R.E.M.
The Best of R.E.M.: In Time 1988-2003 (Warner Bros.)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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The Best of R.E.M.: In Time 1988-2003 is as odd as "greatest hits" collection comes. Instead of the typical perfunctory overview of the band's records, R.E.M. has added a few intriguing extras.

This is a compilation of some of band's favorites since signing to Warner Bros. minus 2004's Around the Sun, plus soundtrack contributions and previously unreleased tracks. Like its predecessor, the Eponymous record for IRS, it's a collection of singles with ample informational tidbits from guitarist Peter Buck. Unlike that recording, however, there is a great song, "the Great Beyond" (from Man on the Moon soundtrack) included rather than the insignificant "Romance." It's among their best tracks - beautiful arrangements of guitars and keyboards poignantly dovetail with the Michael Stipe's musings about life and death. The other additional tracks are the only average "Bad Day" and "Animal" and the ancient curiosity "All the Right Friends," which Stipe and Buck first wrote in 1979. All the big hits and singles are included: "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?," "Losing My Religion," "Electrolite," and "Orange Crush" to name a few.

R.E.M. is best appreciated as an album oriented band. However, if you're interested in the band's most renowned and accessible songs this is a good place to start - and for longtime fans of the band there are the additional tracks as well as the DVD's documentary.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick