The Replacements‘ “Johnny’s Gonna Die” is probably the most haunting song in their catalog. The song, which was on the band’s first studio album Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash, is based on one of the band’s heroes, Johnny Thunders of the New York Dolls. The lyrics center around Thunders’ notorious antics and heroin addiction.

But the song took on an autobiographical tone years later. The similarities between Thunders and the band’s guitarist, the late Bob Stinson, are pretty striking. Both were extremely talented, bold, and possessed a natural charisma that most bands would kill for. Both were known for their sloppy live shows and unpredictable behavior. Also finally, both died at an early age, succumbing to drug addiction.

Appropriately, “Johnny’s Gonna Die” was played at Stinson’s funeral in 1995.

The song represents a somber side to one of the greatest American rock bands of the last thirty years. It’s also one of their best.

“Johnny’s Gonna Die”

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I found this amazing video of a very young Replacements at a Twin/Tone label showcase from 1981. Mats historians write how the band were a trainwreck on stage on certain nights but it’s pretty clear after watching this performance of “Johnny’s Gonna Die,” they were on their game that night. If you keeping clicking on the right, you can watch the rest of the set.

Former Replacements drummer Steve Foley died last weekend in Minneapolis. Foley, who was 49, overdosed on prescription medicine. Foley played drums for the ‘Mats during their last tour.

Paul Westerberg of The Replacements released his new project 49:00 today via download only.  The project running 49 minutes long, costing a cent a minute, making it sound similar to a long distance telephone plan. Oddly enough Amazon.com the only retailer carrying the song has the length listed as 43:55.  That’s like being ripped off 5 45/100′s of a cent!  A great deal regardless. Will update you after we download the track.

The artist track listing for the forthcoming Rock Band 2 video game has been announced. I must say, it’s a pretty impressive list of songs, including The Replacements’ “Alex Chilton,” The Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ “Where’d You Go,’ Metallica’s “Battery,” Bikini Kill’s “Rebel List,” among many others. Check out the full list of songs after the jump.

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