Atlanta Music Scene Has Moved To WordPress
Slowly but surely, the Atlanta Music Scene blog has been transitioning to WordPress - a bigger and better blogging and commenting experience!
See you there, at http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/
Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > June > 23 > Entry
R.E.M. is truly “back”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If their most recent album, the very strong “Accelerate,” wasn’t enough to completely convince me that R.E.M. had reclaimed its status as one of top rock bands in the world, Saturday night was.
The boys from Athens, Ga., put on a phenomenal show at Lakewood here in Atlanta on Saturday night. Seriously, this was a great rock concert.
By the end of their approximate two-hour performance, I had forgotten (and no longer really cared) that I’d missed The National’s opening set (even though I do love that band, too). Rock shows should not start when the sun is still blazing overhead, unless it’s an all-day festival show, the kind that most middle-aged working dudes like me no longer attend.
Anyway, Modest Mouse’s middle set was fine, about as good as you can expect from a band that has to fill an opening slot for the huge headliner, and thus usually must play with lesser equipment and without all the bells-and-whistles visual effects, etc.
But R.E.M. would’ve blown away most bands on this night, which I’m assuming was pretty indicative of how they’ve played on this entire tour. They rocked hard, folks. Forget that mostly bland period between the excellent “New Adventures in Hi-Fi” album and the “comeback” blast of “Accelerate.”
If they were in danger of slipping from relevance for many younger rock fans (and I admit, they had), then they have certainly stepped forward with this album and this tour and answered any skeptics and critics, at least any who are actually paying attention and listening to the music.
Not only did they play every solid song from the new album, but I was pleasantly surprised — make that thrilled — that they played so many of the older gems, including “Fall On Me,” (with the great former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr joining on guitar), “Pretty Persuasion,” “Rockville” “Driver 8,” “Orange Crush,” “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?,” “Electrolite,” and a slightly speeded up, muscular version of “Harborcoat.” Sublime, it was.
I’ve seen R.E.M. 10 or 12 times since 1983, the year I saw them play at old Hoch Auditorium on campus at the University of Kansas, just after Murmur was released and was the hottest thing going on college radio.
Stipe had long, curly hair then, and kept his back to the audience for most of the show. Saw them every year for the next five or six years after that, as they’d release a new album annually — “Murmur,” “Reckoning,” “Fables of the Reconstruction,” “Life’s Rich Pageant,” “Document,” “Green” — and tour annually.
While I have only vague memories of those shows for some reason (ahem), I’ve got to say, I can’t recall the band ever being much better, much tighter, much more entertaining than they were last night. Honestly.
They had a truly remarkable run of high-integrity, high-grade and original rock and roll during the 1980s, no dud among those early albums. Other than “Monster,” they really didn’t have even a mediocre album until after drummer Bill Berry left the band for health reasons more than a decade later.
Now, after figuring I’d be one of the R.E.M. completists who buys every album they put out, regardless of critical reviews, on the day it’s released, for as long as they hung on, it’s been a really uplifting thing to see one of my very favorite all-time bands come back so strong.
These are musicians who are all older than me playing new songs so good that most younger, trendier, “edgier” bands with members half their age can only dream of ever producing if they stay together half as long as the boys from R.E.M. have. Not to mention the classics most of those bands will never produce.
More than 25 years later, R.E.M. is back kicking tail. For us of a certain age, who went to college in the early 1980s, that’s great stuff. Seeing them on that stage last night, doing their thing, it doesn’t get much better.
Check out photos from the Lakewood show, and see how O’Brien compared the Braves to R.E.M. And if you went to the show, share your review here.
Services »
Comments
By Ellen
June 23, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
David summarized the show perfectly. I attended the Denver show at Red Rocks, which was also incredible, but the Atlanta show had all of us in chills. Especially if you were lucky to be up front. Every energized song followed each without a breath, the group just kept playing, incredibly so. I took one of Michael’s family, who knew him back when, who also was choked with every word, every smile. When he spoke of personal family, she welled-up as whe held her heart. The highlight for me was watching Mike walk down and play bass into the front rows. If security wasn’t staring me down, I would have smothered him with kisses!! Truly, these are talented and inspirational men. I met Mike years ago; a complete gentleman. They give so much of themselves through their philanthropic endeavors, quite admirable. Best show I have seen in years.
By Sean
June 23, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
It was sublime, INDEED!
By WestSider
June 23, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
I agree with the review…Great Show!!! They have never sounded better
However, calling the album ‘Monster’ a dud??? Are you an idiot?
By BUM
June 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
At some point the question needs to be asked “Is REM the greatest American rock and roll band of all time?”
With all due respect to the MC5, CCR, Ramones, Eagles, Kiss, Aerosmith, Van Halen, TP & the Heartbreakers and Nirvana, is there any doubt REM can lay legitimate claim to the title?
Is REM not the greatest American rock and roll band of all time? After 25 years, I’d say they are.
By BUM
June 23, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
At some point the question needs to be asked “Is REM the greatest American rock and roll band of all time?”
With all due respect to the MC5, CCR, Ramones, Eagles, Kiss, Aerosmith, Van Halen, TP & the Heartbreakers and Nirvana, is there any doubt REM can lay legitimate claim to the title?
Is REM not the greatest American rock and roll band of all time? After 25 years, I’d say they are.
By jc_atl
June 23, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I only bought “Accelerate” a couple of days before the show. Saturday was my at least my 8th REM show but like David I don’t really remember - suffice it to say I’ve seen them every chance I’ve had since the mid-80’s. Saturday’s show was the best I’ve seen them since probably the Green tour. The Monster tour was good but the show in Atlanta seemed like a band running on fumes, and begrudgingly playing older material to complement some of the less stellar recent work. Saturday was a different story. This was a band embracing older material and making it sound fresh again, mixed in with an excellent new album of material. I would not go see the Police again, though it was a pretty good show. I WILL definitely go see REM again, and hope that they can produce a follow-up to Accelerate that is just as pleasing. Rock on!
By Ole Man Bourbon
June 23, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
It was a great show for sure.
By Robert
June 23, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
We made the trip up from Panama City, FL R.E.M. and Modest Mouse all the way. Modest Mouse won our aging hearts to the degree that I commented I would hate to have to follow them. But when R.E.M. kicked into “These Days,” I knew we were in for a treat. I must admit I miss Bill Berry’s punchy enthusiasm but the performance was, as always, flawless. Not one clinker in the set list, the sound mix was glorious, the visuals were high art and I danced my 48-year-old ass off, I was transported to an earlier time. Stipe was gracious, and funny. He spoke eloquently of bands that opened doors for R.E.M. and the inspiration he finds in younger acts like those that opened the show. We could debate the “best” band thing ad nauseum. Suffice it to say that these guys have left a huge indelible mark on rock music.
By Robert
June 23, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
We made the trip up from Panama City, FL R.E.M. and Modest Mouse all the way. Modest Mouse won our aging hearts to the degree that I commented I would hate to have to follow them. But when R.E.M. kicked into “These Days,” I knew we were in for a treat. I must admit I miss Bill Berry’s punchy enthusiasm but the performance was, as always, flawless. Not one clinker in the set list, the sound mix was glorious, the visuals were high art and I danced my 48-year-old ass off, I was transported to an earlier time. Stipe was gracious, and funny. He spoke eloquently of bands that opened doors for R.E.M. and the inspiration he finds in younger acts like those that opened the show. We could debate the “best” band thing ad nauseum. Suffice it to say that these guys have left a huge indelible mark on rock music.
By Matt in Athens
June 23, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
USA Today had an email poll about the best American band of all time three or four years ago, with Pearl Jam (my favorite band) claiming the top spot due to their longevity, influence, and concert reputation. REM’s gotta be in there, Saturday’s show was fantastic. As long as no one claims Van Halen, I’m fine
By Pam
June 23, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a fan since I first heard “Radio Free Europe” years and years ago, but this was my first opportunity to see them live. Let me just say “WOW”. Absolutely incredible, high-energy rock show. One of the best concerts I’ve ever attended. Unbelievable set list with great mix of old and new songs. 27 songs in all for a solid 2 hour + show. I’ve always respected and admired REM not just for their music, but also for their involvement. Now I also admire them as a great live band. As Michael said “I’m here, you’re here, and it’s magical” Definitely!
By Scott
June 23, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen REM seven times now in concert and they have NEVER disappointed me. It’s great to see them in Georgia with friends & family in attendance. This sounds corny but in 1987, I saw REM in concert at Clemson University and it changed my life forever. Seeing them Saturday night, over 20 years later, reminded me why they had such an impact on me. IMHO, they are the greatest rock band performing today.
By Robbeye
June 23, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding…the greatest America R&R band? I guess you’re too young to have heard of The Doors!!
By Lynn
June 23, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
This show was the best R.E.M. show I’ve seen since they closed the Green tour at the Fox by playing Murmur all the way through followed by Green all the way through. That was an all time great concert, but this was fabulous. Great energy and fantastic setlist.
By mayretter local
June 23, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Here’s the setlist:
1) These Days 2) Living Well 3) So Fast So Numb 4) What’s the Frequency Kenneth 5) Time After Time 6) Driver 8 7) Man Sized Wreath 8) Walk Unafraid 9) Hollow Man 10) Ignoreland 11) Houston 12) Electrolite 13) (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville, (with Mike on lead and entire crowd on back up) 14) Auctioneer 15) Harborcoat 16) The One I Love 17) I’ve Been High 18) Let Me In, (accoustical version with Bill R. joining on guitar) 19) Bad Day 20) Horse to Water 21) Orange Crush 22) I’m Gonna DJ 23) Supernatural Superserious 24) Losing My Religion, (the Mandolin was brought out of the tiny closet ) 25) Pretty Persuasion 26) NightSwimming 27) Fall on Me (with Johnny Marr) 28) Man on the Moon (also with Johnny Marr)
By Robert
June 23, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Once again REM played a great show. The pace of the show never slowed and it was great to hear “let me in” and “harborcoat” live for the first time. There was a good size audience, but they were kinda weak. I looked around me and hardly anyone was dancing during some of the “non hits”. I know this is hard to believe, but there are other songs than Losing my Religion and Man on the moon. If everyone is so excited about those songs, why not listen to the rest of their albums, old and new, and really discover the band’s catalog.
By Dru
June 23, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
R.E.M.’s set is short for the length of time they were on the stage. The stage went quiet for up to two minutes between songs as the band changed instruments and moved around. Any energy maintained through these gaps was that the audience adamantly refused to be let down by this great band’s clumsy stage presence.
Low points: 1.) Lakewood oversold the pit which led to many of R.E.M.’s biggest fans either crowded or told to go sit on the lawn. It lowered the overall quality of the show.
2.) The crowd booing Stipe’s Obama speech.
3.) The gimmicky intermission where two videos showed (one with a pixelated man walking another with scrabble tiles spelling out Atlanta) as a segue to the encore.
4.) The short encore (4 songs) which seemed more of a part of the set than an encore.
5.) The very weak audience.
High points: 1.) Stipe’s asking people to wave cell phone or other electronics during Electrolite. If you were near the front, the effect was incredible.
2.) The artistic usage of the large screens.
3.) Mike Mills performing Rockville.
4.) The other two bands at the show. The National gained many fans on Saturday with a densely packed opening performance. Modest Mouse performed an excellent mix of new and old songs.
By brad
June 23, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Although nothing will ever beat the time I saw them (for FREE) at the 40 Watt in Athens in 1992, R.E.M. did put on a fine show here in NYC last week. All those songs from my youth combined with a spattering of UGA t-shirts in the crowd, made this ex-Atlantan and UGA grad a wee bit homesick.
By JohnB
June 23, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Gotta chime in here - the reviewer above used the perfect word to describe this show - phenomenal. I too have seen these guys many times over the years, the first being on a bill with The Meat Puppets, and the DB’s in Oklahoma City in 1984. (Peter Buck sat in with the DB’s for their entire set, then REM played. That guy is tireless to this day.) Then all the Fox shows here during the 80’s. Saturday’s show as as good as any of those shows - and better in some ways. I was also really really glad they didn’t play ‘Radio Free Europe.’
By jc_atl
June 23, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I will vote for Obama, and completely agree with the forlorn feeling that Stipe expressed when “Dumbya” was reelected in 2004 before Hollow Man (great song by the way). At the same time I do not begrudge those who disagree for booing after paying $80+ to see a band play, not hear a political speech.
The pit is probably ALWAYS oversold. The Radiohead show started out good but by the end it was like a sardine can and highly uncomfortable to be in. My extremities swelled up from lack of blood flow it was so crowded. When given the option of 100 level seats of the pit, take the seats.
I didn’t notice the audience being weak except during some of the harder to grasp songs (Walk Unafraid, So Fast So Numb, of which I happen to like the latter).
When they broke out Time After Time (Annelise) my eyes welled up - that song reminds me of college 1985 like no other. I’ve never seen them play it live.
By joe
June 23, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Fantastic show - the Obama comments being booed by some in the audience made me wonder, “who did these people think they were coming to see?”
By Russ
June 23, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Wow. My third REM show in 20 years (Macon ‘89 and Chastain Park ‘99)and this one was my favorite by far, due to the large number of songs they played off of Murmur and Reckoning. What a treat…Harborcoat, Pretty Persuasion, Driver 8 (the first song I ever learned to play on the guitar!), Time After Time (My daughter’s named Annalise, but not on purpose!), Auctioneer…
As for the greatest American band ever, it’s hard (and kinda silly) to give that to one band. But, remember, Bono and Stipe used to affectionately refer to the other’s band as the “greatest band in the world” a few years ago…
The boys have taken a big step with the new album to getting back into that conversation!
By LKe
June 23, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
A thrilling performance that left me speechless for but one word…”WOW!” I’m still too blown away to elaborate.
By Debbie
June 23, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
This was my 9th R.E.M. show and unquestionably the best I’ve ever seen. They truly were at the top of their game, with the band’s playing seamlessly tight and Michael in excellent voice. They ripped through the setlist at a breakneck pace, with hardly a pause in the action.
The last time I saw them was at Gwinnett Center in October 2004, and their heart was definitely not in the performance. (We know now that the band was going through some serious internal problems, which have since been worked out.) But Saturday, they all seemed so happy to be there, especially Michael, who was positively giddy.
The setlist was a great blend of old and new material, though if it were up to me, I would have cut a couple of the ancient songs (such as “Auctioneer”) and replaced them with new ones like the title song on “Accelerate,” which I really wanted to hear live. It was a thrill, though, to hear “Harborcoat” and “Ignoreland” performed live for the first time (since I started attending their shows, anyway).
Two other highlights for me were the acoustic version of “Let Me In,” with the five guys playing in a circle, and “Bad Day,” with Michael singing directly into the video camera.
I feel so lucky that I was able to be at Lakewood Saturday night, and I’m glad that the critically acclaimed new album and the current successful tour have made people realize what an awesome band R.E.M. really is.
By C
June 23, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
What a show! I still can’t get it all out of my head! It’s great to have REM has a relevant American band again.
The songs from Accelerate smoked, and the older stuff sounded fresh and exciting.
This was my 3rd time seeing the band (‘95@ The Omni, and ‘03 @ Phillips), but this was the best.
Looking forward to a 2nd leg North America tour in the Fall hopefully.
By Mark
June 24, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
If you know anyone who was mistakenly charged $25 for handicapped parking contact Akeasha Branch | General Manager and Marketing Director Lakewood Amphitheatre / Southeast - Music.
By JPride
June 24, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
I absolutely loved the show. Te $9 beers? Not so much…
By R.E.OUT
June 24, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
I went to both of REMs final shows at the Omni in the 90’s and was VERY disappointed. Both shows were SCRIPTED which went completely against what REM stood for. Stipe even said the exact same things between songs! I lost alot of respect for REM after that and will not spend money to see them again.
By wendell gee
June 24, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Russ- actually they did not play any songs from Murmur, or Chronic Town for that matter, which is my only complaint from an amazing show. would have loved to have heard Wolves Lower or 1,000,000.
By DB
June 24, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
A LOW point was the crowd booing Stipe’s speech on Obama? I heard a lot of cheering, and probably a lot fewer boos than he deserved, because there were a LOT of people who didn’t deign to boo or cheer. I Take a breather if you need to, Stipe, but don’t turn it into an unpaid political commercial. That bit about being so depressed after Bush won that he almost couldn’t do his Madison Garden show in 2004 was melodramatic, as well as his scathing reference to Bush’s visit to the MLK memorial as a “desecration”, as if President Bush had stepped up and spray-painted graffiti on the tomb.
I came to hear a concert, not a political statement. I realize that R.E.M. is known for espousing various political and politically correct positions, but why entertainers think they are great political commentators simply because people enjoy their music is beyond me.
The cell-phone bit was a pretty amazing effect! And I have to admire the energy of the gal on row EE — omigod, woman, you looked like you were on a pogo stick for two hours!
By AK
June 24, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Only my 2nd R.E.M. show, but I thought the guys did a wonderful job. And yes it was tough to follow The National and Modest Mouse, both of whom are way beyond just up and comers. But Michael, Mike and Peter were up to the task.
I just wish they’d let Mike sing “Superman” after “Don’t Go Back to Rockville”. Still, it was a fun, relaxed hometown show. We were sitting right behind the band’s friends and family from Athens, and everyone was truly energized by this great American band.
Are they the best American band ever? We can debate that for hours. Are they the best American band still recording and performing together? Definitely, yes!
By Robert
June 24, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Wendell, what albums are Harborcoat, time after time and auctioneer on? Look it up when you’re done listening to Shiny Happy People. And Wolves Lower, that sure is a deep cut that noone has ever heard live. (Philips 2003)
By Robert
June 24, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
By the way, my last post to Wendell was a sarcastic response Russ, that he may not get anyway.
By jc_atl
June 24, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Robert, not sure if your question is sarcastic or not, but Harborcoat and Time After Time are on Reckoning and Auctioneer is on Fables of the Reconstruction. They played nothing earlier than Reckoning (no Murmur, no Chronic Town).
Actually I think they played Wolves, Lower at the 2003 show, or maybe one of the Chastain shows, but I could be mistaken.
By wendell gee
June 24, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Moron Robert- I don’t need to look it up but obviously you do…Harborcoat and Time after Time are off Reckoning and Auctioneer off Fables. Like I said, not one song from Murmur.
By ath
June 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
REM played Wolves Lower in Philly last Wed night. I saw 2 shows on this tour and this was the best REM tour since the Document tour in 1987.
By meach
June 24, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Saw them at merriwether between Baltimore-DC and in Philly. Outstanding. like others have said, brought back memories @ Univ of Md..Eddie Vedder was at Philly show and sang Begin the Begin w/Michael..Excellent…Its on Youtube if interested…
By T
June 25, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
“speeded” ?
By indiefn
June 25, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
This show was my tenth time seeing them. The first was back in 1984. In my opinion, it was as perfect a concert as one can be. Michael was on fire! The band’s performance was much better than the last few times I saw them. I flew up from Tampa for this show. Modest Mouse and the National were excellent choices for openers. It was so cool to see Johnny Marr, especially when he came out and played on “Fall On Me”.
My only complaints are no songs from “Murmur” and “Chronic Town” were played, and the pit was overcrowded. I purchased my tickets through the fan club presale, and then I heard that people had purchased tix for the pit a day or two before the show. Wasn’t too pleased to hear that.
By indiefn
June 25, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
This show was my tenth time seeing them. The first was back in 1984. In my opinion, it was as perfect a concert as one can be. Michael was on fire! The band’s performance was much better than the last few times I saw them. I flew up from Tampa for this show. Modest Mouse and the National were excellent choices for openers. It was so cool to see Johnny Marr, especially when he came out and played on “Fall On Me”.
My only complaints are no songs from “Murmur” and “Chronic Town” were played, and the pit was overcrowded. I purchased my tickets through the fan club presale, and then I heard that people had purchased tix for the pit a day or two before the show. Wasn’t too pleased to hear that.
Was this show a sellout?
By indiefn
June 25, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Anyone know if this show was a sellout?
By Pattie
June 25, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
ROCK ON R.E.M.
This was my fifth time seeing them, and I have to agree that it was one of the finest concerts I have been to period. To my knowledge it was either sold out or very very close. I was pleased with the selection of tunes, and thought everyone was at the top of their game
By RAO
June 26, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
I’ve been thinking for a while REM is the best American band ever…only possible argument could be the Beach Boys, or 4 Seasons. Doors? Pearl Jam? No chance.
By toasted
June 26, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
They blew the place apart in Raleigh and i would say that they sounded more like the clash, Have seen most tours since early 90’s/ Saw PJ in DC last week and would say REM tour is much stronger. New album live is incredible and guitars are singing. THey are the best American Rock Band since the 80’s They dont get the respect they deserve.
By Donna Outlaw
June 26, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Completely PERFECT!