I have to admit that I have been less than thrilled with R.E.M.'s musical direction over the course of the last two albums the band has done, those being 1996's New Adventures in Hi Fi and 1998's Up. That's not to say I did not enjoy those albums, because I felt both were great records that showed a lot of diversity and creative energy within the group. But I also missed the days where R.E.M. were writing solid rock songs. And to an extent, The Great Beyond, featured prominently in the Andy Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon, brought that back to me.

Now to be sure, this song is not going to remind you of What's the Frequency Kenneth?, Finest Worksong or any other REM tune that turns the volume up to ten. It will remind you of just how good a rock band REM is. The song fits the movie and it's subject perfectly. It certainly is not as direct as the previous Kaufman tribute the band did a few years back (ironically enough titled Man on the Moon), as it is more abstract, and much more rhythmic and melodic. The string section adds a lot to the song coming out of the chorus, and lead singer Michael Stipe sings his heart out while holding just enough back for it not to seem fake.

There are two versions of the single out there. The first version features a live version of the previously mentioned Man on the Moon, but there is also a maxi single where you get two more live songs on top of that, the big hits The One I Love and Everybody Hurts.

All three songs are taken from REM's 1999 performance at the Glastonbury festival in England. The One I Love is much frenetic than the album version found on Document. The drumming of Joey Waronker for one is part of the reason for this, as he seems to bring an energy to the band that is even greater in live performances than original drummer Bill Berry brought, which is really saying something.

Everybody Hurts, which for my money is one of best songs of the last 25 years, sounds absolutely sparkling here. Stipe's voice sounds wonderful, especially since this song was played near the end of the band's regular set. (That info is from the REM Timeline website) Another thing that makes this version wonderful is that you can hear the audience joyously singing along to this song in the background.

And finally, Man on the Moon is the final song on the single. I've always liked this song, and this version reinforces my love for it twenty times over. It is played flawlessly, and as you listen to it, you can almost see a big huge smile on Michael Stipe's face as he sings it, especially during the Elvis "hey baby" parts.

Not only is this single essential for the REM completist, but it also re-inforces a fact that many REM fans already know:they need to release a live album, period.



Recommended: Yes