Up and away. (Up - R.E.M.)

Member Name: Rumblefish

Product:	Up - R.E.M.
Date:	05/10/00 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fresh and affecting writing and performance.

Disadvantages: Some tracks require persistence.

Diehard REM fans found it hard to conceive of the band as a trio after the departure of Bill Berry, and it is a testament to the writing, performing, and dedication of Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, and Peter Buck that even without Berry UP emerges as one of their very strongest albums in recent times, and certainly their most cohesive and loveable release since the unsurpassed triumph of AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE.

Pointedly UP begins with a drum machine on the whispery opening track 'Airportman', and sonically the album is unusual for REM, with keyboards and studio twiddling to the fore, albeit built around the more familiar cornerstones of engaging lyrics and melody.

The strutting 'Lotus' is more recognizably REM, and the enchanting 'Suspicion' demonstrates the band at their dreamily sombre best. Perhaps the most instantly striking song REM have written for years is 'At My Most Beautiful', which comes over all SMILE-era Beach Boys with its perfect harmonies and multi-layered keyboards. The newer sound is also heavily in evidence in the middle part of the album, with the drum loops and echoes of 'Walk Unafraid' a particular standout.

At first the catchy single 'Daysleeper' would appear to be completely conventional REM, until close expection of the lyrical content (the album unprecedentedly comes with printed lyrics) shows that it could have been worded by Blur or Radiohead (both of whom have played live support to REM in the past), with its tale of jaded financing and "fluorescent flat caffeine lights".

By UP's denouement, the spacily mournful 'Falls To Climb', it is clear that REM have sought - and found - fresh and lasting momentum to take them into the new millenium. It is not absolute vintage REM, but it's not far away.

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