(‘86) Where the first three albums laid a path notable for its hidden treasures, ‘Pageant’ was REM laid bare. A bold statement of intent. They never sounded quite so muscular again.

(‘98) Criminally underrated, this is the only vital REM album in the last 10 years. The timbre of Stipe’s voice is magical here. Proof that the most demanding music can be the most rewarding.

(‘91) If ‘Out of Time’ has the summer in its bones, it has a reassuringly dark underbelly. And considering how young it is, it’s like an old friend who makes you laugh, cry and shake uncontrollably.

(‘84) An album full of tenderness and longing. (‘So. Central Rain’ kicked off my love affair with REM). The roughness at the edges would translate into the internal tensions that followed soon after.

(‘87) The one I dance to whilst denouncing political hypocrisy in general and imperialism in particular. I know all the words, too. Well, you need a hobby, “slam butt neck, right? Right.”

(‘94) The ‘been there, done that’ album. An assault on the senses that includes some of their finest songs. Come to think of it, ‘Crush with Eyeliner’ at full volume is better than sex. Turn it up.

(‘87) Like stumbling into a junk shop and finding the bits and bobs that 'got lost in the post'. From the ridiculous to the sublime. Also includes the pathbreaking '82 e.p. ‘Chronic Town’.

(‘06) Does pretty much what it says on the tin.

(‘91) An earlier - and shorter - version of 'The I.R.S. Years'.

(‘08) What, you're still here?