Live At The Olympia -2CD/1DVD-

Excellent Live Versions of Less Played Songs
Doing a concert and recording live versions of some of your lesser known/played songs has been done before (Billy Joel's "Songs in the Attic" for one), but that doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. This collection of songs is a good example. Played live at what they claimed was not a concert, allowed R.E.M. to dig deep into their catalog of songs and dust off some classic songs. Also, because this was "not a concert", it allowed the group to feel free to make mistakes and not have to worry about trying to be perfect and naturally, this gives the entire production a intimate and friendly feeling. The collection of songs is fantastic, including some newer songs but taking the bulk of the songs from much older albums, including just about the entire Chronic Town EP. An amazingly refreshing change from a band recording yet another live version of the same ten songs. The recording and music quality on the discs are fantastic as well. So good that at times you alomst forget that these are live versions. The comments made before or after the songs add to the intimate personal feeling, as do the great liner notes that reveal some of the thought processes that went into the song choices and interesting facts about the songs. I have to admit that I haven't yet had time to watch the DVD, so I can't honestly give an opinion on it.

Great music, bad DVD
The two CDs of R.E.M. performing new and old songs are terrific. Excellent performances, great sound, interesting song choices - really excellent. The DVD, by filmmakers Vincent Moon and Jeremiah, is pretty much unwatchable. I FORCED myself to sit through the whole thing - it was painful. That's not good, considering I'm a long-time R.E.M. fan. The filmmakers spend way too much time calling attention to themselves and not enough time on the subject, the band and the music. Note to Vincent and Jeremiah: I didn't buy the DVD version of this album to see your art, but to see the band that I love. If I wanted art school films, I'd watch a Stan Brakhage piece.

R.E.M Live at the Olympin
I have been a big fan of R.E.M.since the mid 80s and until now they have not released a live cd that has span there career. I am very happy to say that Live at the Olympia Does a great job at showing them at there finest.The band sounds great and the song selection is superb I am very pleased with what R.E.M has accomplished on this cd. Sam S.

Great from both worlds
Great combination of new and IRS years. The live but intimate setting adds positively to the end result. A definite must for an REM fan and their collection.

Great CDs, Terrible DVD. Not worth the extra $$!
Love REM. Sound and performance on the CDs is excellent. Was really looking forward to seeing the LIVE show on DVD. Had visions of crystal-clear close-ups and sweeping boom shots across the stage, etc. Already was picturing in my head how great it would look on the wide-screen HD TV. WRONG! The filmmakers thought they were being "arty" by shooting from behind people in the crowd or throwing stuff up in front of the lens or whipping the cameras around. There's always something obscuring the view of the performers. There's always something in the way, blocking the lens. It's not Art... it's literally Amateur Hour. I know Michael Stipe is into edgy, alternative film but I can't figure out how he could allow this MESS to be foisted upon his loyal fan base. This film is highly disconcerting at first, then becomes frustrating, graduates to annoying and then, very quickly, becomes BORING! I viewed 15 minutes of it and then put the DVD back in the case. I will never watch it again. What a piece of crap. And just so you understand... I work in the motion picture business and am very supportive of new , fresh approaches to film. This is tired, unremarkable, Bad Film Student "filmmaking". Save your money. Buy just the CD set.