two nights of pure pleasure
Wow!
Just back in England after enjoying the first two nights of the Dublin shows. A little miffed, to be brutally honest, that the encores were the same both nights (but then again that did mean we got my all-time favourite REM track - These days - twice, so it's really only a minor moan) and personally I'm still not struck with I'm Gonna DJ, but holy cow, what about the rest of the show?
12 new tracks - at my reckoning - over the two nights and easily the best selection of new work (or work in progress) by this band for a few years. I was bitterly disappointed with Around the Sun as a whole, I'd seen some of those tracks live before the release and thought it was ok, but don't rate the album. However, if the new material is anything to go by the next opus will be magnificent. It rocks! REM rocks again!
The band seem completely re-invigorated. Peter looks better than he has done in years and his time travelling with Robyn Hitchcock (caught them in Bristol - excellent) has clearly made him want to hit the Rickenbacker again, and hit it hard. His Epiphone 12-string got a fair old bash too on the second night! Michael was having fun, teasing the audience and being his usual charming self and Mike was laughing, joking and very at ease: they were awesome.
Just love the new songs. Mr Richards has already become a favourite - a bit like Hope (so quite Cohen-ey) in places, and the selection of oldies (Sitting Still/1,000,000/Drive/ Disturbance at the Heron House/Wolves, Lower/Electrolite and so on) was genius.
Guys, get this album finished and get it out soon. It'll make the Q and Mojo best of 2007 without a doubt. Great to see REM back where they belong, as the best rock and roll band on the planet. I love you all - and Michael, sorry for asking where Bill was on Saturday!
Darryl
Wow! Didn't know Peter and Robyn are time travelers!
You didn't? Peter's up for the next assistant in Dr Who!
The curse of the errant comma!
Darryl W Bullock
That was you asking where Bill was, I have that on video!
We were struck by the generosity of Michael's reply to "Where's Bill?" - turning to Bill Reiflin and saying "There's Bill!" The last tour was notable for a bit of (perfectly understandable) "them and us" right up to Cardiff where all six took a bow together, so it was great to see Bill R treated as more of a part of the band.
And the new material? Thrilling - every bit as good as people say, and then some - we're still singing bits two days later back in England.
I couldn't agree more, Bill R and Scott M are an integral part of the band now and deserve credit and kudos for the job they do.
The 'where's Bill' shout was suposed to be tongue in cheek, especially as US fans have had the occasional opportunity to see the original line up over the last couple of years, I didn't mean to offend and was pleased to see Michael take it in good spirit.
Darryl W Bullock