Don't Tell a Soul

Recording and release

Don't Tell a Soul marked the debut of Bob "Slim" Dunlap, who replaced founding guitarist Bob Stinson. The album was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Matt Wallace and the band. It was mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, who decided to give the record "a three-dimensional, radio-ready sound". However, singer and guitarist Paul Westerberg was not satisfied with the new direction, commenting: "I thought the little things I'd cut in my basement were closer to what I wanted."

Don't Tell a Soul was released on February 7, 1989 by Sire Records. The song "I'll Be You" was released as a single. In 2008, the album was remastered and reissued by Rhino Entertainment with 7 additional tracks.

Critical reception

Don't Tell a Soul received generally favorable reviews, with critics noting the music's more mature themes and increasing disillusionment, along with a more private outlook. Ira Robbins of Rolling Stone praised Westerberg's writing, stating that Don't Tell a Soul "is full of his sharp-tongued wordplay and idiosyncratic musical structures." In February 1990, the album was ranked at number 16 in The Village Voice's 1989 Pazz & Jop critics' poll.

Track listing

All tracks written by Paul Westerberg, except where noted.

Personnel