Monster certainly problematic, though its dismissal may be a bit undeserved. Not only does it feature mega-hit "What's The Frequency Kenneth"****, but also the raging punk "Star 69"****, played with energy not seen since Life's Rich Pageant. Between these tracks there are some mis-steps along the way. "Crush With Eyeliner" prominently features guitar with tremolo, apparently Peter Buck's new toy, while the vocals are half-hearted mumbled in the background. The electronica of "King Of Comedy" is clumsy, but also absolutely tuneless. "I Don't Sleep I Dream" on the other hand has all the elements of a good pop song, though plodding and boring, ditto the other single "Bang And Blame". As these songs show, this album is at its best when you'd say 'now that's a guitar album'. On "I Took Your Name"****, Stipe's vocal is almost a Mick Jagger, but Peter's guitar is the undisputed boss, from his new toy tremolo guitar way out front, to the lead punctuating the end of the chorus. "Let Me In" is an interesting experiment with what happens when the drummer gets lost on the way to the studio - the performances are powerful in a way, but without drums to lend some texture it seems directionless. "Strange Currencies"**** is basically a remake of "Everybody Hurts", though less kitschy. Better than its follow-up anyway - "Tongue", which tries for soul but redefines wussy. Neither of the last two songs, "Circus Envy" and "You", are bad in any way: the former has a satisfyingly poppy chorus to offset brutalist Neil Young-inspired verses, and the latter has the feel of a western desert. They just continue to make the case for this being a guitar album.
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