R.E.M. - Accelerate (2008)
A minor comeback in late career for the Athenians, Accelerate is a straight-ahead rocker that sounds like an edgier, slightly more distorted callback to Murmurian times. It's not quite as murky, lyrically obscure or mystic as early R.E.M., and it's exchanged upfront clear guitars for the jangle, reverby timbre of their classic efforts, but the return to rock roots is overt and admirable. The leading three tracks - "Living Well is the Best Revenge," "Man-Sized Wreath" and "Supernatural Superserious" - are a loud, thrilling start to a solid and melodic album. Even the ballads sound urgent, and the whole thing whizzes by in a scant 34 and a half minutes. Side A of the album is definitely stronger than B, but overall this is a pleasant surprise of an album that sits pretty in its "mature rocker album" genre. Very glad to hear these guys back in form.
Status: Recommended (solid)
Nyet's Fave: "Living Well is the Best Revenge"
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