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Paul Westerberg's '49:00': A Lost Gem of Genius and Controversy

Westerberg's daring challenge to listeners, an anti-playlist designed to be heard in sequence, mirrors his career filled with brilliance, controversy, and untapped potential.

In the image there are few musicians. The man to the right corner and the man to the left corner...
In the image there are few musicians. The man to the right corner and the man to the left corner are playing guitar. And the man behind them is playing drums. The man in the center is playing guitar and singing as well. In the background there are spotlights and a board with text "Kiab" on it.

Paul Westerberg's '49:00': A Lost Gem of Genius and Controversy

Paul Westerberg's 2008 album, '49:00', is a lost gem that sparked controversy and vanished weeks after its release. The album, a single 43:55 track, was an anti-commercial real estate statement that captured the spirit of Westerberg's former band, The Replacements.

Westerberg, known for his brilliance and irreverence, crafted '49:00' as a seductive journey through chaos and hooks. It was a daring challenge to listeners, an anti-playlist designed to be heard in sequence, not skipped like modern tracks. The album ends abruptly, mid-song, mirroring Westerberg's career, marked by brilliance, sabotage, laughter, and loss.

'49:00' was officially released as a forty-nine-cent download, a subversive approach to defy commercial norms. It was hailed as the 'great lost Replacements record', capturing the essence of Westerberg's former band. However, it was removed from sale within weeks due to copyright issues with its closing medley.

Paul Westerberg's '49:00' is a testament to his genius and anti-establishment stance. Despite its brief availability, the album left a lasting impact, becoming a sought-after gem among fans. Its abrupt end serves as a metaphor for Westerberg's career, filled with brilliance, controversy, and untapped potential.

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