By John Reed
09.30.98
Sonicnet
R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe may be spending time behind the scenes promoting his band’s upcoming album, but eager fans here are getting their fix of the charismatic rocker by feasting their eyes on his snapshots at an exhibit organized at Boston University.
While followers of rock mega-group R.E.M. await the release of the Athens, [...]
09.28.98
Dotmusic
Rating: 5
The first single from REM since 1996’s Electrolite and also the first since the departure of drummer Bill Berry, Daysleeper finds Michael Stipe on familiar territory.
Wistful and delicate, it’s akin to previous single Nightswimmers in tone and colour, and is bound to appeal to the band’s long-term fans. Preceding the new album, Up (released [...]
By Dave Veitch
10.25.98
Calgary Sun
With the departure of drummer Bill Berry last year, remaining members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills decided to reshape the R.E.M. sound and the end result, as captured on Up, is startling. Using tape loops, exotic percussion, antiquated drum machines and synthesizers, the band has created a cool, eerie and [...]
By Kevin Courtney
10.23.98
Irish Times
Hacks everywhere are probably sweating buckets over REM’s latest offering, unsure whether it’s a wonderful new adventure in hi-fi, or simply the self-indulgent noodlings of a band who can well afford to witter away their middle age. Here’s my approach: I treasured Murmur, hated Fables, loved Life’s Rich Pageant, tolerated Out Of [...]