Its going to be tough to top this record for me this year, though there have been and will be contenders from my top artists.

But i dont like to call this REM's best album, mainly because of a quote i read from Michael Stipe back in 2004 when a writer asked him about "Around the Sun" and they said "whats your best record" and Michael said "this one, thats why i made it now" and thats how, if you are going to have longevity, you have to think. Im sick of artists that put out a record and than bad mouth the past records when the new gets good success. Since REM lost their drummer, they have gone into a different forum of making records. The way i look at those records from UP to Around the Sun, are a band that has been making studio records, similar to the way the Beatles did from 1965-70 when they stopped touring, though REM has toured non-stop for the most part. The songs on "Accelerate" seem to be recorded to be played live first and foremost, its just another approach, NOT A REBIRTH as some have called it. The stupidest qoute i saw was from NY writer Jim Farber (surprise) when he said, "New record from REM after Dismal records and falling sales, is it too late?" , are u fucking kidding me? Too late for what? to be accepted? to be accepted by who? who is buying music that they would want to appeal too? the fall out boy crowd. I mean serious, they have been making music for 30 years, i think they GOT THE JOB at this point!

But if you dont have the record GET IT! if you hate REM than obviously dont get it, because you arent going to get into to them 30 years later. The beauty of this record is its flow, about 35 minutes, straight to the point, alot of guitar, great writing as usual.

I agree with u

couldn't get into it at all..

I like it, but it's way too early to start saying something's the best of 2008!

Nick715 said:

Well with the calendar for this year, they are pretty close to having it, though for me there have been alot of solid records so far. Mainly from Gary Louris, Joe Jackson, and the Black Crowes too. And with upcoming solo records from the a-Ha members plus their 9th studio album, REM will have competition, it doesnt look like U2 will get a record out this year, its looking more like early next year. On the POP front, the two divas, Janet and Mariah would letdowns, though Mariahs was an improvement over her last record, she still is a queen of FILLER, and for Janet, no comment, the record is just not interesting at all.

^ Really? I'm really liking the new Mariah Carey, much more then her previous one. This has less filler for me.

Still waiting on the new Maxwell, Whitney Houston, etc.

BTW, I despise U2.

Nick715 said:

Im mixed on the Mariah album, im thinkng Madonna will easily be the strongest of the 3 "divas" which is kind of what i expected anyway. I totally forgot about John Mellencamp whose out 7/15 and this could be an easy contender since John and REM to me have been the most consistent album artists of the last 20+ years. Then there are some rumoured releases and artists that are almost finished with their new albums like Heart,Styx,Springfield,Inxs,Coldplay,PCD,Elton and a host of others