Lifes Rich Pageant [LP]

by R.E.M.

Overview

Fables of the Reconstruction was intentionally murky, and Lifes Rich Pageant was constructed as its polar opposite. Teaming with producer Don Gehman, who previously worked with John Mellencamp, R.E.M. developed their most forceful record to date. Where previous records kept the rhythm section in the background, Pageant emphasizes the beat, and the band turns in its hardest rockers to date, including the anthemic "Begin the Begin" and the punky "Just a Touch." But the cleaner production also benefits the ballads and the mid-tempo janglers, particularly since it helps reveal Michael Stipe's growing political obsessions, especially on the environmental anthems "Fall on Me" and "Cuyahoga." The group hasn't entirely left myths behind -- witness the Civil War ballad "Swan Swan H" -- but the band sound more contemporary both musically and lyrically than they did on either Fables or Murmur, which helps give the record an extra kick. And even with excellent songs like "I Believe," "Flowers of Guatemala," "These Days," and "What if We Give It Away," it's ironic that the most memorable moment comes from the garage rock obscurity "Superman," which is sung with glee by Mike Mills. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	07/29/2016
Label:	Concord / I.R.S. Records
UPC:	0602547851406
Rank:	31358

Tracks

1. Begin the Begin
2. These Days
3. Fall on Me
4. Cuyahoga
5. Hyena
6. Underneath the Bunker
7. Flowers of Guatemala
8. I Believe
9. What if We Give It Away?
10. Just a Touch
11. Swan Swan H
12. Superman

Album Credits

Performance Credits

R.E.M.   Primary Artist
Peter Buck   Guitar
Mike Mills   Bass,Vocals
Michael Stipe   Vocals
Bill Berry   Drums

Technical Credits

Stan Katayama   Mixing Assistant
Boudleaux Bryant   Composer
Don Gehman   Engineer,Producer,Mixing Engineer
Greg Edward   Engineer,Mixing Engineer
John Keane   Engineer
Jim Dineen   Mixing Assistant
Peter Buck   Composer
Ross Hogarth   Mixing,Engineer
Mike Mills   Composer
Michael Stipe   Composer
Bill Berry   Composer
Gary Zekley   Composer
Mark Mytrowitz   Technician
Mitchell Bottler   Composer
Rick Fetig   Assistant Engineer