Tune du Jour: “Can’t Hardly Wait” – The Replacements
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Beaver Nelson vs. Bright Little Field vs. Kris Roe of The Ataris
VOTE, COMMENT, then do TAKE OUT THE TRASH
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The original version of “Can’t Hardly Wait” – produced by Alex Chilton – was intended for The Replacements 1985 album Tim. After missing the cut for Tim, the song was substantially re-worked and released on their 1987 album Pleased to Meet Me. Although Chilton did not produce the version on Pleased to Meet Me he did provide a few guitar licks to the recording.
From the first time I heard “Can’t Hardly Wait” I’ve really liked it. Pounding guitars and perfectly desperate vocals in a tightly wrapped package. Even the horns and strings work well in this rocker.
The Original
The Replacements:
Demo version for Tim.
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Beaver Nelson vs. Bright Little Field vs. Kris Roe of the Ataris
Beaver Nelson:
Bright Little Field:
Kris Roe of The Ataris
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On?!!?
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
Ridiculously difficult decision.
Beaver Nelson does a great job of capturing the essence of The Replacements, raw yet sublime. Excellent cover!
Bright Little Field somehow manages to also capture the feel of the original, yet with ukuleles, which is truly genius! And I love their vocals on this cut. Quintessential Westerbergian.
And Kris Roe’s acoustic version is, likewise, brilliant. The vocals brim with emotion and his obvious reverence for the song permeates the entire cut.
… Bright Little Field. I’m not even sure why but I think their vocals might have put them over.
CMI let me vote, but they wouldn’t let me comment. On Friday, at least. I chose Bright Little Field, too. I, too, am not sure why.
I am so disappointed this didn’t receive more feedback. I have always loved this song. My favorite version is not included. When they released the compilation All For Nothing/Nothing For All, the first song on disc 2 is a “Tim” recording of Can’t Hardly Wait nothing like the demo here but upon hearing it I was addicted. Espescially in the car LOUD. Great driving music. The kind of stuff I fantasize about being able to play live. The tamed version with horns on Pleased is still great but this is exhilarating. I picked Beaver Nelson because I could hear that essence of The Replacements where it’s like riding a bike down a steep hill and barely missing pot holes and you know this won’t end well but you are much more happy and excited than concerned.