I have been a REM fan from the beginning and the previous comments are good suggestions. I remember seeing them open for the Swimming Pool Q's in 1980 and thinking that they were going to be big someday despite the lead singer dancing like he was having an epileptic fit. The first 4 or 5 albums are the best. The albums after Bill Berry left are not as focused. I think that an often overlooked album is "New Adventures in Hi-Fi". It is an electric album that was recorded live during soundchecks. The band is really tight and Stipe's voice is very strong. One of my favorite REM songs is "Binky the Doormat." Peter Buck has been playing with Steve Wynn from the Dream Syndicate in The Baseball Project which is also a fun band. Buck has a solo album scheduled for release this Fall.
Depeche Mode and R.E.M
So here's my question - I never listened to Depeche Mode or R.E.M back in the day. However, now I've discovered them and want to buy some vinyl capturing the best elements from both groups. Recently, I bought R.E.M albums "Automatic for the People" and "Life's Rich Pageant". Similarly, I bought Violator by Depeche Mode. I really liked those LPs. Do you have other suggestions about either band that I should consider? Thanks in advance.