Most alternative/post-grunge/pop-punk bands of the '90s owe a major debt to the '80s alternative-rock scene in Minneapolis, bands like
Husker Du and
the Replacements, without even having heard the music. However, the two opening cuts of
Weasel$ make it obvious that
Alcohol Funnycar went straight to the sources; "Objects" could easily be mistaken for a
Sugar or
Bob Mould solo tune, while "Red Wine" is playful, liquor-soaked
Replacements at their thrashiest. Ben London's melodic songwriting energizes the record's terrific first half, although the sound becomes more generic and the energy level flags over the second half.
Weasel$ may be derivative, but the best material is derivative of the genuine article, not second- or third-rate knockoffs, and that's what helps it stand out from the pop-punk/post-grunge pack. ~ Steve Huey