Everbody Here Comes From Somewhere

I just listened to the first single "Supernatural Superserious" from R.E.M.'s upcoming album, Accelerate, about a half a dozen or so times. I have to admit that I'm rather pleased with it. I had sadly written off one of my favorite and influential bands after their last two records. It's clear that R.E.M. has been treading water ever since drummer Bill Berry retired. Up could have been a fantastic departure from their norm and an understandable course change, if it had been shortened by about three or four tracks. Despite that, it has actually aged rather well. Reveal was hopelessly mediocre with only a two or three really good tracks ("The Lifting" and "Imitation of Life" come to mind). Around the Sun was simply a dull record with very little to offer. It was the band playing in their sleep.

"Supernatural Superserious" recalls some of the best elements of old R.E.M. Peter Buck's guitars are jangly and rocking. Michael Stipe and Mike Mills are singing some great counter melodies. And more importantly, this sounds like an R.E.M. song that I want to sing along with. It sounds earnest and not like the watered-down VH1 tripe of "Leaving New York". Here's hoping the rest of the album is just as good.