Minnesota music fans were beside themselves over last year's reunion of the Replacements. But they sounded professional, nothing like their belovedly bratty selves. No such maturity worries for the equally influential but more low-profile Babes in Toyland, the Minneapolis post-punk trio back together for the first time in 18 years. Blood-curdling screamer Kat Bjelland, the guitarist/singer, sounds as dangerous and scary as ever. And that's a good thing — even though she's over 50. Lori Barbero's drums and Maureen Herman's bass give the sound a primal drive. Babes in Toyland, who play Rock the Garden June 21, might be better the second time around.
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It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
