Like U2, REM’s return to their roots has probably surprised even them in the way their new albums have been lauded by critics and the public alike. Face it, with the amount of money these guys have got, the temptation must be to just quit, or meander experimentally up your own bottom. Ah but they’re not mere mortals like us. You see they do it ‘cos they like to do it, and that’s the only way to create brilliant music. Which this rhinestone studded offering most definitely is. And there’s

a live version of ‘Imitation Of Life’, you spoiled brats.