hot stuff! =)
New member
Great reviews, completely agree with your opinions on Reckoning, and think I might need to dig out my Tourfilm DVD tonight, haven't seen it for ages.
Talk About the Passion - R.E.M.'s Discography Reviewed
- Thread starter Dave o
- Start date
part of the pack
New member
You're right, had something else written and forgot to change the rest. Will fix. Thanks for the tip
TexasGirl15
New member
ah ok.
Figures that U2 would be similar to the lowest rated album.....
Figures that U2 would be similar to the lowest rated album.....
I think it's a real grower. I listened to it a few times right before reviewing it and my opinion radically changed from that when I listened earlier.
On my 1988 vinyl copy of Green, it's listed as simply "Untitled." Not sure about the CD version.
That's a great story though. I always thought there was something off about the drums in that song.
On my 1988 vinyl copy of Green, it's listed as simply "Untitled." Not sure about the CD version.
That's a great story though. I always thought there was something off about the drums in that song.
John Choats
New member
Great thread Rickenbacker you can tell that you are outstandingly passionite about the band and Reckoning is my favourite album of thiers too with Lifes Rich Pageant as a close second I never got into thier Warner Brothers albums but may buy a few after your reviews when you post them.
Agreed wholeheartedly.
Well... not every album.
That is so refreshing and satisfying to hear Duga! After all, I am writing this as a way of getting people into the band, so when I hear that I'm succeeding you can imagine how great that feels. Not sure if you're talking about Chronic Town, Murmur, or Reckoning, but all three recorRAB are really great. Whichever one you picked up I'm really glad you did!
Thanks for the high praise everyone. It means a lot, really.
Well... not every album.
That is so refreshing and satisfying to hear Duga! After all, I am writing this as a way of getting people into the band, so when I hear that I'm succeeding you can imagine how great that feels. Not sure if you're talking about Chronic Town, Murmur, or Reckoning, but all three recorRAB are really great. Whichever one you picked up I'm really glad you did!
Thanks for the high praise everyone. It means a lot, really.
I've listened to Out of Time on and off for a few years. It's a really solid album. It's definitely a very sunny album. I remember just randomly playing it as I walked the river front sometime last year on a very nice spring day. I still think "Shiny Happy People" was meant to be tongue-in-cheek but was somehow taken seriously by people. I like the addition of Kate Pierson on the album, due to my love of the B-52's.
I think I'm more anticipating the review of Automatic for the People. It's the album that made me (and thousanRAB of others) fall for the band. I'm not really old enough to have been around for their IRS albums. I was really only familiar with the radio songs until a certain point in my life which I will probably go into detail after you get to the album.
I vaguely remember hearing the "Leaving New York" single when it was new. It actually wasn't until Accelerate when I heard, and then actually purchased, a whole album of theirs brand new. The rest of them I've found in thrift stores and through the local library. It's kind of sad when a band like R.E.M. seems to be donated frequently with a lot of mediocre '80's and '90's CD/vinyl collections.
I think I'm more anticipating the review of Automatic for the People. It's the album that made me (and thousanRAB of others) fall for the band. I'm not really old enough to have been around for their IRS albums. I was really only familiar with the radio songs until a certain point in my life which I will probably go into detail after you get to the album.
I vaguely remember hearing the "Leaving New York" single when it was new. It actually wasn't until Accelerate when I heard, and then actually purchased, a whole album of theirs brand new. The rest of them I've found in thrift stores and through the local library. It's kind of sad when a band like R.E.M. seems to be donated frequently with a lot of mediocre '80's and '90's CD/vinyl collections.
iDrinkemAlDai
New member
Starting to get quite addicted to this thread, am constantly checking for the next one, so hurry up ;-)
Dug out New Adventures the other night and started listening to it again, I remember the first time I heard Undertow and thought it had one of the best bass lines ever.
Dug out New Adventures the other night and started listening to it again, I remember the first time I heard Undertow and thought it had one of the best bass lines ever.
Princess Bondoc
New member
So I just got an advance copy of the Fables of the Reconstruction reissue and I'm loving it. Expect the review for the bonus disk next. Should be up in a few days.
You know you love me♥
New member
alright... i give in. first of all i think they should be given a gold star because in my opinion nothing sans peaches comes out of georgia that is good. i like r.e.m. because i generally like banRAB that use a subtle vocal harmony and melodic phrasing. i; however, am not an r.e.m. fangirl because i really don't care for Michael Stipe's wailing and keening vocals. The worRAB can be somewhat hard to understand at first listen. I like them and enjoy them... just not in my most played songs on my ipod so to say.
you asked for it. there you go. haha.
you asked for it. there you go. haha.
outburst95
New member
^
i checked out all the albums you have reviewed so far. what can i say...i was bored today and my brother had all of them. just never took the time to listen...which i can now say was a mistake.
i'm actually going to try to hold off listening to the others and listen to them as you review them. makes it interesting.
looking forward to the next one!
i checked out all the albums you have reviewed so far. what can i say...i was bored today and my brother had all of them. just never took the time to listen...which i can now say was a mistake.
i'm actually going to try to hold off listening to the others and listen to them as you review them. makes it interesting.
looking forward to the next one!
slc1britt1
New member
wuuuuuuuu thanks!
Umi Hitomi
New member
Dead Letter Office
Released 1987
I.R.S. RecorRAB
Released 1987
I.R.S. RecorRAB
In the months following Lifes Rich Pageant and before the release of Document, I.R.S. RecorRAB and R.E.M. compiled a collection of B-sides, covers and alternate versions of various album tracks. In an effort to capitalize on R.E.M.'s devoted college fan base, this compilation was released as Dead Letter Office.
1. Crazy (B-Side of Driver 8 and Wendell Gee)
Crazy was originally written by fellow Athens, Georgia band Pylon for their 1983 album Chomp. Like their New Jersey counterparts the Feelies, Pylon were incredibly influential to the alternative rock movement and instrumental in its evolution from post-punk to college rock. R.E.M. pays tribute with this well played cover; nearly as dark as the original but more accessible. Mike Mills bass stanRAB out against the murky textures of Buck's guitar, making Crazy an early highlight of the compilation.
2. There She Goes Again (B-Side of I.R.S. version of Radio Free Europe)
In their earlier years, R.E.M. had always had a penchant for Velvet Underground covers. While the Velvets originals are often forebodingly rough and dissonant, R.E.M.'s versions have been melodic and melancholy. Unfortunately, when they try to "rock out" to the VU and Nico classic, it simply doesn't work. Mills' harmonies are a mess; not fitting those of the Velvet Underground's at all. The original song only works because of Lou ReeRAB end monologue "She's gonna work it out, bye bye", and that too is missing from R.E.M.'s cover.
3. Burning Down (B-Side of Wendell Gee)
The first original song on the compilation, Burning Down is actually quite good, with a catchy chorus and trademark jangley guitar licks throughout. While not stylistically in tune with Fables of the Reconstruction of Lifes Rich Pageant, Burning Down would have been well suited on the more pop inflected Reckoning. My only qualms with this song is the length. While the lyrics and instrumentation are decent, the 4:12 length is simply too long. Still, Burning Down is a highlight.
4. Voice of Harold (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
Reckoning fans will love Voice of Harold, even for its somewhat gimmicky nature. Set to the backing track of the Reckoning classic 7 Chinese Bros., Michael Stipe sings the liner notes of The Joy of Knowing Jesus, a gospel album by the Revelaires. It may seem like a joke, but it's actually quite good, at least until he starts reading the "thank yous." The song is definitely a testament to Michael's inability to sing clearly... who knew he was saying "The Joy of Knowing Jesus, Produced by Joel Gentry, Cover/Backliner Design/Reesor?"
5. Burning Hell (B-Side of Can't Get There From Here)
Burning Hell is either a bad joke or a horrible attempt at sounding br00tal. I've always thought that Michael's atrocious vocal delivery was parodying hair metal vocalists of the day... let's hope so, because this song is really bad.
6. White Tornado (Recorded during the 1981 Radio Free Europe sessions)
This lackluster instrumental serves as proof that in 1981, Bill Berry was the only member of R.E.M. who could actually play an instrument.
7. Toys in the Attic (B-Side of Fall On Me)
Wow, thank god this arrived when it did! On paper, R.E.M. covering Aerosmith sounRAB like a joke. However, somehow this cover is incredible! The instrumentation is very tight, with a stellar guitar solo and a grooving bassline. R.E.M. are in top form here, keeping the song under three minutes and breathing new life into a tired "classic". Not only is it perhaps the best song on Dead Letter Office, this cover was one of my favorite childhood songs.
8. Windout (From the Bachelor Party soundtrack)
Remember the live version of Windout from the Reckoning reissue? That was some hardcore playing, and one of the most raw performances put to tape by the band. Unfortunately, this studio take is soulless and boring, but serves as a testament to the power of a live show to make better any song.
9. Ages of You (B-Side of Wendell Gee)
Another song that would have fit well on Reckoning, Ages of You is slightly better than Burning Down, with a better chorus and imagery filled lyrics that give it the edge. The syncopation of the guitar and bass in the bridge is nice also. As a result, Ages of You is the best R.E.M. original on Dead Letter Office. I just wish I could understand the chorus beyond the "ages of you" line. The rest sounRAB like "Wadada da da eh"
10. Pale Blue Eyes (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
The Velvet Underground's 1969 original version of Pale Blue Eyes is one of the saddest and simply greatest songs ever. R.E.M.'s version begins similarly, with a hushed and fragile Michael Stipe delivering that unforgettably paradoxical opening line "Sometimes I feel so happy, sometimes I feel so sad." However when the chorus comes around, Peter Buck's guitar tracks chime to Berry's confident drum, making the song a much livelier countrified track. Since the original is so heartbreaking and this version is so upbeat, one might think it blasphemous. However, something about this version saves it, making it one of my favorite Velvet Underground covers. Also, Peter Buck's guitar solo > Lou Reed's.
11. Rotary Ten (B-Side of Fall On Me)
Rotary Ten is another somewhat pointless instrumental that does little else than showcase Peter Buck's guitar abilities, which sound pretty good here. It's also more than a little Tom Waits-y.
12. Bandwagon (B-Side of Can't Get There From Here)
This song was co-written by Michael's sister Lynda of the band Oh-OK, whose complete discography record is pretty good. This song, however, is bland and boring, and Michael's affected southern accent is annoying.
13. Femme Fatale (B-Side of Superman)
Femme Fatale is yet another classic Velvet Underground song, originally sung by Nico on the Velvets' debut record. I actually prefer Michael's vocal, as well as Mill's understated harmonies to the original version. The guitar line is classic R.E.M., but not to the point that it detracts from the song's innocent beauty.
14. Walter's Theme (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
This song is so stupid. Apparently they were drunk when the band recorded this. Stipe is rambling in the backround, and I don't know what's going on.
15. King Of The Road (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
This is equally stupid as Walter's Theme but much more fun and kind of hilarious. I think that this song, a cover of Roger Miller's 1965 hit is meant as a joke. Apparently it was recorded when they were drunk as well.
Crazy was originally written by fellow Athens, Georgia band Pylon for their 1983 album Chomp. Like their New Jersey counterparts the Feelies, Pylon were incredibly influential to the alternative rock movement and instrumental in its evolution from post-punk to college rock. R.E.M. pays tribute with this well played cover; nearly as dark as the original but more accessible. Mike Mills bass stanRAB out against the murky textures of Buck's guitar, making Crazy an early highlight of the compilation.
2. There She Goes Again (B-Side of I.R.S. version of Radio Free Europe)
In their earlier years, R.E.M. had always had a penchant for Velvet Underground covers. While the Velvets originals are often forebodingly rough and dissonant, R.E.M.'s versions have been melodic and melancholy. Unfortunately, when they try to "rock out" to the VU and Nico classic, it simply doesn't work. Mills' harmonies are a mess; not fitting those of the Velvet Underground's at all. The original song only works because of Lou ReeRAB end monologue "She's gonna work it out, bye bye", and that too is missing from R.E.M.'s cover.
3. Burning Down (B-Side of Wendell Gee)
The first original song on the compilation, Burning Down is actually quite good, with a catchy chorus and trademark jangley guitar licks throughout. While not stylistically in tune with Fables of the Reconstruction of Lifes Rich Pageant, Burning Down would have been well suited on the more pop inflected Reckoning. My only qualms with this song is the length. While the lyrics and instrumentation are decent, the 4:12 length is simply too long. Still, Burning Down is a highlight.
4. Voice of Harold (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
Reckoning fans will love Voice of Harold, even for its somewhat gimmicky nature. Set to the backing track of the Reckoning classic 7 Chinese Bros., Michael Stipe sings the liner notes of The Joy of Knowing Jesus, a gospel album by the Revelaires. It may seem like a joke, but it's actually quite good, at least until he starts reading the "thank yous." The song is definitely a testament to Michael's inability to sing clearly... who knew he was saying "The Joy of Knowing Jesus, Produced by Joel Gentry, Cover/Backliner Design/Reesor?"
5. Burning Hell (B-Side of Can't Get There From Here)
Burning Hell is either a bad joke or a horrible attempt at sounding br00tal. I've always thought that Michael's atrocious vocal delivery was parodying hair metal vocalists of the day... let's hope so, because this song is really bad.
6. White Tornado (Recorded during the 1981 Radio Free Europe sessions)
This lackluster instrumental serves as proof that in 1981, Bill Berry was the only member of R.E.M. who could actually play an instrument.
7. Toys in the Attic (B-Side of Fall On Me)
Wow, thank god this arrived when it did! On paper, R.E.M. covering Aerosmith sounRAB like a joke. However, somehow this cover is incredible! The instrumentation is very tight, with a stellar guitar solo and a grooving bassline. R.E.M. are in top form here, keeping the song under three minutes and breathing new life into a tired "classic". Not only is it perhaps the best song on Dead Letter Office, this cover was one of my favorite childhood songs.
8. Windout (From the Bachelor Party soundtrack)
Remember the live version of Windout from the Reckoning reissue? That was some hardcore playing, and one of the most raw performances put to tape by the band. Unfortunately, this studio take is soulless and boring, but serves as a testament to the power of a live show to make better any song.
9. Ages of You (B-Side of Wendell Gee)
Another song that would have fit well on Reckoning, Ages of You is slightly better than Burning Down, with a better chorus and imagery filled lyrics that give it the edge. The syncopation of the guitar and bass in the bridge is nice also. As a result, Ages of You is the best R.E.M. original on Dead Letter Office. I just wish I could understand the chorus beyond the "ages of you" line. The rest sounRAB like "Wadada da da eh"
10. Pale Blue Eyes (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
The Velvet Underground's 1969 original version of Pale Blue Eyes is one of the saddest and simply greatest songs ever. R.E.M.'s version begins similarly, with a hushed and fragile Michael Stipe delivering that unforgettably paradoxical opening line "Sometimes I feel so happy, sometimes I feel so sad." However when the chorus comes around, Peter Buck's guitar tracks chime to Berry's confident drum, making the song a much livelier countrified track. Since the original is so heartbreaking and this version is so upbeat, one might think it blasphemous. However, something about this version saves it, making it one of my favorite Velvet Underground covers. Also, Peter Buck's guitar solo > Lou Reed's.
11. Rotary Ten (B-Side of Fall On Me)
Rotary Ten is another somewhat pointless instrumental that does little else than showcase Peter Buck's guitar abilities, which sound pretty good here. It's also more than a little Tom Waits-y.
12. Bandwagon (B-Side of Can't Get There From Here)
This song was co-written by Michael's sister Lynda of the band Oh-OK, whose complete discography record is pretty good. This song, however, is bland and boring, and Michael's affected southern accent is annoying.
13. Femme Fatale (B-Side of Superman)
Femme Fatale is yet another classic Velvet Underground song, originally sung by Nico on the Velvets' debut record. I actually prefer Michael's vocal, as well as Mill's understated harmonies to the original version. The guitar line is classic R.E.M., but not to the point that it detracts from the song's innocent beauty.
14. Walter's Theme (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
This song is so stupid. Apparently they were drunk when the band recorded this. Stipe is rambling in the backround, and I don't know what's going on.
15. King Of The Road (B-Side of So. Central Rain)
This is equally stupid as Walter's Theme but much more fun and kind of hilarious. I think that this song, a cover of Roger Miller's 1965 hit is meant as a joke. Apparently it was recorded when they were drunk as well.
In summation, R.E.M. are simply not a b-sides band. Many of these songs, while fun, are not nearly up to par with their album material. However, the few quality songs present are enough to make this compilation worthwhile.
Key Tracks (Click to Download): "Crazy", "Ages of You", "Pale Blue Eyes"
5/10
[YOUTUBE]We6t3u3b2Nc[/YOUTUBE]
[YOUTUBE]We6t3u3b2Nc[/YOUTUBE]
Cutie wit a bootie
New member
That's getting a spin from me tomorrow... or maybe tonight if I'm really bored. Greetings from Michigan was great too.
No responses to the review of my favorite R.E.M. release, but I soldier on...
If Document would come to be known as the album when R.E.M. went mainstream, then Lifes Rich Pageant [sic] is the album where they first sounded mainstream, at least comparatively speaking. After the audaciously inaccessible masterpiece that was Fables of the Reconstruction, the band turned its sights on making a real, no holRAB barred pop album, nearly the opposite of Fables and Murmur and more along the lines of Reckoning. With increased revenue from touring and record sales, R.E.M. hired producer Don Gehman. Gehman's production absolutely makes this record, which is perhaps the best sounding record in R.E.M.'s catalogue. Never is a sound out of place or a tone misconstrued, and the inclusion of additional instruments, many of which can be found well hidden within the confines of Fables of the Reconstruction's stony embrace. Banjos, keyboarRAB, hammond organs, accordions and vocal whoops grace this album like a designer dress, enhancing its strengths and hiding any weaknesses it may have had otherwise.
And I'm not kidding. Remember how great that song Hyena was on the Reckoning Live Set? The studio version here is just as energetic, but without all the sloppy playing and with an arrangement ten times better. The song begins with this incredibly catchy keyboard riff, which is later supported by an equally awesome guitar riff that is absolutely mixed to perfection. Easily one of the best R.E.M. songs ever, and certainly one of the best sounding. While Hyena is certainly a highlight, many of the songs on the album share its upbeat tempo and gorgeous production, song after song. Aptly titled album opener Begin the Begin serves its purpose with yet another classic riff that leaRAB right into the anthemic These Days (not a cover of the Jackson Browne song). These Days is filled with awesome nonsensical lyrics and of course YET ANOTHER killer Peter Buck riff. These Days is one of those songs that hits you and makes you stop what you're doing to listen. That seems to be a recurring theme on the album, with I Believe following a similar formula. More nonsensical and even more anthemic than These Days, I Believe is arguably the best song on the album and had a significant run as my favorite R.E.M. song ever a few months ago. From the banjo intro, recorded unbeknownst to Peter Buck while he was playing around in the studio, to the very quotable "I Believe in coyotes and time as an abstract" line, this song is an awesome, cathartic thrill ride.
These songs were perhaps as close as R.E.M. would ever come to "rocking out" in the conventional sense, and as such, carry an air of youth about them. Just a Touch, a song that may have been written as long ago as 1981, is easily the most raw and, well, young sounding song they had recorded to that point, emphasized by the lyrics which convey a certain immaturity that is both lovable and relatable. Curious as it may seem, if the aforementioned songs were released together as a five song EP a la Chronic Town it would be a damn fine EP and a very respectable record. But like all truly great R.E.M. recorRAB, Lifes Rich Pageant is not what it may appear to be; a brief yet exhilarating thrill ride of an album. Rather, it is an incredibly mature and intelligent record disguised as a series of innocent, naive teenage anthems that when viewed from that perspective almost verges on self parody at times. If I had any problems with Lifes Rich Pageant, it would be that, but it hardly matters.
This record's maturity showcases the lyrical and musical progression of the band, and is best exemplified in the glorious mid-tempo and slow pieces that adorn the album. Such is the nature of Fall On Me, the band's first single to crack the top 100. Fall on Me is a song so beautiful that it requires many listens to fully appreciate. Built upon four guitar overdubs, Fall on Me is musically rich and lyrically genius, exhibiting perhaps Stipe's first truly brilliant lyric, a trite and near-cynical take on the Gallic belief that the sky would fall on the heaRAB of those below. However it is Mike Mills' stunningly gorgeous harmonies and brief vocal solo that make the song, thus affirming my belief that Mills is the most underrated and most valuable member of the band. He trades lines with Stipe in such perfect harmony that the final product is really something to behold. Cuyahoga, which follows, is nearly as fantastic, with Michael delivering a stark narrative regarding the Cuyahoga River, which in 1969 lit on fire due to the number of pollutants occupying it. Stipe's vocal is very on target; an example of how great a voice he possesses and how it would be utilized on forthcoming albums. However, neither of these songs can touch the sheer brilliance of the Scarborough Faire style dirge that is Swan Swan H, a song so hauntingly dark and beautiful that it manages to top all the undeniable classics present on the record. The droning strum of the twelve string signals the arrival of a spindly sounding riff as Stipe descenRAB into stream of consciousness style lyrics atop an off-kilter melody. The effect is breathtaking yet gentle, and easily one of my top five R.E.M. songs if not my absolute favorite.
Honestly, there's not a lot more to say about Lifes Rich Pageant. Just get it, and you'll like it. It's one of the more likeable R.E.M. recorRAB, especially after the difficult Fables. And so enRAB R.E.M.'s string of four perfect albums in a row. To say it's all downhill from here would not exactly be fair, but needless to say, these first four LPs are amazing.
Key Tracks (Click to Download): "Fall on Me", "I Believe", "Swan Swan H"
[YOUTUBE]W0nhKmutDIk[/YOUTUBE]
Next Step: The Replacements - Let it Be
Lifes Rich Pageant
Released 1986
I.R.S. RecorRAB
I can't see, I'm so young, I'm so GOD DAMNED YOUNG!
Released 1986
I.R.S. RecorRAB
I can't see, I'm so young, I'm so GOD DAMNED YOUNG!
If Document would come to be known as the album when R.E.M. went mainstream, then Lifes Rich Pageant [sic] is the album where they first sounded mainstream, at least comparatively speaking. After the audaciously inaccessible masterpiece that was Fables of the Reconstruction, the band turned its sights on making a real, no holRAB barred pop album, nearly the opposite of Fables and Murmur and more along the lines of Reckoning. With increased revenue from touring and record sales, R.E.M. hired producer Don Gehman. Gehman's production absolutely makes this record, which is perhaps the best sounding record in R.E.M.'s catalogue. Never is a sound out of place or a tone misconstrued, and the inclusion of additional instruments, many of which can be found well hidden within the confines of Fables of the Reconstruction's stony embrace. Banjos, keyboarRAB, hammond organs, accordions and vocal whoops grace this album like a designer dress, enhancing its strengths and hiding any weaknesses it may have had otherwise.
And I'm not kidding. Remember how great that song Hyena was on the Reckoning Live Set? The studio version here is just as energetic, but without all the sloppy playing and with an arrangement ten times better. The song begins with this incredibly catchy keyboard riff, which is later supported by an equally awesome guitar riff that is absolutely mixed to perfection. Easily one of the best R.E.M. songs ever, and certainly one of the best sounding. While Hyena is certainly a highlight, many of the songs on the album share its upbeat tempo and gorgeous production, song after song. Aptly titled album opener Begin the Begin serves its purpose with yet another classic riff that leaRAB right into the anthemic These Days (not a cover of the Jackson Browne song). These Days is filled with awesome nonsensical lyrics and of course YET ANOTHER killer Peter Buck riff. These Days is one of those songs that hits you and makes you stop what you're doing to listen. That seems to be a recurring theme on the album, with I Believe following a similar formula. More nonsensical and even more anthemic than These Days, I Believe is arguably the best song on the album and had a significant run as my favorite R.E.M. song ever a few months ago. From the banjo intro, recorded unbeknownst to Peter Buck while he was playing around in the studio, to the very quotable "I Believe in coyotes and time as an abstract" line, this song is an awesome, cathartic thrill ride.
These songs were perhaps as close as R.E.M. would ever come to "rocking out" in the conventional sense, and as such, carry an air of youth about them. Just a Touch, a song that may have been written as long ago as 1981, is easily the most raw and, well, young sounding song they had recorded to that point, emphasized by the lyrics which convey a certain immaturity that is both lovable and relatable. Curious as it may seem, if the aforementioned songs were released together as a five song EP a la Chronic Town it would be a damn fine EP and a very respectable record. But like all truly great R.E.M. recorRAB, Lifes Rich Pageant is not what it may appear to be; a brief yet exhilarating thrill ride of an album. Rather, it is an incredibly mature and intelligent record disguised as a series of innocent, naive teenage anthems that when viewed from that perspective almost verges on self parody at times. If I had any problems with Lifes Rich Pageant, it would be that, but it hardly matters.
We have found a way to talk around the problem.
This record's maturity showcases the lyrical and musical progression of the band, and is best exemplified in the glorious mid-tempo and slow pieces that adorn the album. Such is the nature of Fall On Me, the band's first single to crack the top 100. Fall on Me is a song so beautiful that it requires many listens to fully appreciate. Built upon four guitar overdubs, Fall on Me is musically rich and lyrically genius, exhibiting perhaps Stipe's first truly brilliant lyric, a trite and near-cynical take on the Gallic belief that the sky would fall on the heaRAB of those below. However it is Mike Mills' stunningly gorgeous harmonies and brief vocal solo that make the song, thus affirming my belief that Mills is the most underrated and most valuable member of the band. He trades lines with Stipe in such perfect harmony that the final product is really something to behold. Cuyahoga, which follows, is nearly as fantastic, with Michael delivering a stark narrative regarding the Cuyahoga River, which in 1969 lit on fire due to the number of pollutants occupying it. Stipe's vocal is very on target; an example of how great a voice he possesses and how it would be utilized on forthcoming albums. However, neither of these songs can touch the sheer brilliance of the Scarborough Faire style dirge that is Swan Swan H, a song so hauntingly dark and beautiful that it manages to top all the undeniable classics present on the record. The droning strum of the twelve string signals the arrival of a spindly sounding riff as Stipe descenRAB into stream of consciousness style lyrics atop an off-kilter melody. The effect is breathtaking yet gentle, and easily one of my top five R.E.M. songs if not my absolute favorite.
Honestly, there's not a lot more to say about Lifes Rich Pageant. Just get it, and you'll like it. It's one of the more likeable R.E.M. recorRAB, especially after the difficult Fables. And so enRAB R.E.M.'s string of four perfect albums in a row. To say it's all downhill from here would not exactly be fair, but needless to say, these first four LPs are amazing.
Key Tracks (Click to Download): "Fall on Me", "I Believe", "Swan Swan H"
10/10
[YOUTUBE]W0nhKmutDIk[/YOUTUBE]
Next Step: The Replacements - Let it Be