Paul Westerberg and Capitol Records have called it quits after just one album. The break comes less than a year after the former Replacements frontman released the highly acclaimed, but commercially disappointing, Suicaine Gratification.

Despite reports that Capitol had released Westerberg, the break was a "mutual decision," according to a source in Westerberg's management. "Capitol was going in a different direction, and there were not a lot of hard feelings on either side," the source said.

Apparently part of Westerberg's discontent came with the departure of former-Capitol president Gary Gersh. Westerberg signed with the label five years ago with the hopes of a long-term relationship with Gersh. But the president left Capitol shortly after the musician's signing to form a management company.

There is no word yet from Westerberg's camp about his future plans.

ANDREW DANSBY
(March 17, 2000)