Incandescent
Rockinghorse Winner | Reseda, CA United States | 12/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"REM reached into the progrock toolbox, upped their ambitions, embraced rock glory, and created this anthemic masterpiece. It's weird to think how awesome this band was a short 10 years ago. Don't miss it."
More Raw R.E.M.
Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 12/14/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Like its predecessor "New Adventures in Hi-Fi" is generally raw album with a lot of distorted guitars. It's fine to change approach from time to time, though in the case of R.E:M. I must admit I prefer their softer side.
The album starts off fine with one of the album's finest tracks "How the West was Won " - it took a few listens for me to realize that this was actually a great song, and my first impression of the album as a whole was really qúite disappointing. But as if usually goes with R.E.M.'s music , it grows on you.
The album is less melodic than most of their albums, and it was not until the closing track "Electrolite" that I first found the qualities that I usually like in R.E.M.
Fortunately other songs like the waltzy "New Test Leper", the Dylan inspired "E-Bow the Letter", the rocking "Departure" and the droning and distorted "Be Mine" soon began to stand out and became favourites on the album.
A good album but not a favourite in R.E.M. context"
Sounds like what I want from them today
Timothy L. Hardesty | Memphis, TN USA | 04/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I used to be a long-time fan of R.E.M. The last CD I owned was Monster. I remember this CD receiving lackluster reviews. I didn't listen to it, much less buy it. I have listened to subsequent releases and have not been impressed in any way, shape, or form. However, after reading some of the 5-star reviews here, I decided to give New Adventures a try. I am amazed at how great it sounds! The two previous reviews give a good analysis of the music. I think that some of the issues at the time of the original release had to do with it sounding like a half and half of Automatic and Monster. If this recording came out today, the reviews would probably be far more positive. I am delighted to have finally purchased New Adventures and rank it among the top REM has offered us."