As REM call time on a career that has spanned three decades, their defining decade was very much the 1990s, when for a couple of years in 1991 and 1992 they presided imperiously, if not majestically, over all they surveyed in the music world.

The release of “Out of Time” in 1991 produced REM’s career-defining singles “Losing My Religion” and “Shiny Happy People”, which seeped into every crevice of the music listening public’s conciousness and became a must on every pop and rock radio station playlist in the western world.

“Out of Time” oozed melody and harmony, best epitomised by the standard bearing “Losing My Religion”, which dripped with sadness and melancholy. However melancholy gave way to dark foreboding with the release of 1992’s “Automatic For The People”, which saw Michael Stipe exorcise his dark inner demons. This shift in mood and mindset was epitomised by the threatening, manic “Drive” and the haunting hopelessness of “Everybody Hurts”. For my part, “Automatic for the People” is a better album than it’s immediate predecessor “Out of Time”, but favouritism and partiality are purely subjective and of little relevance!!

I had an opportunity to see REM at the City Ground in Nottingham in July 2005, but illness prevented me attending – it seems that with it went my last opportunity to see Michael Stipe and company in the flesh. But I can always dust down the CDs and imagine them on stage…..

You can capture, preserve and re-live REM’s music, by ordering your favourite REM vinyl record or CD, single or album, framed and mounted as a picture disc. ORDER NOW by clicking on…….. http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Alternatively this would make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration  ie a Wedding, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver or Ruby Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!! THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

For all other merchandise and memorabilia, go to REM’s Official website….. remhq.com/index.php