Review: R.E.M. and Modest Mouse at Jones Beach

BY GLENN GAMBOA | glenn.gamboa@newsday.com

June 16, 2008

When R.E.M. took the stage in the waning moments of a Jones Beach lightning storm late Saturday night, it was a scientific fact: There was electricity in the air.

"Welcome to R.E.M. Survivor 2008," singer Michael Stipe said, as sheets of rain fell on the already-drenched crowd. Ditching the band's regular opening, Stipe broke into Creedence Clearwater Revival's classic "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" followed by a stunning version of R.E.M.'s classic "So. Central Rain" and it became instantly clear that this was going to be a show fans brag about for decades.

Anticipation was already high for the show, its first area appearance since releasing its return-to-form album "Accelerate," but the battle against the elements (and an hourlong rain, er, lightning delay) brought the best out of the band and the crowd. Once R.E.M. roared through "These Days" and Stipe pretended to be electrocuted when he grabbed the mike stand, everyone shifted into high gear.

Despite the rain, the sound was excellent and Stipe was in fine voice all evening - so was bassist/backing vocalist Mike Mills - even as they all negotiated puddles on the stage and tried not to fall down or get electrocuted for real.

The fiery "Accelerate" songs - especially the usual set-opener "Living Well Is The Best Revenge" and the snarling glam-rock gem "Man-Sized Wreath," which Stipe dedicated to "the pathetic George Bush" - fueled inspired versions of the band's classics. (The weather was apparently the inspiration for hauling "It's the End of the World As We Know It" off its tour-long hiatus.) Guitarist Peter Buck is masterful with both swaggering rock anthems, including "What's the Frequency Kenneth?" and "Orange Crush," and meticulous ballads such as "Losing My Religion" and the newly acoustic "Let Me In," but he seems to be enjoying rocking out more these days.

When The Smiths' great Johnny Marr, now playing with opener Modest Mouse, took the stage next to Buck for a gorgeous version of "Fall on Me" and "Man on the Moon," it was a thrill to see indie rock's two most influential guitarists had only gotten better - something that could also be said for R.E.M. as a whole.R.E.M.

WHERE: Nikon Theater at Jones Beach on Saturday. At Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

BOTTOM LINE: An electric night of accelerated memories. With The National and Modest Mouse.