Customer Reviews

Life's Rich Pageant

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This 1986 release, the band's fourth full-length LP, may be the very best -- or at least "most REM-like" -- in their catalog. As has been pointed out several times, "Life's Rich Pageant" represented a turning point in REM's sound, pushing both drummer Bill Berry and vocalist Michael Stipe to the front of the mix. The result is a punchier sound that strips away Stipe's mumbling to reveal his impressionistic lyrics. It's not always clear what he's singing about, but at least you don't have to struggle just to decode the words. Though there are moments and songs on "Murmer" and "Reckoning" that may supersede anything heard here, the accessibility of Don Gehman's production, and the catchiness of these songs (including Mike Mills' cover of The Clique's 1969 then-obscure "Superman") make this on of REM's most spinworthy releases.

Michael Stipe referred to this album in Mojo magazine as being the most like REM that REM has ever sounded. And I'm inclined to agree.

For fans like myself this is the ultimate REM experience. For newcomers, an excellent introduction. For those sitting on the fence, it'll knock you clean to the ground on the REM side.

On previous albums, Stipe's vocals remain firmly buried in the mix, the lyrics practically indecipherable in places. This album shows Stipe's astounding vocal ability off to it's best. Heart-felt, passionate, full of emotion. The lyrics are often cryptic and abstract, yet somehow relevant ; as we've come to expect.

The instrumentation is virtually perfect, and not rooted in the 80's which means that the album hasn't aged at all, it's timeless and classic. This could be REM of the 80's, of the 90's, of the 21st century. Layers of delicate sound, blended to make the rich, soul-inspiring melodies which can lift us up or send us down effortlessly.

Stand out tracks include the beautifully simple "What if We Give it Away?", and the heavier yet controlled "Begin the Begin". The folk-esque "Swan Swan H" sticks in your mind with it's melodic guitar and lilting phrasing, and "Superman" is worth listening to for the harmonies alone. Tremendous.

The pivotal importance of this album in the career of the biggest band in the world today cannot be overplayed. This is the very essence of REM. Berry, Buck, Mills and Stipe all at their creative best. Essential.

Like many, this was the first R.E.M. album I purchased. I had heard of them before, of course, but they were never my cup of tea. I have since bought them all, but this one remains their masterpiece, in my opinion.

There simply are no fillers here. Highlights (and there are many) include "Fall On Me" "I Believe", "Flowers", and "Cuyahoga," but the ones not mentioned here are great, too. If there is anyone on the planet that has never purchased an R.E.M. disc, this is where to start.

I don't know how they equalized the sound, but whoever country did this, my hat's off to them. Not that the original CD release from several years ago is bad. It's not. But this time, the pitches and jangling sounds from Peter Buck's guitar are not screeching or wavering above other important instruments or Michael Stipe's voice. You get to hear incidental effects more clearly this time. Listen to the backup vocals in "Fall on Me" and incidentals on "What If We Give It Away" just for a taste.

This is one of the great college rock (or 'alternative') albums of all time. The song "Cuyahoga" is a college rock masterpiece - take one listen to this song, and you will wonder how you ever lived your life without this song in it. Fall On Me and Superman are also really great. Take the time to go back and check out the old R.E.M. albums. It's a fascinating musical journey to take - and a rewarding one.

This album has a great pop confection without pandering to the masses. Many have dissed it as fluff but all I have to say is listen to the bridge in "What if we give it away" and you'll understand the purity of R.E.M..

Pound for pound the best album created by REM. There are some better songs on others, but this one is all hits without any misses.

I must have loaned this CD to someone. I have all of REM's major releases, many of the hits and b-sides, a few boot legs, etc. I saw REM at a 400 seat venu and a 30,000 seat venu and a few in between.

I know this album is a bit over produced considering murmur and reckoning, but I still love this album.