REM's Finest - Day 14

Album – Around The Sun (2004)

Highlight – Leaving New York

Reason – You are about to read something some of you may find shocking.

I actually quite liked Around The Sun.  Pause for gasp.

OK, it’s no Automatic, or Reveal, or ‘Pageant, but it is by no means terrible.  It’s just not quite up to the standard of previous albums, which is sadly how bands tend to be judged.  The band had delayed recording to work on releasing the excellent Bad Day & Animal as part of their Greatest Hits package for Warner Brothers, which pushed back the release of ‘Sun to 2004.  When they returned to finish recording, the album ended up sounding over-produced, and frankly the band sound a bit bored and ever so slightly over the hill.

That said, even if the mark of top quality dropped from the 10+ of Automatic down to the 6 or so of later albums, there are still 4 very strong numbers on ‘Sun.  The best being lead single Leaving New York, but also Aftermath, Electron Blue & even Q-Tip’s largely pointless rap at the end of The Outsiders doesn’t take away too much.

Stipe Gayness Factor – 9.  Oh boy, he’s out!  He’s out!  Finally talking about “The Boyfriend” on Leaving New York gives some real sincerity to the lyrics.  “Easier to leave, than to be left behind” and “I love you forever” perfectly captures the angst, frustration and loss when leaving a loved one.  I'm genuinely happy for him.