Nice work! I love that one of the only things R.E.M. fans can agree on is that 'Around the Sun' is their least inspired work. In that same vein, I think I'm legally required to defend 'Out of Time' and argue why it should rank higher than it normally does. I don't make the rules.
Part of that- and something we 100% agree on- is the underrated power of Mike Mills' voice.
"I Believe" and "These Days" really push this album to the top for me, although I've had multiple albums at the top (Document, Reckoning, Automatic). That's the beauty of the band, right?
I think I’d have the same top-5 as well. The order? Depends on the day. It’s like ranking your children; it only causes problems to play favorites.
Indeed, dangerous to pick favorites. That said, it was a fun challenge. I am sure I would have them all in different spots again in six months time.
Nice. BTW Joe Boyd is an expat American who lives in London. He’s not English.
Nice catch, Mike. Will fix this. Thanks so much.
I hear you, but also Murmur should’ve been #1 😉😭
R.E.M. is the only band with seven #1 records. Ha!
The Pops on Hops team has been patiently waiting for this one! Matty C actually joined us for this conversation in May 2022, and the list was ever-so-slightly different. You can check out this discussion here if you like: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1U8kmy02PyxotEVDhH6u24?si=ztRE0r-SRVucpSVcFwCqGw
Matty is many things. Consistent about his favorite REM records is apparently not one of them.
Nice work! I love that one of the only things R.E.M. fans can agree on is that 'Around the Sun' is their least inspired work. In that same vein, I think I'm legally required to defend 'Out of Time' and argue why it should rank higher than it normally does. I don't make the rules.
Part of that- and something we 100% agree on- is the underrated power of Mike Mills' voice.
And Mills’ bass work. Wow does he know his way around the fretboard!
Top five is perfect! MIne may be a different order, but def. those records. Reconstruction/Fables so great!!
"I Believe" and "These Days" really push this album to the top for me, although I've had multiple albums at the top (Document, Reckoning, Automatic). That's the beauty of the band, right?