REM Accelerate (A Review – Sort of)

I picked up the new REM CD last night and I’m still working on an opinion for it.  Definitely more cohesive than the last couple of CDs with a lot more energy – 11 songs in 32 minutes.  The breakneck speed reminds me of the Ramones.  Below is an initial review after only a couple of listens.  I’ve liked some of the tunes on the last few CDs (Leaving New York, Walk Unafraid) but on a whole the CDs failed to grab my attention.  Not since Automatic for the People and New Adventures in Hi-Fi have I fully embraced every song on the CD.  Every REM CD from the 1980s are (in my opinion) amazing

1. Living Well is the Best Revenge - opens the CD with some great energy.  I like it!
2. Man-Sized Wreath – jumps in second at 2:33 minutes.  This song reminds me a lot of some of the tunes on New Adventures in Hi-Fi.  I like Hi-Fi a lot but not sure about this song yet.
3. Supernatural Superserious – this is REM’s first single which I wasn’t crazy about on the radio but I think it fits in nicely on the CD.  I love the dirty guitar!
4. Hollow Man – right now it doesn’t do much for me
5. Houston – Great Song!  Reminds me of old REM.  Not sure how old yet but I think Green.  I need to listen to Green again but I think World Leader Pretend comes to mind – great song by the way!!
6. Accelerate – great energy and movement.
7. Until the Day is Done – the opening reminds me of Try Not to Breathe from Automatic for the People.  (I need to relisten to Automatic too.)  The rest of the tune has the Automatic sound with an uplifting chorus.  Very good tune!
8. Mr. Richards – good song.  The guitar reminds me of Monster but not nearly as loud and upfront.
9. Sing for the Submarine – the longest song on the CD.  I think I like but need to hear more.
10. Horse to Water – immediately jumps into a fast tempo and drum beat!  Nice guitar.
11. I’m Gonna DJ - don’t like it.  Sounds cheesy and a poor choice to end the CD with.

My initial opinion is favorable but I need a lot more listens to see if it sticks with me.  At first listen not sure if it has a lasting song like Everybody Hearts, Losing my Religion, Fall on Me, The One I Love – great songs – maybe Houston?  We’ll See

For Squirrels – Mighty K.C.

Until recently (thanks to XM Radio’s Fred) I had forgotten all about this classic from For Squirrels. I don’t believe they had much more than this song but what a good one it is! You can’t help but sing to the uplifting chorus – sounds a lot like REM!