American Alternative music reviews

This was the first phish CD i bought, and the main reason for this was because I saw it had bouncing round the room on it, and i had heard the "live one" version of this and liked it. However, not only was the studio version not quite as good but i was uninterested in the other songs, especially the jams (Reba, Run like an antelope) because at this point i didn't fully appeciate long songs. Dissatisfied, i went to buy picture of nectar, billy breathes, and junta (in that order). Now, after becoming more of a "phan", I went back and listened to this CD that I had so long called "mediocre". No that I appeciate Phish and jammin more, I found that I love this CD now! I like pretty much all the songs. Here they are in order from best to worst (in my opinion):

1. Bathtub Gin
2. Reba
3. Run like an Antelope
4. The Squirming Coil
6. Bouncin Around the Room
7. My Sweet One
8. split open and melt
9. Lawn Boy

Even though there obviously has to be songs low on the chart, the only 2 that i don't really like are the last 2. Tracks 1-7 are all great. My sweet one is incredibly fun to spin around in circles to, and sometimes grab two pens and bang them against something to the rhythm of the song (or just bang them rhythmless). I can get myself so tired dancing around to Bathtub Gin. Every song (almost) is priceless. I highly recommend buying this CD, but if you're just trying to get into phish start with "a live one" or pictue of nectar.

I spent the 70's and some part of the 80's listening to Progressive rock, like genesis, yes, camel, gentle giant and followed these musicians into Jazz fusion in the later 80's and 90's.

I am sure there are more groups like Phish that I missed out on. I recently heard of them and bought this CD used and cheap, right here for three fity as my kids would say, and I am really amazed at the quality of music.

This is a quality group and a good CD. If you are reading this, you probably like the sound of music that fills you with riffs and harmonies, great leads with cool licks from all GREAT musicians in this band.

One could argue they are a little silly and wierd with there lyrics, but that is what creativity is all about.

This is a quality band that just played in the wrong era. If you like different and good music, and are a musician who does not play mainstream music or just a person that does not buy into mainstream music, this CD is for you.

Their second big time album, this album is near musical perfection to my ears.
It's definitely one of their more free-form albums, but I think that's a lot of the attraction to Phish anyway.

My favorite songs are "Reba", an odd song semi-reminiscent of "Esther" from Junta, "Split Open and Melt" which is a slightly ominous funk song (great bass part here, courtesy of one of the world's best bass players. People for a louder Mike!) that really shows their versatility in musical form. "The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony" is a country/jazz inspired melodic jam with a happy crowd laughing in the background. I believe it refers to sessions where the band would lock themselves in a room with a pan of special brownies and let the inspiration flow freely.

that title belongs to the "warehouse songs and stories" album. dont get me wrong, this cd is some quality pop laced hardcore...is it ok to say pop punk?..well anyways, yes this is more consistent than zen arcade(which about ties this) but i feel it just is missing a certain signature husker du nostalgia feeling that warehouse contained......celebrated summer contained this, but the rest simply seemed like a polished zen arcade sound..while not being as diverse, but more catchy and easier to grow on...this is a great first timer album unless you can find warehouse anywhere...which is weird that you can find SST indy cds easier than the warner releases.

i dont dislike this album at all, but to me it just grows stale the fastest..it is much better than candy apple grey though!..and i confess i still need to hear flip your wig..hehe

I know a lot of Husker Du fans love Zen Arcade, but I think New Day Rising was their first great album and the three albums they released after it were stellar. They still had that hard, raw, post-punk sound of their roots but were starting to move into a more accessible sound. I can see people who may not like Metal Circus or Land Speed Record really get into this album and I can also see fans of Husker's later, mainstream sound appreciate the rough edge of this first of their two 1985 releases (the other being Flip Your Wig). They walk that power line (so to speak) perfectly (a perfect example, right?). Whereas, Grant Hart put out his best material on the later albums, Bob Mould's tracks really stand out here (Hart has some excellent stuff here, too). There are some fillers included at the end, but there are also more than an album's worth of 12 excellent tracks, so five stars it gets!

"New Day Rising" (Mould) 2:31: Classic title track. For one line being screamed over and over, this song really rocks!
"The Girl Who Lives on Heaven Hill" (Hart) 3:03: Another strong rocker that just blows you away with Hart screaming at the top of his lungs. The almost menacing guitar riff really drives this track.
"I Apologize" (Mould) 3:40: Things settle down a bit with this straight-forward rocker with the singy-songy chorus. Musically, it's not as powerful, but Mould's vocals keep the intensity up: "It's your turn can you look me in the eye? Apologiiiize... HOW `BOUT IT!"
"Folklore" (Mould) 1:34: Noisy, punk style of early Husker Du. It has interesting lyrics, if you can understand them: "Women sewed the stars and stripes and the men, they fought the wars. The children learned arithmetic and everyone was poor...Now the women scream for equal rights their man wants to have an affair. Children learn to hate the world and no one seems to care."
"If I Told You" (Hart) 2:05: Awesome track! This just rocks with great vocals and drum work by Hart, especially at the bridge where he's screaming at the top of his lungs while just flying on the drum kit.
"Celebrated Summer" (Mould) 3:59: Bob Mould classic! Slow at the beginning and then rocks out! The guitar is incredible here from start to finish!
"Perfect Example" (Mould) 3:16: This may be my favorite track on the album. It is a slow song with quiet, muffled vocals by Mould. I really like it for the guitar sound.

"Terms of Psychic Warfare" (Hart) 2:17: Greg Norton kicks in with the bass line and this song just flies. Great vocals by Hart with just enough masked anger to drive the song: "And don't feel bad next time my memory comes creepin'. You've got your own bed now I suggest that's the one you sleep in."
"59 Times the Pain" (Mould) 3:18: Awesome, powerful track! Torturous vocals by Mould. For years I thought the line "Look at the photos from different eras gone by" sounded like "Coca Cola the drink that really satisfies." Mould's line is probably better.
"Powerline" (Mould) 2:22: Heavy sounding track with great vocals and guitar.
"Books About UFOs" (Hart) 2:46: Who couldn't like this song? Fun lyrics with piano pounding away. "I'm going to turn into a lens and focus all my attention on finding a new planet and naming it right after her" Ahhhhh. Much different than "Diane."
"I Don't Know What You're Talking About" (Mould) 2:20: Speedy hard rocker that I wish ended the album.
"How To Skin a Cat" 1:52: Now we get to the fillers. Why? The album was perfect up the this point. Mould rips away on the guitar and talks about fattening the cats on rats and getting cat skins and feeding their skinned carcasses back to the rats...I guess if you hate cats you'll find humor here, I find it annoying.
"Watcha Drinkin'?" (Mould) 1:30: This is actually a legitimate punk hard rocker with a cool bass riff in the middle, but seems weak compared to all the masterpieces here.
"Plans I Make" (Mould) 4:16: Loud, noisy, screaming punk with barely understandable lyrics. The guitar does rock out, though. 4:00 of it is a bit much.

Among the top Alternative Rock acts on the 80's, Husker Du had undoubtedly been on a number of 'most promising' lists after their ambitious, 23-song set 'Zen Arcade', but their masterwork 'New Day Rising' created a sound that would not only help define their identity as a group, but set a number of standards for quality within the outlandishly abrasive settings of the Alternative Rock scene. The 15 songs on this 1985 disc range from harrowing fuzz-rock (the title track), intense harmonies ('The Girl Who Lives On Heaven's Hill') and off-beat, mildly disturbing art-punk ('How To Skin A Cat'). Other highlights include the uncannily catchy 'Books About UFOs', the almost-sweet 'I Apologize', and the beautifully convoluted 'Celebrated Summer'. In fact, most of the album finds the band successfully (for the most part) applying intensely complex bass lines and guitar riffs to inconsistent drumming and smoldering, oft-times repetitive vocals. If this sounds at all like your cup of tea, then drink, drink away.

My first exposure to Veruca Salt, a number of years ago, was their album Eight Arms To Hold You, which remains my favorite. This album is a bit mellower. The guitars aren't as dominant, the lyrics aren't as angry, and the overall feel is a touch quieter. These are not bad things though; if you were listening to hear the words and not to bang your head, you might actually prefer this album to their other work. Some of the earlier tracks on the album have quite an edge to them all the same, especially the opening "Get Back," which would fit just fine on Eight Arms, in my opinion. It trails off a bit at the end, and that's why I didn't give it five stars; this is an album I listen to the first two thirds of pretty often, and the last few tracks of not so much at all.

Veruca Salt's American Thighs is an under-rated American masterpiece. What a great band they were, well they still play today but Louise Post is the only original member left standing. Nina Gordon and her were very special and gifted girls. This album is produced by Brad Wood who also produced Liz Phair's highly-acclaimed Exile in Guyville the same year as this record. All the tracks are great and low-key. Half the songs are written by Louise Post and the other half is written by Nina Gordon. Post's songs include: the terrific Celebrate You, the completely cool Wolf, Spiderman 79, Victrola, All Hail Me, and the soothing Fly. Gordon's songs include: the catchy Forsythia, Seether, Twinstar, Sleeping Where i want, Get Back, the epic 25, and Number one Blind. There is something special about this album, it doesn't grab your attention right away but after a few listens, you appreciate its simple and mellow texture. American Thighs is a piece of Americana. Also check-out their follow-up record Eight arms to hold you produced by Bob Rock.

You know what really makes this album awesome? Well the fact that it's awesome. But aside from that, the fingers scratching across the strings on every chord change. Oh my god I luv that.

My first exposure to Veruca Salt, a number of years ago, was their album Eight Arms To Hold You, which remains my favorite. This album is a bit mellower. The guitars aren't as dominant, the lyrics aren't as angry, and the overall feel is a touch quieter. These are not bad things though; if you were listening to hear the words and not to bang your head, you might actually prefer this album to their other work. Some of the earlier tracks on the album have quite an edge to them all the same, especially the opening "Get Back," which would fit just fine on Eight Arms, in my opinion. It trails off a bit at the end, and that's why I didn't give it five stars; this is an album I listen to the first two thirds of pretty often, and the last few tracks of not so much at all.

Veruca Salt's American Thighs is an under-rated American masterpiece. What a great band they were, well they still play today but Louise Post is the only original member left standing. Nina Gordon and her were very special and gifted girls. This album is produced by Brad Wood who also produced Liz Phair's highly-acclaimed Exile in Guyville the same year as this record. All the tracks are great and low-key. Half the songs are written by Louise Post and the other half is written by Nina Gordon. Post's songs include: the terrific Celebrate You, the completely cool Wolf, Spiderman 79, Victrola, All Hail Me, and the soothing Fly. Gordon's songs include: the catchy Forsythia, Seether, Twinstar, Sleeping Where i want, Get Back, the epic 25, and Number one Blind. There is something special about this album, it doesn't grab your attention right away but after a few listens, you appreciate its simple and mellow texture. American Thighs is a piece of Americana. Also check-out their follow-up record Eight arms to hold you produced by Bob Rock.

You know what really makes this album awesome? Well the fact that it's awesome. But aside from that, the fingers scratching across the strings on every chord change. Oh my god I luv that.

my friend harold kercher loves this. he flunked a grade.

After "Cumbersome" hit the airwaves Florida's Seven Mary Three was labeled yet another Pearl Jam knock-off just like every other band to come out in the last decade with a baritone lead singer and electric guitars. At this point the band certainly didn't have the musical or lyrical ability of PJ, but 7M3 lead singer Jason Ross admits the comparison was warranted in this case.

However, this stigma doesn't hurt a very good post-grunge record. Despite the lack-luster guitar work Ross carves out a unique "on the edge" vocal style that shines throughout the album. "American Standard" is much deeper than radio hits "Cumbersome" and "Water's Edge". The blazing "My My" is probably the best song on the record while "Roderigo" and "Lame" show 7M3's ability to write strong ballads. "Punch In Punch Out" is a unique track with just drums and the vocals of Ross and the albums closes with the solid mid-tempo "Favorite Dog".

"American Standard" is a mid-90's standout that any fan of good rock music should take a listen to.

Forget the term "bubblegrunge" and all that crap. This is a really solid alternative-rock album, and these guys really don't sound like Pearl Jam that much.

The album kicks off with "Water's Edge", which is a story about a murder. The lyrics to this song are excellent. Jason Ross' vocals are gripping in this song, they hold your attention. It's the most intense song on the album, probably should have been a bigger hit, and it's one of their best songs overall. "Cumbersome" is the most well-known song on this one, and it's pretty good. It's one of the harder edged songs on this one. "Roderigo" and "Devil Boy" are both somewhat softer songs, though they both have their louder moments; both are solid alternative songs. "My My" is one of my favorites on here as well, good fast song, good solo (though this song does sound a bit like Pearl Jam... it's not a bad thing). "Lame" is a good acoustic ballad, I really like the end of it. "Headstrong" is the hardest song on here; it really rocks. Ross can yell pretty good, and does it on this song (Note: the bridge of this song is the only other time they kinda sound like Pearl Jam). "Anything" is a good slower song, it's a love song I suppose, but the lyrics don't make sense all the time. "Margaret" is my least favorite song on here, I think it's kinda weak and doesn't add much. "Punch In, Punch Out" is different and cool because it's just a drum solo with vocals. Closer "Favorite Dog" is a different kind of animal; it's long drawn-out verses give way to a harder rocking chorus. This song has a long drawn-out bridge too, it has it's moments of boredom, but it has good moments too. Not surprisingly, it's the longest song on here (6+ minutes).

Overall, this CD is another good alternative-rock CD from the mid 90's. It's got a good mix of harder rock songs and ballads, and for the most part is fairly unique. Only on their harder songs do they sound a little like Pearl Jam; but the harder songs on here are great. Ross' lyrics don't make sense all the time, but that's ok; sometimes they're good too (especially Water's Edge).Overall, I'd recommend this CD to fans of the Seattle bands (you know who they are) and fans of alternative bands like the Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls, and Collective Soul. 8/10 for a good CD.

Not Cracker's best but still well worth the money and time to listen. The same blend of country, rock, punk, and "alternative" that we come to expect from them.

Some real gems: "My Life is Totally Boring...", "Hold of Myself", and "I Want Out of the Circus" are great fun. "Trials & Tribulations" and "Wedding Day" illustrate just how unclassifiable Cracker are. "The Good Life" is an energetic start. And "Unnamed track 24" deserves a name: a wonderful showcase of their new bassist's talent--she out Bonnie-Raitts Bonnie Raitt!

"Hallelujah" is actually quite beautiful, in contrast to many of Cracker's "slow" songs which tend to be.... well, slow.... (This general trend is also excepted, in spades, by "I Want Everything " which is easily one of their best songs on any album.)

A good album by a great band, but (as with much of their stuff) a bit too much left off the cutting floor...

Cracker's fourth album, "Gentlemen's Blues" is a marked improvement from their previous effort, even if it isn't quite on par with their first two records. The album contains the greatest diversity in sound the band had yet achieved and their Virginia roots shine through more than ever in their music (see: "James River" for details). Leader David Lowery has regained his deft sense of humor and longtime sideman Johnny Hickman comes up two of his best ever songs in "Wedding Day" and "Hold of Myself."

Other highlights from the album include the gorgeous "Lullabye," and the rocker "My Life is Totally Boring Without You" that is as close to a signature tune as Lowery can get. There's also some hidden material with a strong Blues bent, which is fitting of the whole album's more adventuresome style. It might be a tad overlong with a few bland songs, but it is nice to see Cracker back near the top of their game.

Overall, a mini-comeback album from Virginia's best known rock band.

Cracker was one of the first bands that really caught my attention during the alternative boom that took place while I was in high school. "Get Off This" was deservedly all over MTV and Kerosene Hat was in my opinion superior to their debut. Sadly I lost track of Cracker in the following years, in favor of newer sounds and other things. It was their album with Leftover Salmon that dragged me back to Cracker Soul, and when I listened to Kerosene Hat after all those years I was amazed at how well it held up. It wasn't simply a period piece to be pulled off the shelf every now and then, it was a living, breathing piece of rock n roll goodness that made just as much sense in my older years as it did when I was in high school.

So I made a point of setting out to correct the errors of the decade, seeking out the best of what I had missed. 1997's Gentleman's Blues was my first find, and it really is the Kerosene Hat of my adult years if that makes any sense. Kerosene Hat captured perfectly the anxieties of being young and stupid, allowing me to laugh at myself as I sang along to these remarkably absurd songs that somehow fit very logically into my life. Gentleman's Blues is the sound of the once young and stupid realizing that he (or she) is all grown up and facing responsibilities, relationships, and other adult traumas. The now-middle-aged David Lowry chooses to confront these concerns in a song cycle that is much more revealing than anything he had previously released, except perhaps Camper Van Beethoven's Key Lime Pie album.

The humor here is now shaded with a kind of cynicism, or even fear of success and what it brings. The sound itself is more subdued, with classic rock keyboards playing a more prominent role than they had previously. This down-to-Earth approach makes the album a steady source of comfort for someone like myself, who also has his issues and fears related to growing up, having a career and a serious relationship. I find myself singing along in the car as if these songs were written by me, for me. That is a rare thing.

One last note- it is interesting to see the reactions of critics and fans to this album. When it was released, the popularity of alt-guitar-pop bands was sadly waning. Many fans were either turned off by the previous album (The Golden Age- a mediocre effort) or found this one too far removed from the carefree Kerosene Hat. Critics generally praise the album but I haven't seen it turn up on any "best of" lists for the 1990s. Basically, this record is more likely now to turn up in used bins than anywhere. And that is a sad state of affairs. I urge you to buy it and really listen, make it your own. I can only hope that the next time a band this good comes along (and there are several of them out there now), they aren't neglected.

I used to have a rouring approval of this album on this page, but have edited it now I am grown older. It's the sort of album that has some very good tracks on and so makes a good impression on you first listen round. However, after a while you realise that there are a lot of [...] tracks on it [like "Forest Fire" and "Trust your mechanic"] which are previews of the speeches over thrash punk that would dominate the later albums. The last two tracks still move me, despite being somewhat morbid. I'd say it's worth having for a collection, but not for someone who's looking for music to change their life. "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" is generally thought to be better and I agree there.

Plastic Surgery Disaster and In God we Trust Inc. are truly classic punk albums. The songs are meaningful, intelligent, and sometimes very frightening. But that just sums up DK in general. These guys are undesrcibably awesome, with pounding guitars courtesy of Ray and Klaus, remarkeble drumming, and of course Jello Biafra. He is the ultimate songwriter and his chilling voice fits well with the great punk tunes. 'Buzzbomb from Pasedena' has gotta be my favorite track on this cd, but its hard to choose a favorite with so many great songs. 'Government Flu' has great, head-banging music, 'Terminal Preppy' showcases Jello's songwriting talent, and 'Moral Majority' is just a good-hearted, pleasant little Christian song. They all rock though.

I'm gonna tackle this from a different angle.

In my opinion 'In God we Trust' is the greatest piece of Punk Vinyl ever.

I got this the day it came out and 20 years later it is still awesome and nothing comes close. Add on 'Plastic Surgery.......' and you have one hell of a CD.

Remember though, get the Alternative Tentacles version, not the money-grabbing re-issues.

I don't know why in the world I ever bought this CD. I was young, stupid, and I needed the money. Wait, that's why I did something else. Never mind. Anyway, I admit I used to like this CD. A lot. I was in high school and I didn't know better. Well, I guess I shouldn't be so hard on these guys. There's not much of anything out there that can survive 15 years. For example, I'm sure if I saw the way I dressed 15 years ago I would award myself no stars.

So in the spirit of fairness, I'll give Pocket Full of Kryptonite the rating I would have given it in 1991: Five Freakin' Stars, man! Rock on, Spin Docs!

I was cleaning out stuff as "Pocket Full of Kryptonite" fell from the pile, in cassette format, no less. I hadn't heard the album for two or three years, so I loaded it. Fifteen years after its release PFoK remains intensely creative, funky, wonderful, and carefree.

In all honesty The Spin Doctors, with this their debut album, delivered so much more to hang on to and stick with than, say, Cold Play today. There's not a dud cut from beginning to end, and seven or eight cuts are simply top notch creations.

I know The Doctors were not able to continue at this level, but this one album alone was practically an entire career.

This is one great album if you like great musicians jamming together ala the Allman Brothers Band but only better. While the Allman Brothers was really about Duanne and Dickie, this band has all of its members contributing equally and magnificently whenever they are called upon to come to the fore. It's almost like a jazz band with each member expected to do a solo or to showcase their talents and then to fade back and support the next guy. Not only is the guitarist fantastic playing great rhythm and lead guitar but the bass player is excellent as well. Very, very tight rhythm section and great vocals added to great songs and a decent production make this an excellent album. The only problem is that the sound quality isn't that great given what's out there at the moment and so I'd recommend waiting for an enhanced and remastered version of this to come out.

It has its high points, but some real stinkers contaminate it.

1. We Threw Gasoline... (A-) Not too appealing at first, but the chorus is incredible and irresistable

2. Everybodies Girl (A++) Pure bliss from start to finish! Unbelievable.

3. Worlds On Heroin (A-) A lazy opening riff? Nah, it picks itself up quickly, impressivley.

4. Say Anything (A+) It only gets one plus because it's too short!

5. Delinquent Song (A-) Some ska is here. Slower than its predecessors, but it's excellent with the right mindset.

6. Everready (A-) Good.

7. Greed Motivates (A) Grabs you and goes really fast!

8. Telepath Boy (A-) Fun for all 50 seconds it lasts.

9. Never Connected (A-) Nice.

10. Gotta Go (Grade not available) I always skip this, so I wouldn't know.

11. Defiled (A-) Rockin'!

12. Haula$$ Hyena (B+) Kinda annoying and familiar.

13. Rats In The Hallway (A-) There were better songs on Rancid's debut (Hyena, Detroit, Rejected.)

14. Steel-Toed Sneakers (A) Great!

15. Bad Seed (D+) They sure got the "bad" part right.

16. Rotten Egg (A) Annoying to some, but I love it.

17. Poison Steak (A) Annoying to some, but I love it.

18. No Equalizer (Grade not available) Once again, I always skip it.

19. Alright (A-) Since this is a demo song, it's kinda trite and sterile, but OK.

20. A.D.D. (B-) Why do I have to force myself to listen to it if I'm not too crazy about it?

21. Lozin' Must (F) Millencolin, Millencolin, Millencolin, you're capable of much more than this puke.

22. You (A++) Quite a contrast from Lozin' Must, indeed.

23. Ordinary Fight (A+) Would've been an excellent ending song, but no...

24. If (C) ...this mediocrity had to be dropped.

25. Wake Up (C-) An unreleased Pennywise song. Unfortunately, listening to it makes it clear why it was left off the superior Full Circle.

I personally think Punk-O-Rama 5 is the CD to get first. On Punk-O-Rama 3, few of the tracks hit that "Aw yeah, this is amazing" vibe or are very memorable. On Punk-O-Rama 5, the tracks by Zeke, Millencolin, All, Bouncing Souls, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Union 13, Osker and Pennywise all surpass those on Punk-O-Rama 3.

This introduced me to the world of Epitaph punk. Good thing it was like 8 years ago instead of now because Epitaph sucks now.
If you're looking for some good (relatively old, god now with crap like My Chemical Romance, this punk seems like millenia ago...) punk, you better pick this up. All the songs are catchy and they'll make you want to go pick up old Bouncing Souls, old Bad Religion and old Millencolin. Good things in life.

voodoo glowskulls are great here, and the best song is definatly rats in the hallway by rancid. other stuff is good too.

This CD is basically a compilation of the first 6 years of REM forming and producing records. So infact this is REM's early songs bundled in one friendly CD. Still enjoyable to listen too and yet a waste to get for all these songs can be found on other REM releases.

Eponymous was the first R.E.M. album I purchased and it turned me into a loyal fan. I soon snatched up their entire back catalog and they were a significant part of my music listening life for years to come. That is about as good a tribute to an album I can give.

Of course, being a greatest hits compilation, all the songs here are great, but there are some alternative mixes here for fans who already have these songs on the studio releases. There is a different version of "Radio Free Europe" here although I like the one on Murmur better. The bass stands out more on the Murmur mix whereas the bass on this album's version is less prominent and seems to be covered up as well as some of the other sound details. I do prefer the different vocal mix to "Gardening at Night" than the one on Chronic Town. The Chronic Town version has very weak sounding vocals which had a negative effect on the song. The vocals here are a lot clearer so the song sounds much better. I disagree with the note on the record sleeve that the Eponymous version of "Finest Worksong" (the 12" and 7" version) is better than the original off Document. This mix has a horn section that I do not care for. A track that some R.E.M. fans may not have is "Romance." It is a very early track that surfaced on the "Made in Heaven" soundtrack (a film I have never heard of but it briefly plays this track). It turns out to be one of my favorite R.E.M. songs. The intense bass really drives the song and makes it unique. Eponymous is worth picking up for that track alone. Eponymous also includes interesting comments about each track.

Eponymous means self titled.
So why didn't they just call it "REM"?
Then it would have been eponymous.
go figure.
It's an awesome Cd and you should get it.
Eponymous. Get it?