STIPE

Ah, so CCR and the Eagles aren't country, that's the bullshit of the century...

country? what are you talking about Mike76, have you smoked something? there’s nothing country in this album, if you want some country albums, check out Creedence Clearwater Revival or the Eagles... but not R.E.M., my dear...

I challenge those who say that it’s all too sappy and sentimental to listen to those tracks mentioned by ashluke. Allow me to add a few more: Texarkana, Leave, New Test Leper, Accelerate, The Lifting, Bad Day, Animal... pure rock and not useless melodies.

I agree with ashluke and katharsys... nowadays unfortunately international music offers what's in fashion: NOTHING. Therefore, bands that still make rock in this immense wasteland must be rightfully considered. R.E.M. are one of those, along with other bands that still today (and we hope for as long as possible) play high-quality rock.

in conclusion, overrated my ass...

But talking about underrated, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside legends like Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen... monotone is something anyone can say because tastes differ, but what must be said is a must!!

I think one thing: listening to a U2 album gives you the feeling that the sound is always the same, strumming of The Edge's guitar and Bono (great voice, of course), but there are no innovations; we are stuck in that typical sound, which is theirs, we agree, but come on, change it a bit. Listening to an Oasis album (a great band in my opinion), the feeling is similar, pop songs but nothing more... Listening to Dream Theater, among my favorite bands I must say, but it’s the same thing, prog-metal we’ve already heard in other albums. Let's take R.E.M. objectively: years of IRS indie-rock, then the pop with Out of Time, the hard rock of Monster and New Adventures, the delicacy and melody of Up, the brightness of Reveal, the return to rock of Accelerate. If there’s a band that has never stuck to the same genre, it’s them, R.E.M. Listen closely to their albums, believe me, instead of listening to those who don’t know them, but especially those who don’t appreciate them... I met them in Verona, took pictures with them in front of the Hotel Due Torri where they were staying, I saw them at the Arena, at the Neapolis Festival in 2003... in my opinion, they changed the history of rock. Oh, one last thing, Murmur, their first album if we don’t consider Chronic Town, was voted album of the year instead of that crap called Thriller... and Thriller, according to many (not me), is a masterpiece.

Well, starblazer, your review is embarrassing and subpar, if not downright pathetic. There are several reasons to consider the album a masterpiece: it’s the album of consecration, it includes "losing my religion," one of the most beautiful songs ever, every track could be a hit, it features "country feedback," and live it’s stunning (but only a true fan would notice this). And I’m really sorry, starblazer, but you’re not a real REM fan... otherwise, you wouldn’t give this album a 3!!!

let me say something trivial: Manson is a great artist, perhaps the best of all time...oh sorry, we can play the bullshit game later.

wolok, beautiful crap, a colossal shit.....