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Apr. 2, 2008: Hey, I like R.E.M. again!
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I got a chance to listen to R.E.M's new album "Accelerate," and it reminds me a lot of their earlier albums, like "Life's Rich Pageant" and "Document." And that makes me very happy.
There's a lot of positive buzz about this album, so I was really looking forward to it. I liked the first single, "Supernatural Superserious" a LOT, and I hoped the rest of the album wouldn't suck.
I wasn't disappointed. I've been a fan of REM since the mid-80's, when my brother John bought me a copy of "Life's Rich Pageant," when I had specifically requested "Rip Tide" by Robert Palmer. (I really loved that song "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On." ) From the first listen (okay, maybe the second), I loved it. And I was a fan right through albums like "Automatic For the People" and "Out of Time," but then they lost me for a decade or so.
This album is different. It rocks! When I started listening to REM, it was more of an atmospheric experience, because there was no way I had any idea what Michael Stipe was singing about. I could catch a line here or there like "drink your 151" or "run and turn into butter," but it was more the feel that I liked (even though I'm a big lyrics person).
Despite that, the first time I listened to this record, I followed along with the lyrics that were included in the CD package. And I think that only enhanced the experience. Here's what I learned--REM is ticked off, and they're kind of funny!
Song by Song Review:
Living Well is the Best Revenge: Jangly with a driving rhythm..a real heavy rock song. Shouting at President Bush. Best line: "I'm not one to sit and spin, don't turn your talking points on me."
Man Sized Wreath: another driving rock song. Best line: "Nature abhors a vacuum, what's between your ears?"
Supernatural Serious: I've loved this song since we started playing it. Best line: "your fantasies are dressed up in travesties." I think this song might be about teen angst, but I'm not sure.
Hollow Man: Might be my favorite song on the album. I was afraid they were all going to be heavier rock songs, but this breaks things up. Best line: "I took the prize last night for complicated mess." Is Michael Stipe apologizing for the lameness of REM in recent years?
Houston: REM is mad about Hurricane Katrina and the government's response. While a nice acoustic guitar plays, there's a heavier background sound, that reminds me of the wheels of government grinding to a halt. Best line "if the storm doesn't kill me the government will."
Accelerate: Another eerie song. Best line: "where is the cartoon escape hatch for me?"
Until the Day is Done: I like the acoustic spooky beginning of this Bush bashing song. Best line: "Forgive us your trespasses Father and sons."
Mr. Richards: Sounds like a 1960's psychedelic story song. Makes me wonder, who is this Mr. Richards? Is this line a clue? "Mr. Richards, your position is a passenger pigeon."
Sing for the Submarine: A dark, atmospheric song. No real standout Stipish lines here, but definitely not the Yellow Submarine..and I don't think our friends are all on board, or that many more of them live next door.
Horse To Water: More anger. Best line: "I'm a Bantamweight with a mouthful of feathers."
I'm Gonna DJ: A fun almost cheerleader chant. REM has a sense of humor! Best line: "Death is pretty final. I'm collecting vinyl."
I know I'm not going to be writing for Rolling Stone any time soon..but there's my review. Go buy the CD and let me know if you agree with me! |
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