Reveal: The Story of R.E.M. (Book) [Paperback]

Johnny Black (Author), R.E.M. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

R.E.M. has produced some of the most consistently fascinating, successful and honest music of the past 20+ years, combining lyrical and musical experimentation in ways that nonetheless are accessible to the mainstream rock audience. Drawing upon first-hand interviews with band members and insiders, Reveal is a biographical exploration of the work and life of this seminal band. With a focus on the music and how it evolves from the personalities within the group, this book provides new insights into R.E.M.'s creative process. 7-1/4 x 9-1/4, 272 pages

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the dozen most admired American rock bands ever."

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Backbeat Books (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879307765
• ISBN-13: 978-0879307769
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible (almost) flawless R.E.M. biography., December 27, 2004

By 

Meg "Livin la vida loca in Maine!" (Caribou, ME, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reveal: The Story of R.E.M. (Book) (Paperback)

I received this book as a gift for Christmas. To let you get a perspective on my review, I've been an R.E.M. fan for over 10 years and own every cd they've ever put out, and am generally obcessive when it comes to them. I've read all the previous books before that were mainly published when R.E.M. was in their heyday of Losing My Religion. I've even reviewed them, and found them to be full of misinformation, hearsay, etc. (Writing a bad review on one book even earned me a nasty email from the author!! lol)

But I digress. This book was incredible. It was well thought out and planned. It was completely linear - it only deviated from the timeline in the introduction to the book. Black approached writing this book as one would an academic research paper. He researched, researched, researched, and in his works sited he gave all credits where it was rightly due. I found out much I didn't know about R.E.M. in the early days. The great thing about this book is it's really recent, it goes up to right before Around the Sun came out, and addresses R.E.M.'s political leanings this year against the Iraq War.

I hate to use a overused cliche, but I couldn't put this book down all day. I had to read all through it. If you are a die hard R.E.M. fan, or know one, pick up this book as it's the definitive R.E.M. biography out there!!!

PS - The one flaw in the book is one picture was credited as being from "Out of Time" when it was clearly from the "Monster" era. But that's it!! Good stuff!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Leisurely Read, January 9, 2007

By 

L.R. "Frequency Kenneth" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reveal: The Story of R.E.M. (Book) (Paperback)

I was pleasantly surprised at how conversational & easy this book was. Black provides a relaxed story-telling w/ occasional personal attitudes towards what the band has to say/do.

What is refreshing is that, unlike other writers, he doesn't just fawn over the band and agree with whatever they have to say or do. Occasionally, he'll disagree or throw a contrary opinion in there worth considering.

I give it a B+. Insightful, yet fun and light. Great coffee-table book

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Longtime fan, impressed by book, July 6, 2008

By 

B. Clark "toterola451" (toterola451) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reveal: The Story of R.E.M. (Book) (Paperback)

This book is well written, insightful, and well researched. That's about all you can ask from a biography. If you are a fan, I believe you will enjoy it. Hell, even if you aren't a fan!