
Proving Grounds

Firstly, I was born in Athens, GA and now live in Marietta, GA. In high school (Class of '90) I was a metalhead for the most part and my antithesis were those being groomed for the UGA experience-naturally avid fans of REM, Drivin' and Cryin', etc. I couldn't stomach it and it wasn't until years had passed and I began to digest more and more music that I began to grudgingly allow these native sons some credit. This album is not the hitfest that got everyone's attention as we crossed over from the 80's to the 90's but is a nice maturation of REM; by the album's release in 1992, much had changed in musical consciousness across this land and I probably would've enjoyed it but 'twas not to be. I just recently bought it and now I'm in my thirties....all that being said, I think it really stands ye olde test of time. I guess it probably was a comfortable analogue to many classmates' growth and was a background track to their consumerist lack of political/social/environmental awareness-Birkenstock shopping music, if you will. But REM did try to connect and there is a poignancy on this album that's kind of touching-surely it began to drive the masses away and by the mid-90's things all over musicland began to die. In conclusion, I think this one separated the radioheads from the fans, which is usually what happens with popular bands. Looking at the derivative, desperate, fallout state of things now, it's pretty reassuring to visit REM. (How many generations have said that kind of thing?)
Review ID: 10000000003443983

Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our
guidelines, it will be posted within 24 hours.
You cannot vote on the helpfulness of a review you wrote.
Your request cannot be processed at this time. Please try again later.