R.E.M. becomes the first artist to debut at #1 on the Modern Rock chart with "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?," a song that reshaped the band's sound after a softer, introspective run in the early '90s
My entry point to REM was several years earlier with Green and while I enjoyed that and the next few albums, I also appreciated the stylistic change with Monster. I’ve never gone back to their early work, it’s probably something I should do at some point.
Just have to say, I love this series so much Matt, particularly the era of music that you’re covering now. While I still stay up to date on new music, there’s something really special about the music of the 90s. That was a really important time in my life for many reasons and the music you’re covering brings back so many memories.
I did a full R.E.M. catalog listen session back in the mid 2010s when I had a one-hour, one-way commute to and from my job at the time. That was the first time I'd listened to every R.E.M. song, and it was really fun. I recommend it; lots of gems in those pre-Green albums.
I appreciate the compliment, too! The first two years writing this series, I spent more time discovering bands I missed the first time around, so my writing was focused from the perspective of someone who's reviewing a lot of songs for the first time.
The challenge now: I intimately know every song going forward, so how do I "review" songs that are pretty much woven into the fabric of who I am? So I try to write to connect with readers by sharing how these songs came into my life, and connecting with others who have similar memories from that part of their lives.
I'm glad you're along for the ride! Lots of good stuff coming!
One of my favorite tracks/albums. I appreciated the new direction they were taking (or maybe I was just glued to MTV and heard this song enough times to have it stuck in my brain forever.)
Same! And I appreciate the MTV angle, as I'm sure that influenced me, too. This was my peak MTV video-watching time, and this was in heavy rotation, as well as STP’s “Interstate Love Song,” which peaked at #2 just behind “Kenneth.”
Iconic song. Kinda "left field" for REM but maybe not so much. They were always delightfully left field bomb throwers. That's why they're great, no doubt.
Agree. As the years pass, I find myself loving “Monster” more and more. This song, though, was my gateway into their catalog, the first one I remember engaging actively (their “Out Of Time” and “Automatic” hits were in the air for me, but I was more passively aware and far less passionate about).
Dinosaur Jr's last album came out in 2021, not 2016. It's called Sweep It Into Space, and it's really good.
Good catch! Updated with the new date.
My entry point to REM was several years earlier with Green and while I enjoyed that and the next few albums, I also appreciated the stylistic change with Monster. I’ve never gone back to their early work, it’s probably something I should do at some point.
Just have to say, I love this series so much Matt, particularly the era of music that you’re covering now. While I still stay up to date on new music, there’s something really special about the music of the 90s. That was a really important time in my life for many reasons and the music you’re covering brings back so many memories.
I did a full R.E.M. catalog listen session back in the mid 2010s when I had a one-hour, one-way commute to and from my job at the time. That was the first time I'd listened to every R.E.M. song, and it was really fun. I recommend it; lots of gems in those pre-Green albums.
I appreciate the compliment, too! The first two years writing this series, I spent more time discovering bands I missed the first time around, so my writing was focused from the perspective of someone who's reviewing a lot of songs for the first time.
The challenge now: I intimately know every song going forward, so how do I "review" songs that are pretty much woven into the fabric of who I am? So I try to write to connect with readers by sharing how these songs came into my life, and connecting with others who have similar memories from that part of their lives.
I'm glad you're along for the ride! Lots of good stuff coming!
Sounds like a great idea! I’ll definitely go back and check out some of the pre-Green albums.
I’m probably in the same boat as you as I’m probably less familiar with the earlier years of the MRT chart than the time period we’re entering now.
One of my favorite tracks/albums. I appreciated the new direction they were taking (or maybe I was just glued to MTV and heard this song enough times to have it stuck in my brain forever.)
Same! And I appreciate the MTV angle, as I'm sure that influenced me, too. This was my peak MTV video-watching time, and this was in heavy rotation, as well as STP’s “Interstate Love Song,” which peaked at #2 just behind “Kenneth.”
Iconic song. Kinda "left field" for REM but maybe not so much. They were always delightfully left field bomb throwers. That's why they're great, no doubt.
Agree. As the years pass, I find myself loving “Monster” more and more. This song, though, was my gateway into their catalog, the first one I remember engaging actively (their “Out Of Time” and “Automatic” hits were in the air for me, but I was more passively aware and far less passionate about).