CD toss-up: George Michael vs. R.E.M.
Hey, 80s fans. Big day today. TWO new albums of interest to us just hit store shelves: R.E.M.'s "Accelerate" and George Michael's "Twenty-Five."
But in these times of devastating economic depression, it's probably wise to just pick one to buy for now. But which one? Let's break it down.
COOLNESS FACTOR:
George Michael: He's cooler now than he's been in a long time, thanks to his appearances on TV's "Eli Stone" -- and because he's managed to stay off the tabloid pages for a while now.
R.E.M.: These cats from Athens, Ga., are the epitome of cool. You're not going to see Michael Stipe being arrested in a public bathroom or getting odd brow lifts.
Edge: R.E.M. by a shiny, happy margin.
THE TUNES:
George Michael: "Twenty-Five" is essentially a greatest-hits double disc. So at least you know you're getting the best tunes of his career. And thankfully, no "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go."
R.E.M.: They're getting good reviews so far, but R.E.M. hasn't put out a decent, complete album since "Charles in Charge" was still on TV.
Edge: Even Scott Baio digs George Michael.
WORD OF MOUTH:
George Michael: Let's face it -- nobody but 80s bloggers are writing about his new album. But the guy sold out nearly 100 cavernous concert venues in Europe during his just-completed tour. He's still somebody worth listening to.
R.E.M.: Any act inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame is going to get intense press coverage of a new album. Peter Buck could have composed it using Guitar Hero III, and it'd still sell well enough to go gold.
Edge: R.E.M. (They are Supermen, and they know what's happening.)
What Would Stuck in the 80s do? Personally, I'm forking over for the George Michael set -- and I'm borrowing Times music critic Sean Daly's copy of "Accelerate." ... It's good to be the king.
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I am really looking forward to the new album from REM. I keep hearing it is a return to the old style of REM but then again, they have said that about every new album they come out with since "Monster". I heard they went with a producer that U2 used and recorded the album in Dublin. U2, REM, and Red Hot Chili Peppers seem to be the only 80's acts that are still somewhat relevant. I think REM might fall off that list if this CD doesn't do well.
Posted by: Neil | April 01, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I'm listening to "Accelerate" right now. I should have a mini-review at some point today or tomorrow.
Posted by: Spears | April 01, 2008 at 02:18 PM
I really don't have any use for either of them anymore. I AM digging my new Funplex CD, though.
Posted by: Big Tex | April 01, 2008 at 04:00 PM
How would you rank the REM records? My favorite is Life's Rich Pageant. I would put Murmur and Automatic for the People in the second tier. The third tier would include Document, Reckoning, and Automatic for the People.
Posted by: Pete | April 01, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I've had very little interest in anything REM has done since Out Of Time. In fact, I find Michael Stipe incredibly irritating. I'd go with George's set.
Posted by: Bassnote | April 01, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Great question, Pete -- I'd go with Fables of the Reconstruction as my fave, followed in no particular order by Murmur, Lifes Rich Pageant and Green.
I've also read that Accelerate is their best work since Bill Berry left the band. *sniff* Heck, I'm in ATL right now and the drop of the new album today made the noon news. That being said, I'll most certainly pick it up ASAP -- and probably download certain cuts off GM's new disc.
Posted by: jane | April 01, 2008 at 06:11 PM
I bought George Michael's set off of Itunes... they were having a special where you get all the video's as well. I didn't know REM was coming out with a release too. Pretty good so far! The video's alone are worth it!!
Oh, and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go is on the set. I know you make fun of it.. but man, did that video take me back this morning!!
Posted by: Carla | April 01, 2008 at 08:31 PM
George Michael "25". That album came out last year tho. Hmm, delayed US release?
I think "An Easier Affair" was the *new* single from it, from late 2006. We ran "Every Single Ever Released: George Michael" on Retro Hit Radio to promote it :)
What do you think of 80s George Michael? Poll time: Make It Big vs Faith?
Posted by: Richard Phelps | April 01, 2008 at 10:01 PM
George Michael is a definite for me. Why? I love his voice.
R.E.M. won't be on my "to buy list." Why? Because I don't care for R.E.M. Michael Stipe's voice is something I can handle 2 songs at a time. Then, I can't stands no more. You can toss rotten tomatoes and stinky cheese at me for my opinion. It just is what it is.
Posted by: Marissa | April 01, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Actually, if anything bugs me on "Accelerate," it's the guitar work. Too thick. Where's the pleasant guitar strumming of Life's Rich Pageant?
I'd be this offering in their second tier. Definitely better than anything from the last 10 or 15 years or so.
I have a review I'll post later this morning.
Posted by: Spears | April 02, 2008 at 08:15 AM
so peter buck is hitting the guitar strings a little too hard, eh? I'm heartened by your comment that it's their best work in years... looking forward to the review, mr. spears.
Posted by: jane | April 02, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Okay, I heard a new REM song that I had to get. It's called 'I'm Gonna DJ'. Yes, I still find Stipe annoying, but I liked the tune, and it doesn't hurt that I happen to be a DJ.
Posted by: Bassnote | April 02, 2008 at 09:26 AM
easy peasy. REM, hands down. They've been my favorite for so long that the first album i ever bought was Murmur when i was 13. :) that was in 1983. *grin* and i will always be a huge fan of theirs.
I do like Senor George's songs though. i especially love the cover he did of Queen's "Somebody To Love" years ago.
Posted by: jenne | April 02, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Since I love to rank things and USED to be a huge REM fan -- you know before they started to suck (GREEN).
1. Murmur - a clean break from EVERYTHING on the radio at the time. And along with Sonic Youth's Daydream Nation, the best album of the 1980's.
2. Reckoning
3. Chronic Town - the start of something big --bursting with energy you'd be hard pressed to find in an R.E.M. recording once the '80s ended.
3a. Dead Letter Office - see above
4. Fables of the Reconstruction
5. Life's Rich Pageant - it is so low for me because I actually prefer when Stipe's lyrics are mixed so they are not prominent, as it was for the earlier albums
6. Document - the album that began the end.
7. Automatic for the People - the only album that gave me hope for REM after Document. Alas, that hope has remained unfulfilled.
Posted by: DoctorDrew | April 02, 2008 at 12:20 PM