693. R.E.M. - up

"Up" is a bit of a downer. The first 'Berry-less' album features a ton of drum beats and loops (of course) and finds the band experimenting within the trendy electro-pop genre of the time. With the exception of a few tracks like "Suspicion" and "The Apologist" the album feels a tad too melancholic and lost.

6.8 out of 10

692. R.E.M. - bittersweet me

Bittersweet me is backed by two live tracks, "Undertow" and "New Test Leper" and a previously unreleased number called "Wichita Lineman"... for serious fans only.

5 out of 10

691. R.E.M. - new adventures in hi-fi

I have a pretty clear memory of buying this album and trying to make time to hear it. During the tour for Monster REM did indeed set out on a sonic adventure (and in my opinion are still on such trek) and the results weren't bad. Between Berry suffering a seizure and Stipe shaving his head the band found time to record an interesting disc of material. Where most bands would come up with b-side fodder, REM churned out some above average tunes, "e-bow the letter", "leave", "bittersweet me" and "electrolite" are all great.

7.4 out of 10