Album – Accelerate (2008)
Highlight – Supernatural Superserious
Reason – After the poorly-received and even poorly-charted and sold ‘Sun, REM did another world tour in 2005 and 2006 (including a rain-soaked Nottingham where, in spite of the band’s best efforts, the crowd could not get engaged) and reflected on where to go next. They decided to make an album (fearing it may be their last) the exact opposite of before, live and raw as quick as possible.
Debuting works in progress at Dublin’s Olympia, and listening to feedback, the band recorded the album in less time than almost any other, except perhaps for Fables back in 1985.
It’s hard to believe ‘Serious, the first single, was made by guys pushing 50. Monster meeting Life’s Rich Pageant in an indie club, only the lyrics betray the paternal wisdom of letting go of teenage hang-ups. After the storming three-track opening, the album settles down into more adult territory, and save for the excellent Accelerate, it’s all a little bit forgettable. From their high-water mark of 10 great ‘Automatic tracks, down to 6, to 5, we’re now down to 3 or 4 solid tunes.
Stipe Gayness Factor – 9. To be perfectly honest, there’s nothing overtly “swishy” on this album, but since I’ve painted myself into a corner with an ever ascending level of marks, I'm forced to twist facts in order to justify my “emerging gayness” theory. So OK, Man-Sized Wreath is pretty fruity and open I guess.
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