Album of the Day: R.E.M. "Reveal"

You know, I have to take back what i said yesterday about enjoying all of R.E.M.'s album, I listened through this album (well didn't make it actually) and it's a train wreck. I mean it's really just a bad album. I think there's a good album in there somewhere that's trying to break out, but overall it's just a bore, and really uninspired, silliness. Now, that said, there are some AMAZING songs on here. I honestly don't know how "All the Way to Reno (You're gonna be a star)" even goes on this album because its so incredible. I mean it's just beautiful and shows that they still have life in them. Another great song is "Imitation of Life" which you can tell they know it's one of the few bright moments because its one of the few times they even are acting like they care. The album also kicks off with the nice "The Lifting", and there are MAYBE 2 or 3 other tracks that are worth listening to, but then the rest is just horrible, filler SHIT! I mean it, I just don't think you defend this stuff. I believe "Up" was a succesful, experimental departure for the band, but "Reveal" is just floundering. I don't own "Around the Sun", so won't make it all the way through their full lenght albums as far as reviews go, but I hear it is about the same level of quality as this one. I hate ending on a sad note for R.E.M. with this album, but here's to the hope that songs like "All the Way to Reno" and "Imitation of Life" point to some life that is still there, and that R.E.M. will make a great comback such as acts like Belle and Sebastian, Steely Dan or Oasis.