Hack Stats
The Fly – 8
BBC Music – 8
The Guardian – 8
The Independent – 8
Independent On Sunday – 7
Music OMH – 7
The Hackskeptic – 7
Mojo – 6
Uncut – 6
Drowned In Sound – 6
The Telegraph – 6
Q Magazine – 4
Average 6.8/10
There has of course been undeniable peaks and troughs in R.E.M’s recent recordings, but the truth is that “Collapse Into Now” doesn’t show one ounce of the sonic malaise that hits most bands that have reached studio album number 15. Indeed, the powerful punch Mssrs. Stipe, Buck and Mills provided on 2008’s return to form on “Accelerate” is largely repeated. Drawing on 29 years of experience, there are elements from every facet of a sparkling career. Reconstructions of hard rockers that recall “Life’s Rich Pageant” on “Alligator_Autopilot_Aviator_Antimatter” and “All The Best”, whilst the jangle pop of “Mine Smell Like Honey” and “That Someone Is You” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on “Out Of Time”.
But it’s Stipe’s earnest balladry that shines strongest and “Everyday Is Yours To Win”, and “Walk It Back” are as inspired and compelling as anything from their glorious past. The rousing finale of “It Happened Today” swells to an affecting climax via some expert harmonies from Stipe, Mills and guest star Eddie Vedder. The post Katrina inspired message delivered on “Oh My Heart” takes advantage of complementary horn additions from New Orleans funksters Bonerama. Admittedly, there’s nothing greatly experimental here, but what distinguishes this from many recent R.E.M. outings is the refreshing attention to quality song writing, and for that reason the inevitable signature sound never reaches the diminishing returns of late.
One word of advice folks. This album sounds far greater without the handicap of some piss poor promotional videos the band have released to coincide with many of the songs, and hugely detract some of the best moments. Let the music paint the picture; not the visuals, and you will surely find a rich reward.
7/10
Track By Track Rating
1 Discoverer 7
2 All the Best 6
3 Uberlin 7
4 Oh My Heart 8
5 It Happened Today 8
6 Every Day Is Yours to Win 8
7 Mine Smell Like Honey 7
8 Walk It Back 8
9 Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter 7
10 That Someone Is You 7
11 Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando and I 6
12 Blue 6
nice photo, hair no evil, see no evil, beard no evil. seriously, REM have nothing to prove, they are Quo-esque in their REM-ness, but do write lovely songs, sing them in a sincere Bing Crosby, Perry Como filled American ‘its all going to be ok’ kind of way, and are growing old in a mature, no-risk fashion. it suits me, I am growing old, too, and in a world of beats-over-songs, samples over songs, and vote-based starmaking, I feel a sense of safety with a band that plays rock/pop just the way it oughta be. just great, perhaps my favourite REM LP ever. 85/100
Wow Kenny! Favourite R.E.M. album ever!! High praise indeed.
How does it compare to Whitesnake’s new one which you’ve been waxing lyrical about for some time now?
Hello Hackskeptic.
it is wrong to compare REM with Whitesnake, their musical templates are poles apart in every respect, but one can only admire their collective longevity. Whitesnake have released a remarkably energized LP, flooded with rifferama, cocksure bravado and gung-ho adventure, not unlike listening to the pub landlord, Al Murray. Coverdale even gives us some lush, yearning power ballads for the ladies. I love it, takes me back to my days working for Randy California; rock music is in good, solid hands 79/100