Maybe It's Because I Mumble Too

A couple days ago I read a review of REM's retrospective album on Salon.com. Click here to read the review.

This review made me realize I had been neglecting REM over the past few years. I had an older sister who kept me in contact with what was cool. When she brought the Murmur album home when I was in junior high, I was addicted. Other bands have hooked me like that, but not to the degree that REM has, or for as long.

Driving home from work I loyally listen to the same talk-show. A couple days ago the host was talking about the timeless quality of The Beatles. A listener called in and said each week or even day his favorite song or album changed with his mood. I agree The Beatles have that quality. And REM is my personal equivalent of The Beatles. Every day, week, or month my favorite album or song changes. There are plenty of artists I listen to now way more than REM, but none has matched REM's staying power. So I wonder if everyone has their own personal Beatles band, be it U2, Rush, Willlie Nelson, Prince, or Perry Como.

By the way, right now my favorite album is Adventures In Hi-Fi.