Out of Time by R.E.M. (CD, Mar-1991, Warner and similar items

Out of Time R.E.M. Format: Audio CD Watershed with a Geyser "'Out of Time,' but certainly not out of talent, R.E.M. reinvented themselves in sound and outlook like never before. The double images of a watershed on the album's cover can't fail to make its point: They will never be the same. To accentuate their makeover, the back photo shows the group in black, mourning their old image. (It is an update to the Beatles at their own funeral on the cover of 'Sgt. Pepper'.) Mike Mills has an all-knowing smirk, and Michael Stipe's arms are raised to embrace the horizon like the tragic characters in Joyce Carol Oates' story, "Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?" They definitely go to new destinations from here on out. The desperation, angst, and appeals made for divine and human love seemingly gone wrong are brilliantly presented on this their, er..., watershed...album. On 'Out of Time' the sky's the limit. They start with a loose and skillful rap "Radio Song" with scathing lines addressed to the aggrieved beloved. The song also skillfully parodies "Pop Song '89," which is itself a fun-filled mockery of pop music. Then, their anguished anthem "Losing My Religion" serenades the listener even in the midst of despair. Peter's expert mandolin playing and the alternative "wall of sound" they created shot this song nearest the top spot of any R.E.M. single. (Sour relationships and the alienation of stardom have shaken their faith.) The angry despair of unrequited love continues even though the potpourri of music embellishes it in many different ways. "Low" is brilliant, even with its Velvet Underground influence. The desperation is stark and superbly presented. "Near Will Heaven" is sarcastic and innocuous at the same time. Sounding like a pop choir, the lyrics celebrate innocense and its overthrow in the same breath. Then, there is the pensiveness presented in the fine instrumental "Endgame". (As Tom Petty sang, "Waiting is the hardest part.") The second half of the C.D. trumps the first. "Shiny Happy People" has the same effect as "Near Wild Heaven," except it is looser and more exhilarating. The bitterness is apparent, but R.E.M. sings to cheer themselves up. (The video, especially Bill Berry's appearance, tells it all.) "Half a World Away" continues the pensiveness with a harpsicord-like accompaniment and a lyrical assertiveness that lets us know that love is more important than politics. (Not resisting comparisons, U2 demonstrated this by ending 'Rattle and Hum,' the movie and the C.D., with "All I Want Is You".) Then, "Texarkana," is arguably--yes, subjectively, too--the album's best song. With able delivery and finesse shown like on "World Leader Pretend," 'Green's best song, "Texarkana" is a symphonic psalm that builds up to a crescendo, sung with bitter sarcasm by Mike Mills with fine back-up vocals by Stipe. If this weren't enough, "Country Feedback" is a brilliant piece of country alternative, complete with reverberation that evokes all the blistering heartache present. Even Michael Stipe's vocals trail off, too emotional to prevent a pause. After all this variety and brilliance, the album ends with a hopeful, exhilarating, but desperate appeal. "Me in Honey" treats alternative like big band music with a gallop. The energy and appeal of the music on 'Out of Time' is stunning. Certainly, the inspiration is exceptional, but the quality of musicianship, lyrics, and variety of forms presented is stunning and perfectionistic, especially when they loosen up their shirtsleeves like never before." Rocky Raccoon