Tune ups: It starts with an earthquake

It may have taken 30 years, 15 albums and 85 million copies sold, but R.E.M. has created the ultimate Christmas stocking-stuffer. When the world-renowned rock band announced the end of its magnificent run this fall, it did so at peace with themselves, their music and their legacy. The group also returned home together one final time. Last summer, Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills retreated to Athens, Ga.—where the band began—to complete three final songs, “A Month of Saturdays,” “Hallelujah” and “We All Go Back to Where We Belong.” These recordings now cap a two-disc career-spanning greatest hits package called Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982–2011. From “Radio Free Europe” and “The One I Love” to “At My Most Beautiful” and “Supernatural Superserious,” it is an essential listen for anyone who loves perfected, introspective jangle pop or still holds a candle for college radio of yore. It’s the end of the band as we know it, but the music will live forever.