Basically a singles collection from {$R.E.M.}'s first five albums, {^Eponymous} gives the listener a sense of the band's change from {\folk-rock} to {\rock}. The songs are intelligently selected, distilling most of the best moments from their first five albums for {@IRS}. Included is the original single of {&"Radio Free Europe,"} and different mixes of {&"Gardening at Night"} (where it's actually possible to hear the vocal) and {&"Finest Worksong,"} and the previously unreleased (and unspectacular) {&"Romance."} [Note: An import collection, {^The Best of R.E.M.}, doesn't have the rarities, but has 16 songs, including the remainder of {^Eponymous}, plus many other important songs from their {@IRS} years. Worth the couple of extra dollars for the beginner.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide