R.E.M. pushed the jangle out of the picture with Monster, replacing it with reverberating snaps, crackles, and pops. An album that wraps itself to '70s glam finery while reaching out to the flannel-clad post-Nirvana throngs, it largely succeeds at demonstrating that these Georgians still know how to rock. The MTV fave "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" kicks things off on a high note as Peter Buck's distorted power chords set the tone for the 12-song set. "Strange Currencies" may be alarmingly reminiscent of the Automatic for the People hit "Everybody Hurts," but it's actually the superior song. "Let Me In" is a heavily distorted nod to the fallen Kurt Cobain. While Monster is far from R.E.M.'s most consistent effort, it stands as a ragged and risky respite from safe and sound alterna-rock. --Steven Stolder

uuid:	D52AA51C-3B5A-424E-858B-389D777F9005
upc:	0093624574026
tracklisting:	What's The Frequency, Kenneth? Crush With Eyeliner King Of Comedy I Don't Sleep, I Dream Star 69 Strange Currencies Tongue Bang And Blame I Took Your Name Let Me In Circus Envy
title:	Monster
rating:	2
purchase date:	09-05-2005
published:	27-09-1994
price:	$11.98
net Rating:	4
last lookup time:	137385408
genre:	Jangle Pop
fullTitle:	Monster
currentValue:	$0.01
created:	137385408
country:	us
aspect:	Audio CD
asin:	B000002MU3
artist:	Rem