There's been a lot of hype and publicity because, yes, REM have released a new album. It's their best ever.
Or, that's what I am led to believe by everything I read.
It's loud! It's rocky! It's better than Around the Sun!
And yet.... last time they came out with something loud and rocky, following on from two more melodious albums, REM were slaughtered in the press; hung out to dry; Does anyone remember Monster and the reviews from back then? I liked Monster. I'm still bitter that few others felt the same.
Oh, why can't they record Automatic For The People # 2, they all cried.
It's a long time ago though. The overall feeling from the rapturous press seems to be "Thank God they didn't record Around The Sun #2".
Following on from that album, one gets the feeling that even an album of 40 minutes of Michael Stipe belching would have received equally enthusiastic media coverage.
But on to Accelerate... I'm unsure what to make of it. I'm calling Emperors New Clothes on this one, I'm afraid. It does not help that their first single from it, Supernatural Superserious, is an imitation of Imitation of Life.
Where does it fit in with all their older stuff? It sounds like what happens when you put it all in the blender, hit the button and serve. I can't help but listen to it and recognise bits of older songs, with a smidgen of Orson. Yes. Orson.
The album is good. Not dire. Not great. Not one that sticks in my head. I've listened to it repeatedly, and yet I couldn't even give you track names, let alone hum any of it back to you. It all passes by in a blur, until Mr Richards starts to play, and I realised I was singing the words to Reveal's Chorus and the Ring...
"It's the poison that in measures brings illuminating visions..."
...and then I remember that I'm not actually listening to Reveal, and that this is actually a new song....
I was an REM fan for the longest time, and would hear no wrong about them. I always buy their albums, more out of loyalty, having given up hope.
Reckoning will always be my favourite REM album, followed by New Adventures in Hifi, and Monster.
And so for now, Accelerate is back on the shelf. Maybe I'll dig it out in a year or so, maybe I'll forget I have bought it. And that's something I never thought I'd write.
My Trusted MOGs
Can I just point out here, that I wanted to love this album :( Maybe I will in time.... And I'm not just being mean about it because everyone else likes it.
My Trusted MOGs
I too am a long time fan. I have never cared a rat's asset portfolio what "the reviewers" say, though I enjoy reading reviews on works I'm already familiar with. REM have always defiantly followed their muse where ever she goes. Not everything has been a "resounding success", but each step in their career is organically connected to what came before. Monster was genius, as a work of homage/satire it remains a stunning work of raw graceful power. A salute and middle finger raised in droll humor at the whole gen-x thing, both the players and the commentators. I thought that New Adventures In Hi-Fi was unfairly overlooked, but that as fans (and non-fans) go back and listen, it's stature will surely grow. Its a cocky, experimental delight that rocks like hell and rolls like a good burp. I haven't had time to assess the new one yet, if its a good REM cd it's delights will reveal themselves slowly but emphatically.
My Trusted MOGs
I think most of REMs recent albums have been growers... They don't hit you when you first hear them, but they age well. Even Around the Sun has tracks that I would listen to...
As I say, I will give this time before delving back in. It may catch me later :)
It's hard when bands have to choose between immediacy or depth. If they can do both, then perfect, but if they can't....
The last three tracks of Monster still give me the chills.... It always feels like there's something lurking in the darkness....
My Trusted MOGs
The last three tracks of Monster still give me the chills.... It always feels like there's something lurking in the darkness.... >>>>Well said and right on T
My Trusted MOGs
I've said it before and I'll say it again...they need to strip down their sound...they need to hire Don Dixon and Mitch Easter...they need to stop trying so hard and let it flow.