R.E.M. - "Uberlin"

[Devin]

Got 3 adds on Triple A this week, so I'm assuming this is the second single from Collapse Into Now.

[The Party Captain]

I heard "Every Day is Yours to Win" at Starbucks yesterday and I was convinced that would be the next single.

[singingsparrow]

Of the ballads on Collapse Into Now, this is the only one I'm somewhat underwhelmed by.

Stipe sounds more compelling on ballads, in my opinion, with a more understated vocal. That's precisely why "Walk It Back" stands out to me as their best slow song since "At My Most Beautiful", with "Oh My Heart" closely behind, where on the former he sounds more like he's trying his hand at light gospel and on the latter he sounds more narrative spoken word but yet elicits such a compelling, stirring emotional resonance, especially when he says: "It's strange, and it's sad, and it's true, that this doesn't look bitter on you."

To me anyway, "Uberlin" seems to lack the emotional connect the aforementioned ballads possess. You can tell the protagonist is in a state of deep distress, yet also possessing determination to make ends meet.......but vocally I don't feel drawn into the material like I am with "Walk It Back" and "Oh My Heart" in that Stipe's vocals sound too punctuating, while musically it just drags on a bit too much, whereas the aforementioned two don't because of their concise, tight duration and composition.

This isn't a bad song by any means. It's just more fleeting than every other ballad on the record, in my opinion. I think "Walk It Back" would have been a more effective release.

I must add, however, that the video accompanying this track may just do the trick in giving this release attention.

Namaste,
Lisping Hibiscus

[American Idiot]

Not a bad decision if it indeed is. I want "Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter," but that's alright.

I know I posted how disappointed I was in the new album a few weeks ago in the Alternative/Rock section, but it took me time to get used to it. I've found to enjoy it pretty decently now.

[overboard]

Im kind of addicted to the music video with Aaron Johnson (from Kickass) dancing down the street.

[HereIsGone]

^^

That was entertaining. ^_^

[The Party Captain]

Mar 22, 2011 16:45:15 GMT -5 @singingsparrow said:

Of the ballads on Collapse Into Now, this is the only one I'm somewhat underwhelmed by.

Stipe sounds more compelling on ballads, in my opinion, with a more understated vocal. That's precisely why "Walk It Back" stands out to me as their best slow song since "At My Most Beautiful", with "Oh My Heart" closely behind, where on the former he sounds more like he's trying his hand at light gospel and on the latter he sounds more narrative spoken word but yet elicits such a compelling, stirring emotional resonance, especially when he says: "It's strange, and it's sad, and it's true, that this doesn't look bitter on you."

To me anyway, "Uberlin" seems to lack the emotional connect the aforementioned ballads possess. You can tell the protagonist is in a state of deep distress, yet also possessing determination to make ends meet.......but vocally I don't feel drawn into the material like I am with "Walk It Back" and "Oh My Heart" in that Stipe's vocals sound too punctuating, while musically it just drags on a bit too much, whereas the aforementioned two don't because of their concise, tight duration and composition.

This isn't a bad song by any means. It's just more fleeting than every other ballad on the record, in my opinion. I think "Walk It Back" would have been a more effective release.

I must add, however, that the video accompanying this track may just do the trick in giving this release attention.

Namaste,
Lisping Hibiscus

I'm inclined to disagree with you here. I think this is the best choice for radio among the ballads. "Every Day is Yours to Win" sounds too much like "Everybody Hurts" and the rest of them have a dirge-like pace. I think the harmonies and the hooks on this one are both more effective.