CD Review
Artist: REM
Album: Accelerate
Label: Warner Bros.
Release Date: April 1 2008 

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

I have never really taken the time to listen to an entire REM CD, although my Dad has a few of them in his collection. Of course, I do know a few of their classics such as "It's the End of the World as We Know It" and "Losing My Religion," but I didn't realize how much REM truly rocks. I suppose they were just a bit before my time, but I have definitely benefited from their influence on the alternative rock genre.

As I listened to their new CD, I could see why the band is referred to as "the pioneer of the [alternative rock] genre." Their vocals remind me of one of my favourite bands, Hot Hot Heat, and I would guess that REM was one of their primary influences. After listening to "Green" and "Out of Time," I noticed an evolution in REM's style. Their earlier albums seem a little more political with a sense of activism. Although their newer songs may still contain some political statements, there also seems to be a sense of fun thrown in as well. Accelerate is more about having a good time and "Kick[ing] it out on the dance-floor like you just don't care" as they say in "Man-Sized Wreath." One of the band members, Peter Buck, described their songs as "minor key, mid-tempo, enigmatic, semi-folk-rock-balladish things," but I think they have somewhat diverged from that to a more mid to up-tempo, energetic, alt-rock style.  

Perhaps their evolution and style changes came about as a result of Bill Berry leaving, but either way they have continued to be a fixture of the rock music scene and will continue to do so if this album is any indication. Their fourteenth album still stays true to their Alt-rock roots, but is a bit more upbeat and energetic than their previous records. Now that I have the pleasure of owning an REM CD, I will be sure to spread the word that this band has been recently overlooked by people my age. For those die-hard REM fans out there, Accelerate is sure to please as Rolling Stone's David Fricke calls it "one of the best records REM has ever made."

1. "Living Well Is the Best Revenge" - 3:11
2. "Man-Sized Wreath" - 2:32
3. "Supernatural Superserious" - 3:23
4. " Hollow Man" - 2:39
5. "Houston" - 2:05
6. "Accelerate" - 3:33
7. "Until the Day Is Done" - 4:08
8. "Mr. Richards" - 3:46
9. "Sing for the Submarine" - 4:50
10. "Horse to Water" - 2:18
11. "I'm Gonna DJ" - 2:07