R.E.M. released Automatic For The People in 1992, when the music scene was saturated with amped-up grunge acts. Michael Stipe & gang still managed to achieve critical and commercial success, however, and the refined, evocative songs that grace the 8th album from the alternative rock pioneers still resonate 25 years later. "Drive" sets a somber tone right off the bat, but the LP also explores more fun, hopeful emotions on "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" and and "Man on the Moon." But, there is no doubt that it's the melancholic, introspective tracks that define the oversound sound and mood (after all, Kurt Cobain was listening to this album before he took his own life): check "Everybody Hurts," "Try Not To Breathe," and "Sweetness Follows." This 25h anniversary edition has been remastered from original analog masters, and the album is pressed on 180g vinyl. Includes digital download card + printed inner sleeve.

• 25th anniversary edition
• 180g black vinyl pressing
• remastered audio
• printed inner sleeve
• original release year: 1992
• Craft Recordings 2017

reviewed by rei kwondo 12/2017