R.E.M. Monster (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) Craft Recordings [2019] TFN Album Review: I have very fond memories of R.E.M.’s “big guitar” record Monster when it was released in 1994. At the time, it was hyped and felt like an incredible turn for the band after the quieter and more acoustic orchestrated Out Of Time (1991) … Read more
R.E.M. Automatic For The People (25th Anniversary Edition) Craft Recordings [2017] Fire Note Says: A masterpiece for all times! Album Review: R.E.M.’s Automatic For the People is a masterpiece that gets a lot of love on its 25th anniversary. A live disc and 20 demos/outtakes accompany the original album. The extras are interesting and noteworthy; … Read more
R.E.M. Unplugged: 1991 & 2001 – The Complete Sessions Rhino Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Listen to a band at some of its highs with this unplugged collection. Album Review: To commemorate Record Store Day 2014, Rhino released a four-LP collection of R.E.M.’s two MTV Unplugged performances. These took place in 1991 and 2001 and … Read more
R.E.M. released the 25th anniversary of their first major label album Green earlier this year. As the band has disbanded we get the chance to look back at this group’s impressive catalog. I’ve selected a deep cut (a song not released as a single) from each of the band’s 15 albums that are worth exploring … Read more
R.E.M. Green (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) Warner Bros./Rhino Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Green is next in the R.E.M. reissue series that includes a great live second disc. Album Review: For me, Green started an entire new era for R.E.M. as their sixth full length was all about transition. It is interesting how this record … Read more
R.E.M. Live In Greensboro EP Warner Bros. Records [2013] Fire Note Says: R.E.M. gives a taste of their musicianship on the Live in Greensboro EP. Album Review: As part of Record Store Day 2013, an EP from R.E.M. was released that included live tracks taken from performances in Greensboro, NC in 1989. These tracks are … Read more
Peter Buck Peter Buck Mississippi-MRP Records [2012] Fire Note Says: Peter Buck goes solo (with help from some friends) and branches out in new yet familiar ways. Album Review: Peter Buck’s voice sounds like a belch being let out slowly through an old-time fire-stoker. In spite of this I really enjoyed Peter Buck’s new solo … Read more