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Monster
by: REM

List Price: £9.99

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Used Price: £0.01
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Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0093624574026
Label: Warner
Manufacturer: Warner
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Warner
Release Date: September 26, 1994
Studio: Warner
Sales Rank: 8545
MPN: 45740

Disc 1:

Related Items:

Editorial Review:

Amazon.co.uk Review:
R.E.M. pushed the jangle out of the picture with Monster, replacing it with reverberating snaps, crackles, and pops. An album that wraps itself to 1970s glam finery while reaching out to the flannel-clad post-Nirvana throngs, it largely succeeds at demonstrating that these Georgians still know how to rock. The MTV fave "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" kicks things off on a high note as Peter Buck's distorted power chords set the tone for the 12-song set. "Strange Currencies" may be alarmingly reminiscent of the Automatic for the People hit "Everybody Hurts," but it's actually the superior song. "Let Me In" is a heavily distorted nod to the fallen Kurt Cobain. While Monster is far from R.E.M.'s most consistent effort, it stands as a ragged and risky respite from safe and sound alterna-rock. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating:

- The very definition of "grower"
I still have vivid memories of the disgust I felt when I put this album on my stereo for the first time. My only prior experience of their vast catalog was Automatic for the People and Out of Time (with AFTP being perhaps my favourite album at that time - perhaps it still is, but I digress), so this disc was a complete shock to me. Its big, fat, distorted bass sounds, jarring, overdriven electric guitar and "treated" vocals were at least a million miles away from the stripped down acoustic perfection of AFTP.
When I spoke with my friends about it, I was unable to put into words just how much I hated everything about the record. However, after a few more listenings, I found that Strange Currencies appeared to have some redeeming qualities... ... Read More:

Rating:

- A Brilliant, Unpredictable Monster Of An Album
Of course, I could be completely predictable and recommend the stunning and near perfect pieces of work in R.E.M.'s catalogue, Automatic For The People and Out Of Time, but where would my sense of wanting to spread the word and share the lesser masterpieces be? Monster is one of those greats which somehow slipped under the critical radar which, considering the content, is almost puzzling.

The question, of course, is "If it's so damn good, why isn't it more popular?" and the answer is that it was a question of expectation and timing. Stipe, Mills, Buck & Berry had just made arguably two of the most perfect, gentle, delicate and beautiful albums ever committed to shiny silver disc, so perhaps the world wasn't quite expecting or receptive ... Read More:

Rating:

- "This monster in me makes me retch" - Circus Envy
1994. R.E.M. have enjoyed almost two quiet years out of the limelight, bar a two-song stint at the 1993 MTV awards, but come back roaring. The acoustic guitars, bongos and mandolins that frequented Out of Time and Automatic For The People have been put a way temporarily and in their place are loud drums, odd guitar effects and Michael Stipe delivering 12 tales of identity crises, lust, loss, betrayal and love. And lust. Yes, this is definitely R.E.M.'s lust album.

Lead single "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" reminded longtime R.E.M. fans that they could still rock, though the lyrics will have baffled most. It concerned CBS newsreader Dan Rather being mugged in New York by two men, one of whom wished to know "What's the frequency, Kenneth?" ... Read More:

Rating:

- An absolute corker
A lot of nonsense is talked about this album, generally of the order that it's a disappointment after Automatic and Out of Time. Wrong! This album is a corker from start to finish- there's hardly a bad song here. Just because Bucky has ditched the mandolins and turned up his amp doesnt mean that these aren't very well-crafted (and well-produced) songs. In fact, its worth noting that album sounds fantastic- although you may be forgiven for thinking that its an album of murky sludge, nothing could be further from the truth. Despite Buck's heavily delayed, feedback-soaked riffs, the sound is perfectly balanced, with drums, bass and vocals all present and correct, giving the album one heck of a punch.

So, in terms of songs, what do we have ... Read More:

Rating:

- One of their best albums!
I have to say I think 'Monster' is one of REM's best albums simply for the fact that it's raw rock with some amazing guitar rifts which are a joy to listen to again and again. This is probably as heavy as REM will ever be. I think this album has to be isolated from their previous (and later) albums to be appreciated. Bang and Blame, Crush with Eyeliner, Let Me In and What's the Frequency, Kenneth? are the best tracks which each feature a great guitar sound. Strange Currencies is one of REM's best love tracks, perhaps just overshadowed by Everybody Hurts. I Don't Sleep I Dream, I Took Your Name, You and Star 69 are also very good numbers with good rythyms, the latter has a nice quick beat. Tongue is the slow ballad song which is one of their best in my view. ... Read More:

Music : Monster