R.E.M.

Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage1982-2011 Warners ****

Jeez, who needs another R.E.M. Greatest Hits album? Part Liesbeen shoved out as the final part of the contractual obligation to their label, and for many it will be either a gathering of too much of the same or a poignant farewell to one of the best rock bands of the past 30 years. This discerning fan reckons it's six of one and half-a-dozen of the other; the former thought is based on the fact that 13 of the 40 tracks here are duplicated from 2003's 18-track Best Ofcollection, In Time. The latter is proven by track after track of some of the most sparkling US rock music you'll ever hear, culled from (for the first time) not just the band's Warners back catalogue but also their early classic IRS albums. Three new, final tracks lock the locks and throws away the key. R.E.M. R.I.P. See remhq.com

Download tracks: Country Feedback, Everybody Hurts, Electrolite