REM: Documental

by Dave Bowler

R.E.M. is arguably one of today's most popular bands. Their string of top hits includes "Fall on Me," "The One I Love," "Stand," "Losing My Religion," "Drive," "Man on the Moon," and "What's the Frequency, Kenneth." From "Chronic Town" to "Monster" provides interesting details about this enigmatic yet potent musical force. Despite the constant intrusion of a voracious press, their aspirations are cloaked in mystery. Arch media manipulator, lead singer-lyricist Michael Stipe reveals the confusion and creative freedom provided by this media frenzy, which allows him and his band to present some of the most provocative music of recent times. As well as tracing the journey from the underground to the international stage, this book digs beneath the convenient stereotypes to portray Stipe and bandmates Bill Berry, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills as individuals and artists who each make important contributions to rock's most vital band.

Genres: Music

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a slightly different take on the same events that are discussed in other R.E.M. books, usually a more cynical take on them. It's odd that after so many books reporting the facts one way, this book is the lone one to see the same events from a different angle.

One thing I don't like, and maybe it's just me being extremely picky or touchy, is that the authors seem to give their opinion often, like implying a particular album or song isn't good, or won't stand the test of time. Isn't that a matter of opinion? Just because you didn't like Lifes Rich Pageant doesn't mean it's not someone else's favorite (R.E.M.) album of all time, the one they go back to over and over. hmm...

[Ted · Rating 1 out of 5]

I dunno what's worse, the fact that you get the feeling the writer didn't like the band, the constant mispellings, incorrect titles for songs, or the fact that it's comprised entirely of quotes from interviews from other sources. I can't believe I read the whole thing.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the same book as R.E.M.: From Chronic Town to Monster -- same pictures in the middle, same text, same chapters, even the same layout and page numbers. Darn those authors or publishing companies who published the same book with two different titles!

My full review of the books is over there.