Drive XV

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of R.E.M.'s epic Automatic for the People, first released in October of 1992, Sterogum.com is offering a download of a free tribute album. I have to admit it is pretty good. I am not sure if I like The Wrens whining version of "Nightswimming" although it improves a little at the end. "Monty Got A Raw Deal" is a coveted but lesser known R.E.M. song unfortunately Catfish Heaven's rendition is too much like a bad Springsteen B-side. Meat Puppets bring something different to "Everybody Hurts" but it works. Dappled Cities version of "Try Not to Breathe" sounds like someone climbing stairs with accordions for feet, but you will like it. The biggest surprise for me was "Find the River" reinvented by Dr. Dog. I have never heard of Dr. Dog but defiantly interested in hearing some original music. I almost prefer Rogue Waves "The SideWinder Sleeps Tonite" to the R.E.M. original. Almost. If you love AFTP you will not find much to complain about, for me Tribute albums promise to disappoint as a whole, rarely offering more than three redeemable (re)tunes, but Drive XV finds its way on at least Nine of the Twelve tracts.

you should see the stereogum.com drive xv player here if you have flash