Something Appropriate

R.E.M.'s Best Work, Part 2

You asked for it (actually you didn't, and chances are you doesn't actually exist anyway) so here you go. The conclusion of my favorite R.E.M. albums.

7. Reckoning (notables - So. Central Rain, (Don't Go Back to) Rockville), Time After Time) This is tied with "The Bends" for the best second album of all time in my book. It sounds a bit dated sometimes, but some of the tunes are haunting enough to be remembered for years to come. Hidden Gem - "Pretty Persuasion" duelling vocals are great. Minor turn in chorus melody is very memorable

6. Fables of the Reconstruction (notables - Driver 8, Can't get there from Here) Most people will say this is way to high for this one, but as a fan of R.E.M.'s experimentation, i think its a solid foundation they built off of for years to come. Their oddest sounding album, but a few tracks are their most memorable from their early years. Hidden Gem - "Wendel Gee" One of R.E.M.'s most ethereal ballads. Simple, striking and poignant. "Feeling Gravities Pull" was also completely overlooked though it's original construction still stands up.

5. Out of Time (notables - Losing My Religion (heard of it?), Shiny Happy People, Country Feedback) They hit paydirt with this album, but it was more than just a single. "Half a World Away" and "Country Feedback" perfectly blend past and present and even the song with KRS-One is fun. Hidden Gem - "Low" smooth and powerful.

4. Monster (notables - What's the Frequency Kenneth, Crush With Eyeliner, Strange Currencies, Tongue, Bang and Blame) Now we're to the albums that are simply unforgettable. Solid from beginning to end, "Monster" was groundbreaking, strong and the measuring stick so many other albums are measured by. One of the best examples of any band changing their sound significantly and doing so well with it. Hidden Gem - "Let Me In" A song about Kurt Cobain is awash with distortion and feedback but has such a compelling melody it is impossible to ignore.

3. Document (notables - The One I Love, Its the End of the World (And I Feel Fine), Finest Worksong) The album that really introduced the world to R.E.M., producing two of their most famous songs. Despite it’s dark tone, it was still bold and lively.. Way ahead of its time and still a heavily respected album. Hidden Gem - “King of Birds” A simple, marching drum beat and a light acoustic guitar somehow are transformed into a majestic song about who-knows-what.

2. New Adventures in Hi-Fi (E-Bow the Letter, Bittersweet Me, How the West Was Won (And Where it Got Us), Leave) I guess this is the only thing close to a surprise. It wasn’t as popular as the albums that preceeded it, but it was just as good. Just calmer, more collected and completely innovative. It was the appropriate answer to “Monster” and stands out as one of three albums I’ve ever been totally pumped for it to come out and exceeded my impossibly high expectations. U2’s “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” and Kanye West’s “Late Registration” are the other two. Hidden Gem - “Be Mine” Builds terrifically. One of R.E.M.’s most romantic songs. Yes, it is based on those candy hearts with sayings written on them.

1. Automatic for the People (notables - Drive, Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon, Nightswimming, Find the River, everything else.) Sorry, no surprise here. I have to give it credit for being the album I’ve most-likely listened to most in my life. Its terrific from beginning to end, full of beauty and wonder. No wonder many people put it among the best albums of the decade, if not all time. Hidden Gem - “Star Me Kitten” It’s just fun and original. Besides its not like any songs on this album are exactly hidden.