| Remember Eponymous, the 12-song 1988 R.E.M. singles collection? Well, apparently, you're not supposed to, 'cause this is being touted as the "first complete CD" anthology of the Athenians' '80s output. And at this historical juncture, the band's indie legacy is worth revisiting, both for what it is, and for what it ain't. Listening back on the group that made "alt-rock" a commercial and cultural possibility, you'll hear some surprisingly conventional (even roots-rocky) song structures-a reminder that what drives music forward isn't always experimental innovation. There's also a DVD package, which, we're guessing, will include videos. |
