It’s been too long.
Four years after the release of Around the Sun (a slow paced record the band almost disowns) the trio from Athens have put out a record not of this time. Fans and critics alike had been wondering if REM had a best before date that expired at the end of the century; but I am here to tell you that this is their most important offering since 1996’s New Adventures in Hi-Fi. That disc had its share of rockers, but it was their previous disc, 1994’s Monster that is their definitive and classic sounding rock record.
Following a possible cue from their friends in Pearl Jam, the band have delivered a fast-paced, over too soon type of album which opens with three equally quick and catchy rockers. “Living Well is the Best Revenge” sounds like “Radio Free Europe” but older, wiser and pissed at the world (for different reasons). “Man-Sized Wreath” flows perfectly into the first single, the infectious “Supernatural Superserious”. Taking a breath we land on “Hollow Man” which is a piano rocker that showcases Michael Stipes’ better-with-age vocals.
“Mr. Richards” is a wonderfully playful rhyming tune, brought in to break up the rocking pace (not unlike the equally nursery rhyming “Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight” on Automatic for the People, brought in to cheer that disc up). “Houston” sounds like everything that was great about them in the mid-90s, while “Horse to Water” could have found a home in their 1980s catalogue.
It’s the closer, the live favorite “I’m Gonna DJ” that rocks the hardest; a love letter to friends who have passed by the wayside (dropping a line about Seattle that begs the question …). It also acts as an announcement that REM are still here, and happy for it.
Producer Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol) was brought in to share duties with the band, taking a break from Patrick McCarthy (who worked on the last three discs). Though what he brings to the table I’m not sure, as the band started working on their rock tunes long before he came into the picture. Perhaps it was the prodding of U2’s guitar slinger to use him. Perhaps it was time for a change. Either way, what they have is a tight rock album that flows perfectly from start to finish.
A definitive REM album. Wonder if Dan Rather has heard it yet?
