GD

Yeah, thanks. The first video you posted shows up as unavailable to me (maybe a regional thing), but also judging by RYM it seems starting with either Murmur or Automatic for the People would be way to go. Figure I'll just start at the beginning and then throw in Automatic... somewhere.

That's interesting about Up too. What aspects of it appeal to you in particular?

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(formerly known as Gigantic Debaser)
lasty|rate-y music-y

SGR

Now that I think of it, they're better than all Smiths studio albums besides perhaps The Queen is Dead. Can't front on Hatful of Hollow and Louder than Bombs though - even though they're not proper studio albums, they're absolutely excellent.

It was the first REM record after the departure of drummer Bill Berry. Instead of just replacing him REM decided to take a different approach to their sound. The album is much more steeped in electronics and mood pieces. This album became one of those rare albums for me that would provide real comfort during times of depression or anxiety for me - it just kinda made me relax. It's a very slow and deliberate record - and it is easily the most beautiful sounding R.E.M. record. The band took a similar approach as the Smashing Pumpkins after their drummer bowed out (or was kicked out) - they released their beautiful and wistful electronics steeped Adore the same year (only a few months before) R.E.M. released Up and that record works on a very similar cerebral level that this record does.

elphenor

put down the crack pipe

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Just another marketing ploy

elphenor

I'm about to see Morrissey for a 2nd time and have no reservations about it, he's great, he hasn't changed, he's exactly what he's supposed to be

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Just another marketing ploy

SGR

For most Smiths studio albums, there was a duff track in them that stuck out like a sore thumb, whether it's "Meat is Murder" (or "Barbarism Begins at Home"), "Miserable Lie", or in Strangeways case, basically the entire b-side of the record. I'll give "Vicar in a Tutu" a pass, even though it is the weakest track on TQID.

R.E.M.'s first two records didn't have duff tracks.

And what is that, exactly?

elphenor

Strangeways is underrated, that's a gud ****in record

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Just another marketing ploy

elphenor

also Miserable Lie is dynamite in so many ways...so much more rockin', strange, and funny than anything REM ever did

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Just another marketing ploy

elphenor

I mean REM is a college band for a college town ofc they're all likeable and make kinda just nice frilly art music

The Smiths are working class English punk blokes warts and all..
Mozz may not be totally likeable but he's 100% more exciting than Stipe

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Just another marketing ploy

DriveYourCarDownToTheSea

I have no opinion on the matter but I voted for REM just to make the poll tied.

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Stop and find a pretty shell for her
Beach Boys vs Beatles comparisons begin here

rubber soul

I certainly agree with SGR about the early albums (also add Fables of the Reconstruction) but I'd also add Automatic For the People on the list. Also, I think New Adventures in Hi-Fi is highly underrated.

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