Eddie Argos has a beef with Craig Finn.
The thickly accented, Kermit-the-Frog-voiced singer for London's garage-punk band Art Brut holds a grudge against the Hold Steady frontman from back when their bands toured together in 2007 -- when many Twin Cities fans were introduced to Art Brut's smirk-inducing charm. If only Argos had been introduced to a certain someone else back then.
"You'd think that somewhere along in the tour, Craig would have said, 'Hey, Eddie, have you heard of this band the Replacements?'" Argos said in a huff. "But he never mentioned them to me, leaving me to my own embarrassment."
As is now well known to Art Brut fans and the Current (89.3 FM) listeners, Argos only just discovered Minneapolis' bastards of rock last year. It was such a eureka moment that he churned out a tribute song, "The Replacements." It's hardly the most enthralling track on Art Brut's lively and snarling third CD, "Art Brut vs. Satan," produced by Frank Black of Pixies fame. But the song speaks to the joy of rock fandom and the thrill of discovery with lyrics such as: "This time I really want to believe / Another record with my heart on the sleeve / I hope I've finally found a band / That's not gonna let me down."
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Talking by phone two weeks ago on a tour coming to the Triple Rock on Monday, Argos, 30, made it clear he enjoys talking about rock 'n' roll as much as he enjoys singing about it.
Q So how did you finally discover the Replacements?
A I'm embarrassed to admit I found them after I read a review on Pitchfork. There was a link there that took me to hear "Talent Show," and I thought, "This song is [expletive] amazing." I spent the rest of the night just Googling the Replacements. The next day, I went out and bought a couple of the albums. I would've bought them all then, but I'm not that rich. Every album is just fantastic. I think "Hootenanny" is my favorite.
Q I can guess the answer, but have you heard any reaction from anyone in the band?