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