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Sadly no, as they've just announced another money spinning tour of footy grounds next year. But why? Their new single is REM by numbers, another mid-tempo, slightly melancholic, slightly jangly 3 minutes that registers irritation if anything with Stipe's traditionally mopey voice and that pro-tooled smooth sound they've perfected over the last few years. The last single 'Bad Day' was a rehash of "It's the End of the World..." from about 1987. Can't they wake up and realise they've jumped the shark? Sadly egos have taken over. Ego's great when you're starting out but then it makes you lose perspective. They don't need the money, they can't believe they're making any artistic statement, they're run out of idea but something keeps them going playing their greatest hits. If they've got any sense (and air rage apart, Buck seems still to care about music), they'll pack up and join pick-up bands playing obscure psych-pop numbers once a month in the 40 Watt Club in Athens. But anyone with sense will turn their backs on them now.

They haven't done anything good since New Adventures In Hi-Fi. Time to say bye bye, I think.

Boring, tedious and over-rated. Feck off.

I mean I hate Lenny Kravitz as much as the next man (okay he shagged Vanessa Paradis but let's not get personal) but he sumed it up when he said REM "are so white". I know what he means. Well I think I do.

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

Records I Like - The Culture Bunker- Festive 50 Spotify Playlists

The bassist from REM is doing "The Tracks Of My Years" On Ken Bruce's show on Radio 2 this week. He was introduced by Mr Bruce as "Mick Mills".

Who I think used to play for Ipswich in the 80's.

Indeed. 42 caps for England and a gold disc for Near Wild Heaven!

That's them in the corner
That's them in the spotlight
losing their rhythm
trying to keep a view
and i know that they can't do it
oh no i've said too much
i haven't said enough....

Ahem, anyway no they should call it a day...

That's a bit harsh. They're nowhere near as good as they used to be, but I don't think they're past it... yet. I got tickets for their Dublin gig next February because they've consistently been one of my favourite bands over the years (I had a homemade REM t-shirt when I was 11 ) and I missed them the last couple of times they toured here.

'Reveal' wasn't great by any means, but it still had the stupendous Imitation of Life. Say what you like, but a bloody great pop song. The same goes for 'Up' - At My Most Beautiful and Daysleeper, two of my favourite REM songs. I can't help liking Michael Stipe, he's a great songwriter. I'll admit that their earlier output far excels anything recent, but I will not be turning my back on them, sir.

Finally, something for Neon and I to agree on

The new record, which I got my hands on just this morning, is much the same feel and tone as the last three, which is to say, mostly mellow, only slightly experimental and a collection of good songs highlighted by a handful of stunners, including "Wanderlust" and "High Speed Train", both of which stand out after a couple listens. The single's quite good, as is the title track. I'd offer a review, but I honestly don't think I'm going to have the free time over the next week to get it into the Eds...

[Eds: shall I try or has this one been called out already by another writer? I might be able to eek out time this week to put it together before Friday, but if it's already in the works, I'll save the effort]


As for live, the three times I've seen them (92, 96 and last time around 01-02?), I've never left disappointed... ever. Great, varied sets punctuated by humility and humor.

Have a great time Neonski... jealous am I

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Please!

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Mod Supreme, Demon Headmaster

BoboDante - Deffo to your suggestion of a review! As far as I know, no-one's played anything but the new single over here yet. It'd be great to know what the album's like. Bobo, you're a star!

Right then, I'll do my best to have it you fellas by Friday, sooner if possible and done.

cheers

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Bob M. Montgomery Images
Fine Art and Commision Photography
BMMImages.com