I just read a great post on the Replacements/Paul Westerberg facebook page with a connection between my favorite band and science fiction.

Filmmaker Hansi Oppenheimer spoke to Joel Hodgson, creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000.  Apparently, Hodgeson told her he followed the Replacements’ “business model.”

Both the band and the TV show came out of Minneapolis.  There were at least two references to Replacements members in the banter between robots Crow and Tom Servo during the show’s run.

If we look at the ‘Mats and MST3K, it’s clear there are similarities.  Shoestring budgets.  Seemingly seat-of-the-pants decision making.  An ability to blend really dumb humor with smart, insightful humor.  The Replacements business model isn’t about mainstream success as much as redefining the definition of “successful.”

Oppenheimer co-wrote and produced the excellent Replacements documentary “Color Me Obsessed.” Her new film is going to be about women in fandom entitled “SQUEE!”  Sounds cool based on this interview.  She really understands fan culture, so I’m sure it’ll be great.