Respectfully, I think Monster is a much better album than Green. And I do like Green. I'd rate it a B+. But I don't love it and never did, and I love Monster. Very different albums obviously. I just think song for song, Monster is bolder and more original, both for REM and in general. This is purely subjective, of course, but fun to debate.
I love them both for very different reasons. Frankly, they hold nearly the same esteem. The tiebreaker for me was three things . . .
1. Green was the first new REM album that I bought. I waited in line for a midnight Monday night release. There is a personal emotional attachment to the record and my relationship with the band.
2. Monster is terrific, of course, but does run on one speed for much of the album. Green has bigger missteps, but more variety.
3. While Monster was certainly more original, it sounds very much like the time in which it was recorded. Green sounds a bit more timeless, but not "Out Of Time". ;)
I came to the band with Out of Time and when I went back and found the earlier albums, Document was my favorite for a long time. Now it wavers between some albums still to come on your countdown.
Also, I love New Adventures of Hi-Fi. Probably top 5 for me, though I haven't done the work like you.
Green was my on ramp to the band, and punches above it’s weight for me. I’d also say that Pop Song ‘89 and Turn You Inside Out both should’ve been bigger than they were.
Ah, the emotional attachment distortion field! Life's Rich Pageant was the first one I bought the day it came out. On cassette. I wore that thing out in the summer of '86. And that may be why it's my favorite (or second favorite) to this day. Or maybe it's their best! ; )
Respectfully, I think Monster is a much better album than Green. And I do like Green. I'd rate it a B+. But I don't love it and never did, and I love Monster. Very different albums obviously. I just think song for song, Monster is bolder and more original, both for REM and in general. This is purely subjective, of course, but fun to debate.
I love them both for very different reasons. Frankly, they hold nearly the same esteem. The tiebreaker for me was three things . . .
1. Green was the first new REM album that I bought. I waited in line for a midnight Monday night release. There is a personal emotional attachment to the record and my relationship with the band.
2. Monster is terrific, of course, but does run on one speed for much of the album. Green has bigger missteps, but more variety.
3. While Monster was certainly more original, it sounds very much like the time in which it was recorded. Green sounds a bit more timeless, but not "Out Of Time". ;)
Love chatting about this stuff.
I came to the band with Out of Time and when I went back and found the earlier albums, Document was my favorite for a long time. Now it wavers between some albums still to come on your countdown.
Also, I love New Adventures of Hi-Fi. Probably top 5 for me, though I haven't done the work like you.
Hi-Fi keeps going up the ranks for me. I have been listening to it more than any other during my "research".
Green was my on ramp to the band, and punches above it’s weight for me. I’d also say that Pop Song ‘89 and Turn You Inside Out both should’ve been bigger than they were.
'Orange Crush' was always a fave as well.
Ah, the emotional attachment distortion field! Life's Rich Pageant was the first one I bought the day it came out. On cassette. I wore that thing out in the summer of '86. And that may be why it's my favorite (or second favorite) to this day. Or maybe it's their best! ; )
Exactly!
Personally, I would have Monster higher. I just love the sound of that record.