Oh my GOD, that REM clip just blew my mind. They look like babies... and wow, Michael Stipe was so PRETTY. Sigh.

Yes, I AM very excited, actually. I'll likely go to the Vancouver show. Unless they play Sasquatch! I've never been to Dear Lake Park; how does it compare to the Gorge?

This is a great triple bill. I don't think I'd go see The National on their own but with REM and Modest Mouse, why not.

On a related note, I know of a handful of REM songs and know the high degree of reverence in which they are held, but I don't own any albums. Where do I start? What are the three best REM records?

Tim @ 3:

Ok, I know I'll be shredded, but my three favorite R.E.M. albums, in sort-of-particular order:

1. Document (I can't count the times I've listened to this.
2. Life's Rich Pageant (I actually only own this on vinyl and still break it out a lot.)
3. Green ("You Are the Everything" is one of my top 5 favorite songs ever).

Yes, I know that this history of R.E.M. ends in 1989, but if you want to examine post-'89 R.E.M. try:

1. Automatic for the People
2. Monster (woefully underappreciated, especially "Let Me In")
3. Out of Time

I tend to suggest avoiding anything after New Adventures in Hi Fi unless you're a completist.

I would say definitely Document, Green and Monster.... Automatic for the People is good too but a little later on in their popularity.

Erik was pretty much right on the money! I think they're an incredibly rich band. I love them. :)

Green is a great gateway drug.

But, everyone in the world should own Life's Rich Pagent. My heart just skipped a beat typing out the album title. It's that good.

Automatic For The People is one album that should be in every alt rock fan's collection; a true classic. After that, I'd skew to earlier albums like Document, Green and Murmur. Or you could pick up And I Feel Fine..., their 'best of' collection from 82-87, instead of the individual albums. (Though some people don't like the way the songs on And I Feel Fine were remastered; too much dynamic compression.)

Life's Rich Pagaent is one of my top favorite things in the world, ever.

Now I really really really want it on vinyl. Damn you Erik for implanting that in my head!

Why is my earlier comment to this thread gone?

Sorry randy @9 -- it somehow got marked as spam... which is an issue which is totally not about you, it's us. Don't take it personally. Fixed now! Apologies.

Document, Life's Rich Pageant, and Green are on their way. All three for less than $30 with free shipping from Amazon, I love effortless shopping. Thanks to all for the advice.

Dana I checked for vinyl for you while I was on Amazon. They have used vinyl copies of Life's Rich Pageant for under $10. I'm sure they're not in pristine condition but for ten bucks you can't really go wrong.

Wow, vinyl is getting popular. I'm pretty sure I got my copy at a record store in Bennington, VT for like $1 ...