Hey VGONIS2002, I did say I wasn't a big fan, LOL!! I only have a "Best of" CD in my collection - so only on nodding terms! Nevertheless. Michael Stipes voice was very recognisable and I did enjoy a lot of the songs esp Nightswimming and Losing my Religion. No chance of me being in the least bit frustrated, though!
Hey Superval, I am only joking (always, I might add) , please take no offense.
I have at least ten of their records, have been buying them trying to see why they are so popular, so I could claim a loss bigger than yours.
As for recognizable voices, I find Bruce Dickinson's voice more distinctive, and if metal is not of your taste, well how about Marvin Gaye (comes with a devastatingly sad story) or Al Green (has a similar tragic story but with a more sunny ending).
Anyway they sold by the truckload and the overpriced records do not worth a dime to resell now. I guess you have made a safer investment by buying just a best of.
But wait a minute I saw in the last Mojo and Uncut that they have started reissuing their back catalogue in Deluxe editions. That's hardy disbanding, and the new - never heard material from these editions will surely make up for your loss.
But this time you will buy, won't you?