[sadies]

there is a GREAT new compilation of REM's early years called "...And I Feel Fine" which highlights this. Particularly in those days when REM were a bit louder (Life's Rich Parent, Document), you can really hear how the bands can be compared to each other. I think that is a compliment.

Each band are unquestionably original and do their own unique thing, but they have a feel that is definitely similar. Being two of the finest bands of that last 2 decades can't be bad thing. One thing I used to give REM a bit more credit for was their willingness to try new styles more (I could never imagine The Hip doing a song like "Nightswimming", or "Don't Go Back To Rockville"). Lately though, The Hip have branched out a lot more.

Here's hoping REM put out something half as good as World Container for their next record...