Lean, mean, raw, this is probably R.E.M.'s best work in a decade or more.
Returning to a stripped down sound reminiscent of a younger, hungrier R.E.M. this is a buzzy, guitar heavy disc with an edge. With 11 tracks clocking in at just 35 minutes, it's almost like they took a page from The Ramones, short songs with lots of hooks delivered rapid fire. With a "garage like" sound production by Jacknife Lee (co-producer of U2, The Hives and Snow Patrol), this disc goes far to capture the energy I felt during their sold out Stubb's appearance during this years SXSW.
If your a long time R.E.M. fan you'll like this disc and the band stands to attract some of the younger audience as well. Some of my favorite songs on the disc include "Living Well Is The Best Revenge", "Hollow Man", "Houston", and "I'm Gonna DJ". Hell I like the whole disc. I put the whole thing on my iPod.
Track list under the jump.
1. Living Well Is The Best Revenge 3:11
2. Man-Sized Wreath 2:32
3. Supernatural Superserious 3:23
4. Hollow Man 2:39
5. Houston 2:05
6. Accelerate 3:33
7. Until The Day Is Done 4:08
8. Mr. Richards 3:46
9. Sing For The Submarine 4:50
10. Horse To Water 2:18
11. I'm Gonna DJ 2:07