On the 30th anniversary of its release, I offer my college newspaper review from 1993, annotated, an exercise in 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' that mostly makes me feel old
I recall listening to 14 Songs many times while driving around the Minneapolis lakes in the early 2000s. “First Glimmer” was playing on one date and that tune will always be associated with the lakes and new love. It’s easy to fall for a record when you have that strong geographic tug and 14 feels like putting on an old sweatshirt. It may not be my favorite but it still fits.
It’s true Paul never gave us what we wanted but he’s notorious for obfuscating. Better to leave it unknown for people to guess. You are spot on that Westerberg’s solo efforts are hit and miss but if you want to spend a couple of fantastic hours cleaning the house spin his Amazon or Spotify play list.
I recall listening to 14 Songs many times while driving around the Minneapolis lakes in the early 2000s. “First Glimmer” was playing on one date and that tune will always be associated with the lakes and new love. It’s easy to fall for a record when you have that strong geographic tug and 14 feels like putting on an old sweatshirt. It may not be my favorite but it still fits.
It’s true Paul never gave us what we wanted but he’s notorious for obfuscating. Better to leave it unknown for people to guess. You are spot on that Westerberg’s solo efforts are hit and miss but if you want to spend a couple of fantastic hours cleaning the house spin his Amazon or Spotify play list.