Capitol/I.R.S.
This latest collection of R.E.M.'s catalogue before its jump to major label Warner Bros. has it all, from "Gardening at Night" to the always-impressive "It's the End of the World as We Know It "¦ and I Feel Fine." What's most interesting is what R.E.M. defines as hits; "Feeling Gravity's Pull" might leave one scratching his or her head, as it doesn't display the jangle-pop the band is known for, but its weirdness reminds that the band influenced the later likes of Radiohead. This is best for the beginner, but also serves well for those fans who might have sold their collection for cigarette money.
- Bryan Mangieri
