R.I.P. R.E.M./Jayhawks Reborn

( R.E.M. Calls It Quits )

In terms of active bands, my favorite band has always been either The Jayhawks (bought the new album today! Woo!) and R.E.M. R.E.M. had a head start on the 'hawks, about ten years' worth, and they were my faves until the 'hawks came around. Basically, whichever band had a more recent album was my favorite. I was on board with R.E.M. from 'Murmur' on, and while I love 'Murmur', 'Reckoning' and 'Lifes Rich Pageant' all over the place, I think 'Automatic For the People' is one of the greatest albums ever recorded by any artist. Period. Yes, they limped their way through the last 15 years, but 'Collapse Into Now' was much better and I was getting optimistic. Total bummer. At least I can curl up with 'Mockingbird Time' sometime in the near future (a little busy with TV/work/school).

So long fellows, and thanks for all the fish great music through the years.