I sincerely wanted Paul Westerberg to find success with his digital albums, but he really made it tough on those who wanted to purchase them. In 2008, he released the 49:00 on Amazon and TuneCore, but it was quickly removed, supposedly because of the cover medley. A new song, “5:05,” was put up in its place. Three songs followed — also in mp3 format — to little or no fanfare.

Nearly a year later, “PW & The Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys” emerged, available exclusively on Amazon. Rather than work with labels, Westerberg was becoming a bit too comfortable releasing music on his own. It’s all well and good to have the rights to your songs, but this guy deserves some decent promotion and representation.

Now he does. Westerberg has joined forces with publishing powerhouse Bug Music.

Per American Songwriter:

Under the terms of the deal, Bug Music and Westerberg have entered into a publishing agreement encompassing Westerberg’s recordings with The Replacements, solo works and future recordings.

“We look forward to working with Paul’s Replacements and solo catalogs,” said Eddie Gomez, Sr. VP of Creative Services, Bug Music. “Paul is a major link in a respected chain of modern songwriters and his songwriting continues to resonate and influence a whole new generation of listeners.”

To be a musician, performer, and songwriter is a juggling act,” said Westerberg. “Throw in the bowling ball of publisher and it becomes downright work. The good people at Bug Music – I hear only of their imagination and proficiency – have stepped in to facilitate with Dry Wood, Elegant Mule, and Nah Music, leaving me free to augment my juggling feat with the flaming chain saw of snooker.”

Is a proper full-length on the way?