Imitation of Life / Lifting / Beat Drum / 2jn [Single, Enhanced, Limited Edition]

R.E.M. | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single, Enhanced, Limited Edition
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00005J6YC
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #467,438 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The single that is nearly necessary with the album, June 4, 2001

By 

Christopher Culver - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Imitation of Life / Lifting / Beat Drum / 2jn (Audio CD)

Released a week before their album REVEAL hit stores, REM's "Imitation of Life" single gave listeners a glimpse of the latest in their sound. After the release of REVEAL, it's almost necessary for one to buy the "Imitation of Life" single to get the full picture on the band's renaissance.

"Imitation of Life" is a brilliant pop tune that just happens to be radio-friendly. It's got a joyousness about it that has been missing from the band's sound for years, and to hear the band hit this second wind is impressive.

The second track is the original version of "The Lifting," which became the opening song on REVEAL. The original version is quite different from the album version, it's more acoustic and subdued, and it misses the electro vibe that the album version shocked listeners with. Nonetheless, it's still a standout track.

"Beat a Drum (Dalkey Demo)" is the third track, a demo of the track from REVEAL recorded in Dalkey Lounge, Dublin. Again, it's more acoustic and surpasses the album version with the sincerity of Michael Stipe's voice

"2JN," the fourth and last track, is much like "Emphysema" from the "Daysleeper" single. It's not terribly interesting, as it's pretty much a repeat of that earlier track and the band's not exactly charting new territory.

As a wonderfuly bonus, the "Imitation of Life" single contains the music video of "Imitation of Life" if you pop it into your computer. The cinematography on this music video is mindblowing, and it's worth the seven bucks just for this.

If you get REVEAL, and I certainly recommend you do, the "Imitation of Life" single is a necessary companion to see the full scope of REM's return to glory.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imitation of Nothing, May 8, 2001

By 

"donaldggray" (Rockville, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imitation of Life / Lifting / Beat Drum / 2jn (Audio CD)

Michael Stipe has provided us with a breath of fresh air. Finally... I bought this CD today and its been everywhere with me. Its almost odd to think of this song coming from the same band that recorded 'Up'. Its like 'Up' was some sort of blister on the face of R.E.M. 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi' had it right with a refined (but somewhat dark) sound. 'Up' did strange stuff and seems out of place. Imitation of Life... what can I say? Its a new beginning for the band. 'Reveal' will be the second album released by the now three member band but their 19th total. After about 20 years, Michael has not lost his touch, AT ALL. Imitation of Life might be over played on the radio, but I havn't gotten tired of it yet. I think the other tracks on the CD are worth far more than [what] I payed for it. There is a 'original version' of The Lifting on it, which is the beginning track of Reveal. Personally, I think this is a beautiful song that flows like a river of silk. Michael returns to his old style of hiding the lyrics under a haunting melody. This also holds true for Beat a Drum, which is a demo. It doesn't sound like one though. You have to listen to this song. Its just wonderful. 2JN is an instrumental, which reminds me of Emphysema from the Daysleeper single. Its good, and gets better as it progresses. But I think the best part of this CD is the Enhanced Portion. For some crazy reason, the video of Imitation of Life is on there. Just pop the disk into your computer and hope you have the quicktime plug in. Its worth the money just to see Michael dance around in such a strange way. Its a wonderful video, which I watched 5 times through in a row without being tired of it. If this single is any indication of what 'Reveal' has in store for us next tuesday, trust me, we're in for a serious shock. I can't wait. R.E.M. once again proves that they once again have a unique sound, which makes them a true Imitation of Nothing.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential supplemental material, June 22, 2001

By 

"bageeno" (Reno) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imitation of Life / Lifting / Beat Drum / 2jn (Audio CD)

If you like Reveal, but feel like it's overproduced, the three B-sides on this single will "reveal" the direction the band was *really* going. The acoustic version of "The Lifting" is gorgeous, although it sounds like Stipe hadn't cemented in his vocal line just yet. "Beat a Drum" is a much better song when it isn't half-drowned in synths, and the instrumental at the end is one of the coolest things R.E.M. have ever done.