It was the album where REM started the move from brilliant underground band to mainstream rockers - the thing is, Green was nowhere near as good as previous classic albums such as debut Murmur (1983), Reckoning (1984), and Life's Rich Pageant (1986). Because it's patchy, mainly due to annoying (you might even say silly) songs like opener Pop Song 89 and Stand. Yes, both were big singles, but the quality of this album comes through on songs such as the beautiful but staunch World Leader Pretend, the tense and rocky Orange Crush, and the slow meandering grind of Turn You Inside Out. What makes this souvenir reissue really worthwhile - for fans at least - is the accompanying live set because it is made up of a number of songs from REM's truly great period, including Finest Worksong (off 1987's Document) and Perfect Circle from their debut.
Stars: 3.5/5
- TimeOut
