Interesting picks... Still examining Abe Vigoda, and they still made more sense to me live than on tape. R.E.M I could never understand in any context besides guitar pop, and the intensity of your historical experience with them makes it kind of singular.

Definitely re-evaluating my indifference toward the Mae Shi, though. Their vocalist will never be Johnny Whitney, but their rhythm section is so strong that they don't really need it.