound, especially Tommy Stinson’s bass and Westerberg’s raspy vocals. Chris Mars’ drums are cleaner, and there’s more guitar work by Bob Stinson, whose deteriorating mental health made this his last album with the band.

“Left of the Dial” remains a college-radio theme song, but the original LP’s standout track is the generational anthem “Bastards of Young.” It’s also the song they were playing on “Saturday Night Live” when a live microphone caught Westerberg yelling “Come on, fucker!” at Bob Stinson, resulting in a lifetime ban by a furious Lorne Michaels.

Here’s what it sounded like in its original mix, accompanied by the notoriously minimalist music video.