Another new R.E.M. album, more ambivalence

So, three years ago when R.E.M. was set to release Accelerate, I wrote a post about my ambivalence toward the album. It was derivative, pedestrian and uninspiring. It was better than Around the Sun, its awful predecessor, but what wouldn’t be? I eventually warmed to the album, listening to it quite a bit (certainly more than anything since New Adventures in Hi-Fi).

Here we are, three years later, and R.E.M. is set to release another album, Collapse Into Now. My verdict thus far: ambivalence over an album that sounds derivative, pedestrian and uninspiring. At this point, you’d be forgiven for thinking that maybe the problem is me.

I’ll argue to the end that Michael Stipe is perhaps the finest vocalist in rock music when it comes to creating a compelling vocal melody. As is clear by now, the musicians in the band – guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills – usually bring music to the studio, where Stipe later adds vocals. Consistently, despite some rather bland seemingly uncreative backing, Stipe has crafted top-notch melodies that elevate the suspect source material.

That gift, coupled with a renewed burst of energy, propelled the best of Accelerate’s tracks. There was nothing new here; indeed, much of this sounded like R.E.M.’s back catalog jammed into a food processor and poured out into 3-minute servings. But the sheer verve of the performances made these songs sound fresh.

On Collapse into Now, the band seems to be masking a hangover from that period. The energy is still there, in smaller doses, but it seems to have taken its toll. This again feels derivative – is that “Drive” on “Uberlin?” And, um, what’s with the “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” vibe to “Discoverer?”

Admittedly, I’m basing this on 5/12 of the album – the songs the band has previewed thus far. That means the various guest turns from Eddie Vedder, Peaches and others remain unheard (but their presence smacks a bit of desperation).

Will my opinion change after I spend some time with the album? It’s likely. R.E.M. is among a handful of bands that get the benefit of the doubt. I’ll give them time and attention. With only one true dud in its discography, this is a band that has earned it. I hope something clicks. I’d hate to have to wait another three years for a decent R.E.M. album.