Back in 1992, REM was often cited towards the top of Favourite Artist lists, and everyone and their gran had a copy of Automatic for the People.
And then they went and followed it up with Monster. A brave decision, and one that, at the time, was branded as totally stupid.
But have you listened to this album lately? Presuming of course that you're not one of the thousands of people that took it back to the store in disgust for a refund... You've not listened to it? Well, get it out! Give it a spin!
What's the Frequency Kenneth sets the tone of the album - bouncy, rocky, energetic... and it made Dan Rather into a subject of many REM discussion boards. Crush with Eyeliner swaggers and shimmies along... King of Comedy... ahh.. remember when Michael sang "I'm straight, I'm queer, I'm bi"? Listeners were divided into the two factions of "I KNEW IT" and the disillusioned heartbroken teenagers, who honestly believed that Stipe was not only straight but going to fall in love with them.
A friend of mine is still in denial about his sexuality, by the way.
And whatever happened to Sally Dworski?
I don't sleep, I dream... it's at this point in the album that the dark rumblings begin... there's an undercurrent to the song, almost like a building storm.
Star 69 has always been my favourite track of Monster - it follows the style of What's the Frequency - another high energy track, that contains the word "squirrelies".
Strange Currencies is the track I always skip. Yes, the lyrics are sinister, but it's the saccharine melody of the track that I despise.
Tongue - the song that nearly killed Bill Berry.... Bang and blame... it's still a great song!
And then the album takes a darker turn. The undercurrent that first started in I don't sleep.. seems to erupt into some really dirty noisy rock. I took your name sends vibrations through my chest, and reminds me of some great REM show openings when they exploded onto the stage to that track.
Let me in with it's swirling synths bizarrely unleashed some deep hidden emotion in me this morning. Granted, it was 4 a.m and I was stuck in an airport, and no one was around to see me just have to sit down and take a moment....
Circus Envy sounds aggressive, but theres a hidden joy in that track. And You has to be one of the sexiest songs I've heard...
Strange. I can't listen to Out of Time anymore - I have synatheasia, and I never feel tempted to dig out Automatic, but Monster has become one of my favourite REM albums. Ever.
Best track: Crush with Eyeliner
Worst track: Strange Currencies
Things to do while listening to this album: Shimmy, dammit!
Review written at stupid o'clock in the morning for Taxi!
My Trusted MOGs
I still have this CD, one of the few pieces of commercial physical media I own. Oh, what the heck? I'll pop it in.
My Trusted MOGs
This cd is REM pop at its best! I remeber this cd played on heavy rotation on all radio stations. I even new the words to What's the Frequency Kenneth. Too bad I never bought the cd. I would pop it in and give it another listen now that it has been so long.
My Trusted MOGs
REM always left me cold, but when Frequency and Crush were on the radio I was mightily seduced. Monster is my one REM cd and those two songs remain fabulous. I love the guitar sound.
My Trusted MOGs
it's good to see someone else recognises this album for what it is. i think it's awesome, me and an old friend used to have in-depth conversations in support of its merits.