REM is an American band with a distinct sound formed in 1980. Fronted by lead singer Michael Stipe, they have enjoyed multiple successes both critically and commercially, at the same time as riding the criticism of them being too depressing with their music, both lyrically and with the tone of the musical production. However, they have continued to churn out the hits. 'Automatic For The People' is their 8th offering as an album, from 1992, and contains a few hits such as 'Drive', 'The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight', and what is perhaps their signature tune 'Everybody Hurts'. There are 12 tracks on the album. These are the tracks: 1. ...  Read the complete review

*AFP - abbreviation for Automatic for the People* Music is such a powerful medium - it can transport you to places you once visited long ago, make you remember lost faces and memories that you once locked away. One group and one album in particular stirs up all these emotions for me. The group is REM and the album is Automatic for the People. I am sure you all know who REM are but for those who don't, let me introduce you; Wiki describe the group as an American rock band. I prefer to stick them in the genre of country rock or alternative rock. Four members of the band; Michael Stipe who is known for his strange faces, painted eyebrows and weird ...  Read the complete review

Automatic for the People - R.E.M. I cannot believe that this is 16 years old, 1992. I am down to my last 100 CD's or thereabouts (including my wife's) to transfer to iTunes, so this will tell you already that they are not my favourites. Still to come as reviews are Kylie (really), Moloko, Shaggy....well you get my drift. This is actually one of my wife's CD's though I will be honest and tell you that I have a bit of a soft spot for 'Everybody Hurts'. The booklet that goes with the CD shows Mr Stipes et al, being all broody in poses that pretty much make them look like the American version of Oasis, and they are pretentious ...  Read the complete review

I have a habit of not being able to connect bands with what songs they wrote. I'm constantly being surprised when someone puts on a CD and I think 'Wow! I didn't know this song was by U2!" I know the band, I know the song, but I'm just unable to put a name to a face, as it were. And so it was with R.E.M. A while ago I was at a friend's house when he put on this CD. "Wow!" I screeched. "Is this REALLY R.E.M.?" "Uh, yes" He said. "Who did you think it was?" "I thought this band was the one with the front man who is now a politician in Australia and is really evil."* "No, that's ...  Read the complete review

I grew up with this album. I've been listening to Automatic on and off since I was about five years old; my father would play it for me and since I never lived with him it always had sentimental value in the coming years. But enough of that sap. DRIVE makes for an excellently, chillingly understated opener. It sets the generally melancholy tone for the entire album. The high-pitched instrument in the background (thanks to my musical illiteracy I'm not sure what it is), juxtaposed with the low acoustic guitar, rumbling electric, and Stipe's morose vocals, sends chills down my spine. TRY NOT TO BREATHE is a misleadingly upbeat jangle which I take to ...  Read the complete review