249 - R.E.M. - Automatic for the People

[csberry]

After the band stretched out some on instrumentation and song styles on Out of Time, Automatic For the People finds R.E.M. stretching out even further from their established sound. For those that came on board with "Losing My Religion," it was probably a welcome move. For others, this collection was part of R.E.M.'s slip into "adult/soft alternative" and an indication that the band was past its prime.

Over the years, my opinion of the album has ebbed and flowed. I think it is safe to say that Automatic is the last R.E.M. album that I really enjoyed listening to. The sound on the album is more refined and focused than Out of Time, especially when I was reminded of Out of Time tracks such as "Shiny Happy People" and "Radio Song."

What stands out to me during these listens has been the atmosphere of Automatic as a whole. There is variety of tempo and sound, but these songs have a mix of optimistic melancholy that adds a cohesiveness that helps to differentiate between this being an "album" or "a collection of songs."

Songs I knew I liked: "Drive," "Everybody Hurts," "Star Me Kitten," "Man On The Moon," and "Nightswimming"

Songs I didn't know but now like: I had totally forgotten about "Sweetness Follows"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" and "Ignoreland" - I keep hearing "Orange Crush" and get annoyed because it sounds like another time REM recycled a song (see "Finest Worksong" and "Turn You Inside Out"...both of which also share traits with "OC" and "Ignoreland").