R.E.M.
Monster

Monster is the sound of a band that is struggling to maintain its newly acquired massive audience.  As an album in the generic music market, it's a decent endeavor.  For R.E.M., however, the collection is not only a departure from the group's acoustic, folk-based sound of the past, but it also is an inferior product.  Obviously geared towards a huge, worldwide, commercialized stadium tour, the outing is nothing more than loud versions of roads already traveled by the ensemble.  Simply put, after criticizing TicketMaster and supporting Pearl Jam's boycott, R.E.M. sold out. Too bad.