Stereo (Paul Westerberg album)
Stereo is the fourth studio album by American alternative rock musician Paul Westerberg, released on April 13, 2002, on Vagrant Records. It is a double album, with the first disc, Stereo, featuring polished, studio-produced songs, and the second disc, Mono, consisting of raw, lo-fi recordings done primarily by Westerberg alone in his basement.
The Stereo disc features a variety of instrumentation and more traditional song structures, showcasing Westerberg's songwriting in a more accessible format. It includes singles such as "Lookin' Up in Heaven" and "Mr. Rabbit."
In contrast, the Mono disc embraces a minimalist aesthetic, with songs often recorded with a single microphone and minimal overdubs. This side highlights Westerberg's more experimental and introspective side.
The album title reflects the contrasting production styles of the two discs. Stereo represents a more polished and conventional sound, while Mono represents a raw and direct approach. The album received generally positive reviews, with critics noting the stark contrast between the two discs and praising Westerberg's songwriting and willingness to experiment. The album's release was followed by a brief tour.