Imitation of Life

'Imitation of Life' brings a smile to my face - it's the lads from Athens, New Georgia, on top form again. The single is a sideswipe at the Hollywood culture which sees the band getting back to their roots as founders of the US punk movement back in the eighties. Although REM have never followed the true punk sound - they prefer to revel in their own delightful weirdness - they always get a message across in a beautifully harmonic style.

'Imitation...' is no exception, a wonderful sweeping ballad that shows their true uplifting spirit and the strength of Michael Stipe's vocals in bringing together their gorgeous melody with its orchestral backing over the typical acoustic guitar sounds. It is a fantastic song to sing along to, even if you don't know the words. Its also a relaxing and fresh break from the usual chart mess of manufactured boy bands and blonde teenage girls that we seem to get all the time. I can guarantee that any fan of good music will enjoy this song.

After the pretty poor album 'Up', 'Imitation of Life' seems to signal better things for 'Reveal' and any REM fan should feel obliged to get this single.


Back to Basics   April 30, 2001
With their latest single, REM have released a masterful pop concoction that almost didn't make it onto the album!! When Warner Bros heard the track it was their choice as the first single from Reveal and you can hear why. A classic REM song with a great hook.

The B sides are good too. The Lifting (Original Version) is slower than the album version, but is a good track, and then Beat a Drum (Dalkey Demo) which is a simplified version (but as good) as the wonderful album release. An excellent chorus meshes in to a sublime piano tune.

Buy it! And then buy the album!


Stipe & Co Return In Fine Form, Imitating Life...   April 30, 2001
jamesbondhead@hotmail.com (Belper, Derbyshire)
REM's long awaited album is preceeded by this fine record that could so easily have come straight off their Out Of Time album. It contains a cheerful melodic riff that was so consistent with REM's previous 1991 album. Let's hope that the album offers more of the same. Should become a radio favourite and possibly a high rider in the charts....Hear I 'Say...


Back from the Wilderness   April 29, 2001
I find it disappointing when a band such as R.E.M. are pegged as "pop music" when the likes of Westlife and Atomic Kitten are what is commonly thought of as pop-inane and disposable, and hearing this song definetly removes the sense of being inane or disposable, with a soaring chorus and layered with guitar hooks- R.E.M. are back!


A Perfect Circle   April 28, 2001
Ken Barnes
R.E.M have certainly gone through a few changes of late. Their last album, "Up", saw their first work without original member Bill Berry and although beautiful in places, wasn't R.E.M's best by a long chalk.

"Imitation of Life" shows that R.E.M are back to their best and can be chalked up alongside such classics as "Losing My Religion", "Bodycount" and "Harborcoat". One of their best tracks to date and you'd be a fool to miss out on this.