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Nov 18, 2016 Web Exclusive By Matthew Berlyant

In 1991, R.E.M. released the album that cemented their status as the former college radio favorites who became, for a few years, the biggest band in the world. With the help of producer Scott Litt, who also produced their 1988 Warner Brothers debut Green, and the hit lead single “Losing My Religion,” the album became a smash. Months before Nirvana’s landmark Nevermind was released, it was instrumental in helping to expose the masses to underground music. Twenty-five years later, it’s reissued with several bonus discs.

As for the album itself, it’s a mixed bag. Consider the ill-advised KRS-One duet on “Radio Song” or the ubiquitous and annoying “Shiny Happy People.” Dig under the surface, though, and you’ll find some of their very best material. The Mike Mills-sung “Texarkana” is a highlight, as is the brooding “Low” and “Country Feedback.” The instrumental “Endgame” and “Near Wild Heaven” are the band’s first forays into orchestral pop, a direction that would dominate their later Warner Brothers albums. The deluxe 4-disc CD set includes the album in both CD and Blu-ray format along with a disc of demos and another disc containing a live appearance on Mountain Stage. The demos make a case for what the album would’ve sounded like had it been released when they were on I.R.S. and furthermore, some songs (most notably “Texarkana”) have totally different lyrics. The Mountain Stage show includes appearances by Billy Bragg, Robyn Hitchcock, and Clive Gregson on a cover of “Dallas.” (www.remhq.com)

Author rating: 8/10