Contacts Video Music Bands Words Photos Beneficiaries Merchandise Background

Reviews

  • Flagpole (May 30, 2007) - "...and for those of us who couldn't be at the 40 Watt that night, it's both a jealousy-inducing celebration of R.E.M.'s legacy, and a sobering reminder that simply going to school in a town for four years does not make one part of a scene." (Full review)
  • Orlando Sentinel (May 25, 2007) - Townies do R.E.M. proud - "A fine tribute indeed." (Full review)
  • Pop Matters (May 21, 2007) - "Anyone looking to put together a tribute album should look to Finest Worksongs for ideas on how to undertake that much maligned enterprise. Finally, a collection of covers with both heart and nerve." (Full review)
  • Electronic Voice Phenomenon (April 2007) - "The reasons to check out this album (other than if you're a diehard R.E.M. fan/completist) would be the performances of Patterson Hood (from everyone's favorite indie southern rock band Drive-By Truckers) as well as the contributions of R.E.M. themselves. Throw in Scott McGaughey and you have yourselves a party. The last section helmed by Five Eight and members of R.E.M. makes this album a definite check-out, not to mention buying it puts money directly into the pockets of charity." (Full review)

Other Words

  • Mike Mills (R.E.M.) & Mike Mantione (Five Eight)
    Mills to Mantione: "You know, there are no words. [Mumbles gibberish in tune with song]." [preceding a guest appearance with Five Eight on "Radio Free Europe." on 9.12.06]. Mantione's reply: "Not what the fans say." [holding up a sheet of paper printed from a fan site.]
  • Patterson Hood
    "Truly one of the highlights of my life." - 9.12.06
  • Chris McKay
    "... Seeing an Athens finale of this magnitude feeling so off-the-cuff and family reunion-like was truly inspiring. After the whole thing was over, I got hugged more times by more different people than I've ever been. It really does feel like family here. I love this place. Thank you Velena, Barrie, Bertis, r.e.m. and everyone else for supplying me with one of the most memorable nights I've ever had in Athens! What an incredible night for an incredible town." (Full diary entry - scroll down page)
  • Carolyn Buckle
    "Wow! Thank you so much for my 'Finest Worksongs' album - it is amazing!... I loved it! I really like the way some of the uptempo songs have been slowed down, one song has almost a punk feel to it, and the final song, "It's the end of the world" is like a party on a cd! I am very, very impressed with this album and will recommend it to my mates."