Out Of Time - R.E.M.

Can you really pin point the moment when admiration turns into obsession? In most cases it just creeps up on you. Bit by bit. Note by note. One moment you are just fond of a particular thing and then, without any warning, you have become an obsessive. Obsessive to the point where people cross to the other side of the street when they see you coming, tell mutual friends to avoid you at the bus stop and do their utmost to avoid eye contact. "And whatever you do, don't mention the collection of ticket stubs/stamps/crisp packets/nail clippings*"

* before you ask - no I don't!

And so it was with R.E.M. I had bought the 'Orange Crush' single from their previous album and liked it but was not sure about the vocal quality of the singer. As far as I was concerned the 'Green' album had its moments but didn't like the slower tracks. The were tuneless. Mmmmm I was definitely undecided. Appreciative but not wholly impressed. But that was before 'Out Of Time'. This time the album arrived with a recommendation from a friend. Rid, as ever the barometer of rock-cool, suggested that 'Radio Song' was almost a baggy-like track. That was enough for me so as soon as the album was available to rent from our local video shop I hired it and made an evaluation copy.

And what an album! I was mesmerised, enchanted, excited and converted. From the opening track, the aforementioned 'Radio Song' to the closing track 'Me In Honey' every song is a classic. End of! I loved it from the first moment and by the end I was dancing around the front room quietly trying not to wake my sister. Which, if you be been unfortunate enough to see me in motion, was not an easy task.

From that moment on I revisited all of their back catalogue, from 'Murmur' to 'Green' and everything in between. And I mean everything; singles, videos, TV appearances, albums, magazine cuttings, posters and stickers. Relentless. Obsessive. I'd reached the tipping point and was careering down the steep slope. There was no looking back.

Sure 'Out Of Time' was their first commercially orientated album and they received a lot of criticism for selling out. Not that that was ever on their agenda - with a song like 'Low' how could that ever really be the case? Maybe they had a point with the overly-upbeat 'Shiny Happy People' but this was soon followed by the downbeat and truly wonderful 'Country Feedback'. A truly complete album and one that made Berry, Buck, Mills and Stipe household names. Well nearly.

And as for the slow songs on 'Green'? Well I know now that I was wrong. They are fabulous and sung with real passion, care and skill. Well what else could I think? I'm not an obsessive for nothing!