R.E.M.'s Murmur (33 1/3) [Paperback]

J. Niimi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2005 | Series: 33 1/3

R.E.M.’s debut album, released in 1983, was so far removed from the prevailing trends of American popular music that it still sounds miraculous and out of time today. J. Niimi tells the story of the album’s genesis – with fascinating input from Don Dixon and Mitch Easter. He also investigates Michael Stipe’s hypnotic, mysterious lyrics, and makes the case for Murmur as a work of Southern Gothic art. EXCEPRT: In the course of an interview that took place some twenty years ago, Michael Stipe made passing reference to an essay that had a deep impact on him. It’s what came to his mind when, after having been harangued by fans and journalists alike about Murmur’s lyrics, already grown weary from having to continually entertain their broad speculations, he finally threw up his hands. “Anyone who really wants to figure out the words to our songs should probably read this essay, then go back and listen,” Stipe told the interviewer. “It talks about how people misinterpret something that’s being said, and come up with a little phrase or word that actually defines the essence of what the original was better than the original did.” What Stipe was trying to say is that if you want answers to R.E.M., you’re not only looking in the wrong place, you’re also asking the wrong questions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"33 1/3 is a fabulous series written with passion by an equally fabulous cross-secton of today's best music journalists. This series is a must for every serious record nerd out there! And I know the nerds agree with me cause I'm having trouble keeping them on the shelves." -Edmund LeStrange, Book Buyer for Waterloo Records

Mentioned –Philadelphia Weekly

“…Murmur is a lovingly rendered, well-researched look at R.E.M’s album of the same name, a gothic-tinged anomaly that seemed to come out of nowhere amid the New Wave avalanche of the early ‘80s…illuminating.” –Cincinnati City Beat, May 2005

“I’ll leave the in-depth analysis of the record to Niimi, but trust me, this is a title worth reading more about...even if you still hate R.E.M. for unleashing that debacle called “Shiny Happy People.” –Radio Free Chicago, May 2005

"…the book does a good job of bringing the reader into the world of R.E.M. and the circumstances surrounding their official full-length debut album which changed the music world. A must-read for fans." -- Mish Mash Music Reviews, July 2005 (Mish Mash Music Reviews )

“…the book goes a considerable distance towards explaining how this enduringly astonishing album happened.” –Uncut, October 2005 (Uncut )

"…the book does a good job of bringing the reader into the world of R.E.M. and the circumstances surrounding their official full-length debut album which changed the music world. A must-read for fans." -- Mish Mash Music Reviews, July 2005 (, )

About the Author

J. Niimi writes about music for the Chicago Reader, SPIN, City Pages, and SF Weekly, among other publications. In previous years he worked as a studio engineer, recorded eight albums as the drummer of Ashtray Boy, and hosted a weekly radio show on WHPK. He lives in Chicago with his wife and their two border terriers.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (April 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826416721
• ISBN-13: 978-0826416728
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #654,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly thought provoking, December 2, 2005

By 

happy boy "freddy" (Louisville, ky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: R.E.M.'s Murmur (33 1/3) (Paperback)

I really didn't expect much when a friend guided me to this book. All he mentioned was the track by track analysis of instrumentation and arrangement. But the amazing part of this book is the latter section dealing with language and the effectiveness of non-linear, yet familiar lyrics in evoking feelings beyond logic and language. I became consciously aware of an intuitive process through the shared experience of the record and the author's thoughtful considerations. Quite a bargain for the price!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best R.E.M. book yet, July 16, 2005

By 

JD in Portland (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: R.E.M.'s Murmur (33 1/3) (Paperback)

This book on Murmur is a great read. I am glad i stumbled on it at the check out counter of my favorite record store.

Mr. Niimi captured the record's weird and intangible magic, not

an easy feat. He did a particularly good job examining Bill Berry's

unusual playing style and incalculable contribution to not

only R.E.M.'s sound but compositions. Even though Niimi himself is a drummer, he explains things in a manner any non-musician will appreciate.

He also got some great quotes out of producers Don Dixon and Mitch

Easter as he delved into the details of the making of the record. Along the way he tells the terrific story of R.E.M.s rapid rise from Athens bar band to architects of the college rock, indie rock explosion of the '80s.

I followed R.E.M. very closely in this time frame and the author captures the feeling and emotional impact that R.E.M. had on its fans quite well. The book brought back many good memories. I highly recommend it to both the casual and serious R.E.M. fan.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Salad Days Revisited, June 9, 2005

By 

Mark F. Yanes "college rock geek" (Reading PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: R.E.M.'s Murmur (33 1/3) (Paperback)

I'm a big fan of the 33 1/3 Series from Continuum Books and J Niimi's MURMUR is a fine addition. One problem I have with books of this ilk is the tendency to emphasize studio craft and the technical aspect of the making of a record over the content and emotional effect of the music. Mr Niimi avoids this nicely- although all the studio tricks are exposed in their entirety! Its also a great look back at the times and trends that produced this fine record.

After reading the book I put the record on and, after wading through the inevitable waves of nostalgia, rediscovered a great band and record that I haven't listened to for far too long.