Ugly American Werewolf in London: REM - Fables of the Reconstruction

Pantheon - Home for Music Lovers

By 1985, REM had carved out a following both in their home base of Athens, GA and at colleges and indie radio stations around the US. Their first two albums Murmur and Reckoning gave them a foothold as they learned how to craft songs and play live. But they were ready to take the next step so instead of retreating to North Carolina where they'd recorded their first two albums, they went to London to broaden their horizons and up their songwriting and recording game.

Because REM had grown into a solid live band, some songs were worked out on the road like their classic travel song Driver 8. But they also sought inspiration from some of the odd characters they encountered in Athens and around the South with songs like Wendell Gee, Life And How To Live It and Old Man Kensey. They also drew from their travels to create some great road songs like Can't Get There From Here, Maps & Legends and Feeling Gravity's Pull. Guitarist Peter Buck does his jangly best here while breaking out a little banjo in spots. Mike Mills not only locks down the bass but provides harmonies and counterpoints to Michael Stipes desperate and personal lyrics. This album would portend the next two REM records - Life's Rick Pageant and Document - both favorites of The Wolf.

While the band would go onto become multi-platinum international pop superstars in the 90s, this album saw the band not ready to become that big but ready to take the next step in their journey. It's a fun one to dive into as it turns 40!

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