Speaking of the REM, the Georgians are back. Seen in those terms, ‘Imitation Of Life’ is hardly the ‘Beautiful Day’ kind of return to form that

they may have needed. Bearing more than a

passing resemblance to ‘The Great Beyond’ in

it’s playful mood, the song is custom built for maximum radio play but possibly not a long

shelf life. A grower for sure, but no matter how good ‘Imitation Of Life’ is (and it is very good) REM still find themselves overshadowed by

several of the other releases this fortnight, which at one time was a pretty unthinkable state of affairs.