I’m listening to R.E.M.’s Collapse into Now.

and, so should you. do it! especially if you enjoy R.E.M., as I do.

so… I think it’s fair to say that new R.E.M. effort (it seems odd calling them records, eh – album still works) haven’t been an event since the mid 1990’s. but, this, the bands, ready… fifteenth studio set, really does feel something akin to a mid-career rebirth, of sorts. it’s not as if there is an easily defined style to the record. instead, to me, it feels like a compendium of their greatest moments.

NOTE: you have to genuinely know and understand your R.E.M., and relative history, to pace with me here.

for example, they offer up the Losing my Religion – style folk-meditation of Oh My Heart, the rousing (I love that word) rock swagger (and, more so that imagery) of Discoverer. oh, and when Michael Stipes yelps, “Let’s show the kids how to do it!” on All the Best, it truly sounds like a call to arms. you should hear me push that one in the shower (we’re even thinking youtube, maybe).

buy it, as in download it, from iTunes. it’s worth it. do it!

meanwhile, to make my point, and to make your day, I’ve share my copy of Oh My Heart with you just for the nudge.

peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

brian patrick cork