Rob riffs on the 13th studio album from R.E.M. “Around the Sun” from September of 2004 (Leaving New York / Wanderlust / Aftermath / around the sun). STAFF PICKS: “1985” by Bowling for Soup — Bruce. "Float On” by Modest Mouse— Lynch. “I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney — Wayne. COMEDY TRACK: “Goofy Goober Rock” by SpongeBob SquarePants. **(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)
R.E.M. put out a multitude of hits in college, modern, and alternative rock genres in the 80's and 90's. By the time that Around the Sun, the group's 13th studio album was released, the band was experiencing changes in personnel and struggles with focus. Drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997 and was replaced by Bill Reiflin. While Reiflin would be the regular percussionist for the band until their dissolution in 2011, he would not be considered a member of the band like Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass, keyboards), or Michael Stipe (vocals).
From a commercial standpoint the album was a success, going to number 13 on the Billboard 200 in the US, and topping the album chart in the UK. However, critical reviews were more negative, and the band members would agree over time with Stipe and Mills stating that the album lacked focus. Peter Buck was more critical, stating that the album shows that the band was bored with the material. Many consider this the worst R.E.M. studio album the group produced.
However, with the benefit of hindsight we think this album is due for a second look. The songs are more adult-oriented than the bands hits from prior decades, yet maintain the distinctive R.E.M. sound. There is a cleaner production on this album and clearer lyrics.
Rob brings us a great debut folk rock album in this week's podcast.
Leaving New York
The lead off track was also the lead single from the album. It reached number 5 on the UK singles chart, making it the eleventh and last top-10 REM single in that country. However, it was not heavily promoted and failed to crack the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first US single from an REM studio album not to chart since 1985. It has a somber tone.
Wanderlust
This was the fourth and final single from the album, and utilizes a complex time signature of 4/4 time in the verses and 7/4 in the chorus. The title references the desire to travel, and not remain in one place for very long. "I got my signals crossed. It's overwhelming me because I'm all alone and I cant get back - get back with my wanderlust."
Aftermath
The second single from the album portrays a woman living in a daze after a breakup. Overwhelmed by ruminations, she overfeeds the cat and underwaters the plants. It went to number 15 on the US alternative rock chart and number 41 on the UK singles chart.
around the sun
The album contains a title track - a rarity on REM albums. It begins with a soft acoustic guitar leading into pensive lyrics. "Hold on world, 'cause you don't know what's coming. Hold on world, 'cause I'm not jumping off. Hold on to this boy a little longer, take another trip around the sun."
STAFF PICKS:
1985 by Bowling for Soup
Bruce starts the staff picks with a song about a middle-aged woman thinking about how things have changed since her glory days in 1985. It is a cover song originally done by pop punk band SR-71, but made famous by the Bowling for Soup version. It went to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 5 on the Adult Top 40.
Float On by Modest Mouse
Lynch brings us a track that songwriter and band founder Isaac Brock says was consciously written to feel more positive than some of his previous work. The lyrics are stoic - not getting caught up in the bad things, because good things are around the corner. "Alright, already, we'll all float on."
I Go Back by Kenny Chesney
Wayne's flips the script on us by bringing a country song into the mix, but with lyrics that talk about listening to rock songs in the past. With references to the Steve Miller Band, Billy Joel, Sunday church, Sunday lunch, and the death of a High School friend, Chesney recounts days gone by.
COMEDY TRACK:
Goofy Goober Rock by SpongeBob SquarePants
"The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" was released around this time, and included this parody of a Twisted Sister song.