My Favorites: R.E.M

[cathschaffstump]

Recently, The Man (TM) recalibrated his iPod light. I threw out three R.E.M albums to go on it from my favorite times: Fables of the Reconstruction (perhaps my favorite of all), Out of Time, and Monster. I'm remembering how much I really enjoy what these guys did, and do.

Let me take you back to a different time. A time called the early 80s, when college students blared the Violent Femmes out of dormitory windows to shock their parents. (Yes, no one really considered in a mere 20 years, the band would be top 40 fodder). During this time, a college band from Athens, Georgia began producing music with a social message and a kind of country twang.

I couldn't get enough of that sound. I raced out and bought Murmur, Reckoning and Fables of the Reconstruction and wore out the cassette tapes. My favorite songs were Don't Go Back to Rockville and Can't Get There from Here, although the plaintive strains of Seven Chinese Brothers was a close third.

There was a time when I didn't understand what the band was doing, and why it was wandering in the wilderness. From about Life's Rich Pageant to around Document, they embraced a samey sound that made me wonder where my band had gone.

However, Green renewed my religion, and I've been happy with the band's ability to experiment, but maintain their identity since. Most people are fond of Out of Time and Automatic for the People, both albums which exemplify the versatility of the band, but I have a soft spot for Monster, their "rock" album.

Of course, at the pinnacle of their popularity, I went to one of their concerts. As the marijuana-scented air wafted toward me, I had one of those "you kids get off my lawn" moments. You know, I was here when the band formed. This is my hip college band. Who the hell are you?

I'm okay that the band is on the oldies station. This band feels significant.

Which bands do you like particularly, and why?

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.