R.E.M. Accelerate Concert

No, that's not a command to the Georgia rock band to wrap things up, 'Accelerate' is the name of the most recent album that they're showcasing on tour right now. I just came back from their show in Merriweather, MD, still on a bit of an R.E.M. high, quite possibly partially due to the excessive amount of gonja that was passing hands in the back corner close to where I found myself situated. In my opinion, the concert was a big success and I'm glad I shelled out the $40 and endured the 1.5 hr drive. I don't consider myself a huge R.E.M. fan but I feel like they're doing things now that are on par with what they put out at the height of their fame, and just as relevant politically and socially. Anyways here's an abridged setlist with some commentary. (Buy/acquire the newest album when you get a chance.)

1. The Finest Hour - The band sounded OK but Stipe was a little out of tune. I was kind of surprised to see this from such a seasoned performer.
2. Living Well Is The Best Revenge (new) - starting to get into the groove
3. It's Been A Bad Day - I noticed that Stipe plays the harmonica just about as well as I do (make sure you've got the right key and blow then suck, occasionally moving your mouth from left to right to left). It's interesting, though, how no matter how good or bad you are, when you produce a harmonica from your pocket you're guaranteed to draw some cheers and excitement from the crowd.
4. What's The Frequency Kenneth - Who doesn't love this song?
5. Then they performed a 3-song miniset dedicated to the people of the Washington, D.C. area: a) Ignoreland - about the hostage crisis that brought in the Reagan administration apparently; b) Man-Sized Wreath (new); c) Little America
6. Houston (new) - It's never too late (2008) to take a stab at Bush for his mismanagement of the Katrina disaster
7. Electrolite - I wasn't aware that this song is essentially an ode to L.A. It made me like it more than I already did.
8. Firehouse - awesome
9. [Acoustic Set] - nice touch
10. Orange Crush - now we're getting nostalgic, baby. Instant crowd energy with this song. Complemented nicely by one of those loudspeaker things that P.E. teachers started using in the mid 90's... megaphone??
    
11. Mr. Richards (new) - apparently about how we allow ourselves to be governed by people we not only don't like, but altogether despise... whatever. I like this song a lot.
12. Fall On Me - I didn't recognize this song but probably should have. They played it with guest guitarist Johnny Marr (of The Smiths, now playing with Modest Mouse). It had a smooth, rhythmic beat to it.

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