R.E.M.
New Adventures in Hi-Fi (Warner Bros.)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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R.E.M. re-invented themselves again with New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996). The band took a novel approach to writing and recording: instead of going into a studio, they composed the new record at sound checks and on days off during the lengthy Monster tour.

The results are an engaging collection of fourteen songs. The tunes are a more diverse take on the Monster material with a few new embellishments. Songs such as "Undertow" and "Leave" are melodic with big guitar power chords and a layer of feedback clangor or dissonant loops, while also including the vocal harmonies found on the band's IRS catalog.

It's a thoroughly interesting collection of songs that are dichotomously loud and tuneful. With the exception of the mellow piano driven "Electrolite," the record received little commercial airplay, yet it's among their best on Warner Bros. Records.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick