The Crucial (and yet largely) Unheard Music of Chris Mars

Given his somewhat limited (but absolutely essential) role in the Replacements and their somewhat acrimonious and very public breakup, few fans would have predicted that drummer Chris Mars would be the first out of the solo gate with his solo debut Horseshoes and Hand Grenades in 1992. What was even more surprising was how self-assured and solid the effort was.  I don't mean to damn him with faint praise, quite the contrary, I just wish his contributions had been a greater part of the Replacements as he proved that he was a formidable talent not just a drummer but an adroit guitarist, clever lyricist and ragged vocalist. The debut also showed off his considerable ability as a painter, his first two albums featured original art from Mars himself.

The lead-off single "Popular Creeps" sounds like it would've fit in just fine on Pleased to Meet Me. In an interview, he revealed that the song's title came from the late, lamented Hoffman Estates music venue, Poplar Creek, a stop the Replacements made on their ill-fated tour with Tom Petty. Speaking of Petty, "Don't You See It" has the mature perspective of the wizened Petty.  Quick to prove that his solo career wasn't just a one-off lark, he followed it up with 75% Less Fat, (possibly a swipe as his old bandmates?) had the same solid charm as the debut.  Two more albums followed with slight downgrade in quality but overall, his solo career was an unexpected delight and again a sad reminder of what the Replacements could have been if the contributions of the other members had been more welcome.  These days, he's focused entirely on his painting and visual arts career, with great success.  His original art commands top dollar in the gallery and fine art worlds, figures that would dwarf the budgets of most band's albums these days. Check out his macabre and visually arresting works here.

In a personal note, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mars on the radio in 1993.  I was so excited to meet my favorite Replacement that I cued up a fresh reel of 1/4" tape to record the event.  I started the reel-to-reel machine just as the interview began and was assured to see the reels spinning, it was only after the interview that I noticed that I had forgotten to engage the 'record' button on the machine, so I had a 45 minute blank reel.  A record button I should add that I'd engaged on countless interviews before and (most certainly) after. It's probably for the best, while I remember the interview as a good one, it's will always be better in my mind than it was in real life. And I do have this photo as proof that I did meet the guy. No that's not a mullet, I had really long hair.

Have a great weekend, enjoy the music.

Comments

[Jeff]

Yeah, definitely good songs - but I felt that they're missing the anarchy of the Replacements.

And I'd be a bit careful mentioning what his art sells for. Visually striking it may be, but the only reference I could find of its selling price was Mr Mars himself (the $30k figure on Wikipedia)

That's not to say that people don't pay for good money and indeed enjoy what he does - but it's incredibly difficult to sell works of a lesser known artist for those amounts.

[ken]

Fair point Jeff, but Chris Mars is a very well-respected figure in the art world. Mentioning that figure was merely to point out how well he's doing as an artist.

[Jeff]

Curious - where do you see that he's well-respected in the art world? I can only find his web site and a couple of galleries.

And,honestly, I'm not trying to discredit Mr. Mars - I'm just interested in an artist is deemed 'respected'.

[Jeff]

Ah - I see in his website he lists a few things. Regional, but institutional at least.

[mr. tower]

I loved Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Probably my second favourite post-Mats album, after Friday Night is Killing Me.

[Kate]

This has nothing to do with Chris Mars-although no disrespect intended. I sent this to some GE alums yesterday.

http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/home.php

[Robert]

Didn't Mars say a few years ago — or Tommy Stinson quoted him as saying — that he hasn't been behind a drum kit in over a decade? That's apparently why he didn't want to play drums on the Replacements' two new songs on "Don't You Know Who I Think I Was?"

His artwork is impressive, but it'd be nice to hear another album from him. "Get Out of My Life" and "Reverse Status," from Mars's first album, and the majority of Stinson's Bash & Pop CD, really do make you wonder what those last few Replacements albums would've been like if Westerberg had allowed the other guys to contribute songs.