Choking on the bones you toss to them.
Well I'm not one to sit and spin,
'Cause living well's the best revenge!”
(From "Living Well’s The Best Revenge")
Indeed, R.E.M. is out to prove to us all that they are living well in 2008. After suffering years of tough reviews from critics who longed for the days when the band still featured all four original members (Drummer Bill Berry left in 1997 citing exhaustion after years of touring and a very serious brain aneurysm that nearly killed him), the band was determined to “rock” once again as a four piece. They officially hired Bill Rieflin, who comes from industrial mainstay Ministry, to be their session drummer, and they chipped away at the notion that they’re too old to make a real R.E.M. record. The result is one of the most exciting recordings of the band’s career, and one that will certainly introduce them to an entirely new generation of listeners.
Stipe wrote a strong slate of songs here about love, revenge, and the weight of the modern world. He’s clearly not afraid to embrace the jangle-pop sound that made R.E.M. such a hit with the college crowd throughout the Reagan Administration. However, the band finally sounds full and complete for the first time since New Adventures In Hi-Fi back in 1996. They’ve got the guitars cranked, and the mix definitely creates a full stereo sound for the listener. The great news, though, is that the melodies are not washed away in the wall of sound, as Mike Mills’ background vocals are still allowed their time to shine. This is crucial, because timeless melodies and vocal harmonies are such a cornerstone in the band’s Hall-Of-Fame career. Tracks like “Mr. Richard” absolutely challenge the listener, defying them not to nod their head in approval.
Who knows how much longer we’ll have these guys around? They even seem to admit that inherently with the title of the album, “Accelerate”. Things are moving so fast anymore- sometimes people don’t even have the time to sit and enjoy a full length album like they used to. But I can assure you that listeners who do just that with this particular release will be richly rewarded. The songs are strong, the band sounds great, the lyrics have plenty of depth and meaning (well, except for “I’m Gonna DJ”, though that song is intended to just be a high-energy-release-at-the-end-of-the-album type track)….and that’s why I recommend this release to anyone who has a respect for rock music.
“The vista I see now is changing
Uncertainty is suffocating
Our hope has never felt so great”
(From “Accelerate”)
Rating:
5.5 out of 6 Jack Black Heads
(Chris J.)
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