Tracks will appear on new best-of CD, slated for June

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AP) — It’s a ‘Mats fan’s dream come true — new songs from The Replacements.

The surviving original members of the Minneapolis ’80s group have reunited to record two new songs for a best-of CD, according to news reports.

Singer-guitarist Paul Westerberg, bassist Tommy Stinson and drummer Chris Mars were recently in the studio to record some tracks, the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

Westerberg wrote both songs: “Message to the Boys” and “Pool & Dive.” Mars sang backup while a session drummer handled the drumming.

It’s the first The Replacements — known as the ‘Mats to fans (for “Place Mats,” an old name for the band) — have recorded together since disbanding in 1991.

Original guitarist Bob Stinson, Tommy’s older brother, died in 1995. His replacement, Slim Dunlap, wasn’t asked to play on the sessions, but said he never expected a call.

“It’s really neat they put aside their little squabbles and did it,” Dunlap told the Star Tribune.

Rhino Records is releasing the 20-cut best-of CD, “Don’t You Know Who I Think I Was? The Best of The Replacements,” due in stores June 13

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two songs by the replacements in 1981 + my interview with mr westerberg last year + paul sings achin to be