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It is common to say a couple of very (very!!!) superficial things about R.E.M.: that they are the "rivals" of U2 and that they never managed to reach where Bono, Edge, and company have; that they are a whiny band; and that, finally, they make songs that are completely incomprehensible. The latter statement could actually be true because Michael Stipe has always had that tendency to slur words in his mouth and to write lyrics where nonsense merges with Burroughsian cut-up in a brilliant way (just read the lyrics of "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?"), but I feel compelled to strongly object to the other two statements and to "defend," if it can be said, one of the greatest American rock bands of all time.
Yes, but what kind of rock? R.E.M.'s music is a musical kaleidoscope (actually quite homogeneous) that references, chews, and personalizes some of the historic moments of the American popular song. And, scrolling through the tracks of this best of, it is not easy to realize: there is the folkie attitude ("Man On The Moon", "Losing My Religion"), the grunge references ("What's The Frequency, Kenneth?"), a bit of healthy rock'n'roll ("Bad Day", the unreleased track of the collection, forget about Daniel Powter!!!), even echoes of punk pop ("All The Right Friends") and classy electronic ("The Great Beyond", "Animal") and some precious ballads ("Everybody Hurts" above all, but also "Nightswimming" or "Daysleeper").
Those who have never listened to R.E.M. will need a couple of listens to fall in love with this band, with Stipe's alien voice and Buck's "so not rock'n'roll" guitar, but after a while, they won't be able to help but carry at least one song of this group in their heart. Even if it doesn't speak about you, even if it isn't a band for kids. Because R.E.M. have never been an easy band, and luckily, they never will be.
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