Collapse Into Now (2011) "It's just like me to overstay my welcome," barks Michael Stipe, daring listeners to agree. Late-period R.E.M. often lacks the fire and finesse of their… R.E.M. Rock Warner Bros.
Music Review

Collapse Into Now (2011)

R.E.M.
Reviewed by Rob Harvilla | Jun 24, 2011
R.E.M., Michael Stipe | FALLING TO PIECES R.E.M.'s latest, Collapse Into Now
FALLING TO PIECES R.E.M.'s latest, Collapse Into Now

Details Release Date: Mar 08, 2011; Lead Performance: R.E.M.; Genre: Rock; Production: Warner Bros.

''It's just like me to overstay my welcome,'' barks Michael Stipe, daring listeners to agree. Late-period R.E.M. often lacks the fire and finesse of their college-rock classics, but Collapse Into Now's sharp power-pop blasts get it half right. Stipe's cornball lyrics still rankle, but when the acoustic lilt of ''It Happened Today'' melts into a sweet, wordless coda powered by Mike Mills' epic harmonies, it's a welcome reminder, and a pleasant surprise. B

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Originally posted Mar 02, 2011 Published in issue #1145 Mar 11, 2011 Order article reprints