Comments on: R.E.M. :: Wrangling In The Monster http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/ Los Angeles based mp3 & music blog Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:29:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.6 by: Oweihops http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-110528 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:13:45 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-110528 Seriously, AD-- do NOT check out "Reveal" or "Around the Sun". R.E.M. was one of my very very passionately favorite bands for a long time, and ATS especially almost singlehandedly destroyed the bond I had with their music. What I've heard of Accelerate has me excited though. But yeesh, stay away from Reveal and Around the Sun, for the love of all that's holy. Seriously, AD– do NOT check out “Reveal” or “Around the Sun”. R.E.M. was one of my very very passionately favorite bands for a long time, and ATS especially almost singlehandedly destroyed the bond I had with their music. What I’ve heard of Accelerate has me excited though. But yeesh, stay away from Reveal and Around the Sun, for the love of all that’s holy.

]]> by: Jon D http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-67617 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:03:36 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-67617 I gave up on R.E.M. after Document. After that album, everything was composed in reaction to the press they were getting. Buck hated the "jangle" moniker, so he went power chord. Stipe hated the "cryptic lyric" label and his narratives straightened out. Apart from "Nightswimming" and "Country Feedback", I can't think of a recent R.E.M. song that even comes close to rivaling "Sitting Still", "Shaken Through" or "Harborcoat" for sheer bliss. I gave up on R.E.M. after Document. After that album, everything was composed in reaction to the press they were getting. Buck hated the “jangle” moniker, so he went power chord. Stipe hated the “cryptic lyric” label and his narratives straightened out. Apart from “Nightswimming” and “Country Feedback”, I can’t think of a recent R.E.M. song that even comes close to rivaling “Sitting Still”, “Shaken Through” or “Harborcoat” for sheer bliss.

]]> by: Rog H http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58552 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:28:26 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58552 'New Adventures..' is the last great album they made, but 'Up' has to rank as one of their most interesting It's a bit disjointed, but I end up coming back to it every year or so (can't believe it's nearly 10 years since it came out) and still sounds pretty fresh. I couldn't get into Reveal, but it's got some nice moments. Several of the songs are improved on R.E.M.I.X - the Reveal remix album they offered for free on the official website. You can still get it here: http://www.remhq.com/extras/remix/remix.html ("I'll Take The Rain" remixed by Jamie Candiloro is a highlight.) 'Around The Sun' I felt improved matters, although it's still not entirely consistent. I really like "I Wanted To Be Wrong" and "The Ascent Of Man". The new stuff has potential, you can get a rough recording of one of the recent "Working Rehearsal" gigs here: http://mp3.rem.sk/ ‘New Adventures..’ is the last great album they made, but ‘Up’ has to rank as one of their most interesting It’s a bit disjointed, but I end up coming back to it every year or so (can’t believe it’s nearly 10 years since it came out) and still sounds pretty fresh.

I couldn’t get into Reveal, but it’s got some nice moments. Several of the songs are improved on R.E.M.I.X - the Reveal remix album they offered for free on the official website. You can still get it here: http://www.remhq.com/extras/remix/remix.html
(”I’ll Take The Rain” remixed by Jamie Candiloro is a highlight.)

‘Around The Sun’ I felt improved matters, although it’s still not entirely consistent. I really like “I Wanted To Be Wrong” and “The Ascent Of Man”.

The new stuff has potential, you can get a rough recording of one of the recent “Working Rehearsal” gigs here: http://mp3.rem.sk/

]]> by: Hugo http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58443 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:05:43 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58443 I was just hitting middle school and the age where music begins to take over your life when I heard Monster. I remember requesting it on the local rock station in L.A and calling them back to ask them what was taking them so long. This album is still so relevant today. And the cd art on it is like something I'd see from Sonic Youth. I was listening to this not two weeks ago, thinking what a shame that people have completely forgotten about this album. I'm glad somebody else feels the same way. I wish R.E.M would return to something like this. Reveal was pretty bad, except for one or two songs. I was just hitting middle school and the age where music begins to take over your life when I heard Monster. I remember requesting it on the local rock station in L.A and calling them back to ask them what was taking them so long. This album is still so relevant today. And the cd art on it is like something I’d see from Sonic Youth. I was listening to this not two weeks ago, thinking what a shame that people have completely forgotten about this album. I’m glad somebody else feels the same way. I wish R.E.M would return to something like this. Reveal was pretty bad, except for one or two songs.

]]> by: Paul http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58422 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 05:49:11 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58422 First REM purchase was Reckoning. So that's my favorite. Funny how that works. First saw the band live on the Fables tour (with the Replacements and the Three O'Clock), so that one is kind of special too. I remember playing Driver 8 over and over again on guitar in the dorm at college. I'm old. The vast majority of my peers came aboard around the Life's Rich Pageant time. Loved that one at the time, but now I think it's kind of weak (musically) after re-listening the other day--but it still takes me back. For me the best of REM is Reckoning, Murmur, and Automatic For the People. I hated Monster when it came out and never really gave it a chance. I'll try again now, but don't have high expectations. The only thing I like after AFTP is New Adventures, which is a really good album, imo. After that, flatline. First REM purchase was Reckoning. So that’s my favorite. Funny how that works. First saw the band live on the Fables tour (with the Replacements and the Three O’Clock), so that one is kind of special too. I remember playing Driver 8 over and over again on guitar in the dorm at college. I’m old. The vast majority of my peers came aboard around the Life’s Rich Pageant time. Loved that one at the time, but now I think it’s kind of weak (musically) after re-listening the other day–but it still takes me back. For me the best of REM is Reckoning, Murmur, and Automatic For the People. I hated Monster when it came out and never really gave it a chance. I’ll try again now, but don’t have high expectations. The only thing I like after AFTP is New Adventures, which is a really good album, imo. After that, flatline.

]]> by: Alicia http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58383 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:55:46 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58383 I loved Monster in the '90s, but lately I don't care for it, save for a few songs. ("I Took Your Name" and "Let Me In" are still really great in my book.) While it's a solid record, and the tour was great, it sounds dated to me. "Up" is much better than some people would have you believe. "Around the Sun" is somewhat better than a lot of people would have you believe. There's nothing that really stands out to me, and I liked the songs better after hearing them live, but it's just a so-so record. A decent album, but not by REM's standards. "Reveal" ... well, I know it has its defenders, but it just does nothing for me. Other than two songs I really, really love ("The Lifting" and "Imitation of Life"), I find it exceedingly bland. I wish more non-diehard REM fans knew what a fantastic album "New Adventures In Hi-Fi" is, though. It's one of my favorites. I remain hopeful for a GOOD REM album. Like, really good. Not just good by REM standards. I loved Monster in the ’90s, but lately I don’t care for it, save for a few songs. (”I Took Your Name” and “Let Me In” are still really great in my book.) While it’s a solid record, and the tour was great, it sounds dated to me.

“Up” is much better than some people would have you believe. “Around the Sun” is somewhat better than a lot of people would have you believe. There’s nothing that really stands out to me, and I liked the songs better after hearing them live, but it’s just a so-so record. A decent album, but not by REM’s standards.

“Reveal” … well, I know it has its defenders, but it just does nothing for me. Other than two songs I really, really love (”The Lifting” and “Imitation of Life”), I find it exceedingly bland.

I wish more non-diehard REM fans knew what a fantastic album “New Adventures In Hi-Fi” is, though. It’s one of my favorites. I remain hopeful for a GOOD REM album. Like, really good. Not just good by REM standards.

]]> by: skiff http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58361 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:58:23 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58361 Interestingly enough, I was flipping through the Q Magazine songwriters edition at the bookstore and the Peter Buck interview is revealing. He expresses disappointment at most of the post-Berry albums, and says most of the best and most experimental songs were left on the floor. He felt they should have pushed it further. He even says hat their last tour was quite good, but felt bad that they didn't have any goods songs to tour with (a back hand at "Around The Sun". Seems like Buck feels the same was as a lot of REM fans. I don't mind the new stuff, but I don't go out of my way for them either. Good, not great. I still have hope though, and there is no diminishing their stellar work from '82 - '95. Will always be amongst my favorite bands, and I'm thankful their influence has led to so many other great bands. All hail REM Interestingly enough, I was flipping through the Q Magazine songwriters edition at the bookstore and the Peter Buck interview is revealing. He expresses disappointment at most of the post-Berry albums, and says most of the best and most experimental songs were left on the floor. He felt they should have pushed it further. He even says hat their last tour was quite good, but felt bad that they didn’t have any goods songs to tour with (a back hand at “Around The Sun”.

Seems like Buck feels the same was as a lot of REM fans. I don’t mind the new stuff, but I don’t go out of my way for them either. Good, not great. I still have hope though, and there is no diminishing their stellar work from ‘82 - ‘95. Will always be amongst my favorite bands, and I’m thankful their influence has led to so many other great bands. All hail REM

]]> by: Philco Brothers http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58348 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:55:52 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58348 I think Reveal is one of REM's better albums. I keep going back to it thinking it couldn't be that good but it always is. Up I traded in but I'd like to hear it again. maybe. Around The Sun is the only REM album I didn't buy and have never heard Monster could use a remix. New Adventures is overrated but I like the last song. Did I mention Reveal is a great album. Not Automatic great. Just regular great. . I think Reveal is one of REM’s better albums.
I keep going back to it thinking it couldn’t be that good but it always is.
Up I traded in but I’d like to hear it again. maybe.
Around The Sun is the only REM album I didn’t buy and have never heard
Monster could use a remix.
New Adventures is overrated but I like the last song.
Did I mention Reveal is a great album.
Not Automatic great. Just regular great.
.

]]> by: Steva http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58346 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:45:52 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58346 I have been a R.E.M. fan for twenty years. They were the first band that I truly loved and wanted to consume absolutely everything that they put out. Over the years, my love has not waned, but evolved with them. I have the "favorite album" discussion with some other R.E.M. fans and mine will always be "Life's Rich Pageant", but partly because it was the first one I ever bought. I really liked "Reveal" especially the song "She Justs Wants to Be". "Around The Sun" left me confused and disappointed. "Up" shows their pain of losing Bill and going on, while finding themselves on new uncharted ground and learning to be a band again. I have been a R.E.M. fan for twenty years. They were the first band that I truly loved and wanted to consume absolutely everything that they put out. Over the years, my love has not waned, but evolved with them. I have the “favorite album” discussion with some other R.E.M. fans and mine will always be “Life’s Rich Pageant”, but partly because it was the first one I ever bought. I really liked “Reveal” especially the song “She Justs Wants to Be”. “Around The Sun” left me confused and disappointed. “Up” shows their pain of losing Bill and going on, while finding themselves on new uncharted ground and learning to be a band again.

]]> by: brian http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58341 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:53:23 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58341 REM was a four piece. The unique quality of their music relied heavily on the contributions of all four members. The fact that New Adventures is such a strong record is the last remaining testament to how special that four-person dynamic was. I quiver to think what Berry, Buck, Mills, and Stipe could have collectively produced in the past 10 year period. We get a very tiny glimpse into that world with Up, since Berry was involved in early demo sessions for some of the tunes. And Up survives as perhaps the best post-Berry album for that very reason. I believe the group even stated around that time that, before Bill left, they saw themselves headed into a direction as a four-piece where the background textures started to come to the fore a bit more, and their experimental sonics became a main focus, as opposed to being buried in the mix as in previous records. Berry's departure sped that process up drastically. But in doing so, Reveal lowered the bar quite low, and Around The Sun knocked it flat to the ground. Berry's absence is felt throughout every aspect of those latter two albums especially. The arrangements are rather uncharacteristically bloated at times, and some of the structures are unwieldy at best. Berry had a knack for finding the pop heartbeat in the band's songs and was crucial in shaping them not only structurally but also melodically and rhythmically. His contribution can not be overstated. At the Rock Hall performance, I got chills when they reunited for 'Gardening At Night'. Finally, the magic was back. There was a spirit to that performance in particular that crystallizes exactly what REM was all about. Find it on Youtube and surely you will see and hear the difference for yourself. The band is a completely different entity without him, for better or worse. Sure, the new album might be more up-tempo, and might claim to have all the other familiar classic REM elements like Buck's Rickenbaker arpeggios, Mills melodic bass and harmonies, and Stipe's lyrical poise and intellect. But it will never ever really sound like REM unless all four original members happen to be making the music. REM was a four piece. The unique quality of their music relied heavily on the contributions of all four members. The fact that New Adventures is such a strong record is the last remaining testament to how special that four-person dynamic was. I quiver to think what Berry, Buck, Mills, and Stipe could have collectively produced in the past 10 year period.

We get a very tiny glimpse into that world with Up, since Berry was involved in early demo sessions for some of the tunes. And Up survives as perhaps the best post-Berry album for that very reason. I believe the group even stated around that time that, before Bill left, they saw themselves headed into a direction as a four-piece where the background textures started to come to the fore a bit more, and their experimental sonics became a main focus, as opposed to being buried in the mix as in previous records.

Berry’s departure sped that process up drastically. But in doing so, Reveal lowered the bar quite low, and Around The Sun knocked it flat to the ground. Berry’s absence is felt throughout every aspect of those latter two albums especially. The arrangements are rather uncharacteristically bloated at times, and some of the structures are unwieldy at best. Berry had a knack for finding the pop heartbeat in the band’s songs and was crucial in shaping them not only structurally but also melodically and rhythmically. His contribution can not be overstated. At the Rock Hall performance, I got chills when they reunited for ‘Gardening At Night’. Finally, the magic was back. There was a spirit to that performance in particular that crystallizes exactly what REM was all about. Find it on Youtube and surely you will see and hear the difference for yourself.

The band is a completely different entity without him, for better or worse. Sure, the new album might be more up-tempo, and might claim to have all the other familiar classic REM elements like Buck’s Rickenbaker arpeggios, Mills melodic bass and harmonies, and Stipe’s lyrical poise and intellect. But it will never ever really sound like REM unless all four original members happen to be making the music.

]]> by: Fitz http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58330 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:20:45 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58330 I am still partial to the REM era when you could not understand what Michael Stipe was saying. Where you could catch the first few words of a line and then he would trail off into the unintelligible. I have fond memories of seeing them at the Fox Theatre on their first three tours, before Mr. Stipe stepped up on the soapbox. I became less interested as his message got clearer. I am still partial to the REM era when you could not understand what Michael Stipe was saying. Where you could catch the first few words of a line and then he would trail off into the unintelligible. I have fond memories of seeing them at the Fox Theatre on their first three tours, before Mr. Stipe stepped up on the soapbox. I became less interested as his message got clearer.

]]> by: Swaukee http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58327 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:53:46 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58327 UP is GREAT! very underrated. UP is GREAT! very underrated.

]]> by: Ryan M http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58319 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:59:14 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58319 I was late getting on to the REM bandwagon in the first place, so when Monster came out, I wasn't so horrified at it as a lot of other people were. I loved it. I go along with the crowd here saying that Hi-Fi is one of their best Cd's, and I saw an interview once where the band members themselves feel the same way about that album. It took a little while, but I regard "Up" as a pretty darn good contemporary REM CD. But that's where I jumped off the bandwagon. I really wanted to like Reveal. I really wanted to like Around The Sun. But I couldn't get behind them. The only redeeming value of Reveal is that they toured behind it. I was late getting on to the REM bandwagon in the first place, so when Monster came out, I wasn’t so horrified at it as a lot of other people were. I loved it. I go along with the crowd here saying that Hi-Fi is one of their best Cd’s, and I saw an interview once where the band members themselves feel the same way about that album. It took a little while, but I regard “Up” as a pretty darn good contemporary REM CD. But that’s where I jumped off the bandwagon. I really wanted to like Reveal. I really wanted to like Around The Sun. But I couldn’t get behind them. The only redeeming value of Reveal is that they toured behind it.

]]> by: A. Scott http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58318 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:58:19 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58318 I bought and sold this album on 3 seperate occasions in the 90's... maybe I'll have to buy it again. I bought and sold this album on 3 seperate occasions in the 90’s… maybe I’ll have to buy it again.

]]> by: Satisfied '75 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58288 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 06:47:24 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58288 Ok, after reading these, I am going to buy "Up" this week and give it a good few spins. Ok, after reading these, I am going to buy “Up” this week and give it a good few spins.

]]> by: mcgregor http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58286 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 06:22:50 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58286 up is a great record for sure. ive always enjoyed the mildly electronic vibe incorporated in berrys absence. songs like 'daysleeper' are classic, as is 'lotus' which is stipe rocking, 'sad professor' has always seemed like a poetic darling and 'at my most beautiful' is a total mixtape confessional. gotta love nigel goodrich's production up is a great record for sure. ive always enjoyed the mildly electronic vibe incorporated in berrys absence. songs like ‘daysleeper’ are classic, as is ‘lotus’ which is stipe rocking, ’sad professor’ has always seemed like a poetic darling and ‘at my most beautiful’ is a total mixtape confessional. gotta love nigel goodrich’s production

]]> by: TheFourthBardo http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58239 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:16:42 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58239 Firstly,I'm a long-standing fan of REM,first saw them live in 1984, & thought everything they did in the '80's was groundbreaking. Green,Out Of Time,& Automatic saw them get the praise & attention everyone who had followed them knew they deserved.Monster was the first album that was'nt consistently briliant all the way through,it just sort of tailed off... . New Adventures & Up saw a band willing to experiment, Up in particular is a work of beautifully skewed genius. Kudos to them so far for not getting into a well-worn formula,& being keen to forge ahead with new sounds. But then came Reveal & Around The Sun,which have been an exercise in diminishing returns,Around The Sun,in particular sounding bland & jaded,with only 'Leaving New York' coming out with any credit. Interestingly,as a previous poster has pointed out, the Around The Sun tracks sound much better live,so maybe it was the production which is to blame. I do however have a good vibe about the new one,which judging by the live new stuff on You Tube,sounds a lot like a return to the Document era quality. Firstly,I’m a long-standing fan of REM,first saw them live in 1984, & thought everything they did in the ’80’s was groundbreaking. Green,Out Of Time,& Automatic saw them get the praise & attention everyone who had followed them knew they deserved.Monster was the first album that was’nt consistently briliant all the way through,it just sort of tailed off… .
New Adventures & Up saw a band willing to experiment, Up in particular is a work of beautifully skewed genius. Kudos to them so far for not getting into a well-worn formula,& being keen to forge ahead with new sounds.
But then came Reveal & Around The Sun,which have been an exercise in diminishing returns,Around The Sun,in particular sounding bland & jaded,with only ‘Leaving New York’ coming out with any credit.
Interestingly,as a previous poster has pointed out, the Around The Sun tracks sound much better live,so maybe it was the production which is to blame. I do however have a good vibe about the new one,which judging by the live new stuff on You Tube,sounds a lot like a return to the Document era quality.

]]> by: jw http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58238 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:49:34 +0000 http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2007/11/05/rem-wrangling-in-the-monster/#comment-58238 Around the Sun gets a lot of criticism even though its much better than Reveal, which is their weakes album in my opinion. I had Monster on scratched up vinyl and it sounded real good in that format. The Monster tour was really great. Around the Sun gets a lot of criticism even though its much better than Reveal, which is their weakes album in my opinion.
I had Monster on scratched up vinyl and it sounded real good in that format. The Monster tour was really great.

]]>