Conference marvin::uk_music

    I've only recently been converted to REM as well. A friend let me
    tape Document, and it has become one of my favourite albums. I've
    heard Green, and I like it, but not as much as Document which seems
    more complete, with every track sounding good
    
    Hoping to see them soon, if I can get tickets.
    
    Cheers.
    
    Mark

    The reason I prefer GREEN is because the lead singers (MichaelStype(sp))
    vocals are more distinguishable than on previous albums. As for a
    classification of their *sound* well your guess is as good as mine.

    - Dave.

    Personally, I prefer Green to Document - I thought Document ran
    out of steam about half way through side two, and became a little
    plodding. However, side one is definitely REM at their best. Green,
    IMO, is consistently very good; this is partly due, I think, to
    the running order of the songs, as well as the more adventurous
    instrumentation and arrangements.
    
    However, my favourite REM is still Fables of the Reconstruction,
    which shows them at their jangly, vaguely folky, roots. I haven't
    got round to buying their earlier records, such as Chronic Town
    or Murmur, but these are considered to be classics by the true REM
    aficionado.
    
    I have got a (slightly naughty) vid of them performing about fifteen
    numbers on German TV from about three years ago. I was surprised
    at how energetic they are on stage, closest in sound to the first
    side of Document, I would say.
    
    Also, I have part one of a supposed four-part cassette set (also
    a bit naughty) which consists of ninety minutes of live cover versions
    ranging through Paint it Black, an old Velvets number, a Creedence song,
    an Abba cover, Moon River and Whats new Pussycat, as well as a lot
    of sixties-type garage pop. Some of it is very bizarre, none of
    it is very well recorded, although it's all very well received by
    the audience. So, if you go to see them you could be in for some
    strange songs......
    
    Definitely a beacon in a sea of mediocrity
    
    Bob

    REM play Ireland on June 23rd venue to be announced later.
    

      I once thought that there was no such thing as a bad REM album,
    I now think that there is no such thing as a bad REM track!!
    Reconstruction, Document, and Reckoning stand out for me.  Can't
    wait until the Hammersmith shows.  Anyone else going?
    
    Mike 

    'Fraid not.  But note that two extra shows have been added:
    Birmingham NEC in may
    Wembley in June (22 I think).
    
    These tickts go on sale this saturday.  Support is likely to be
    The Wedding Present (Blue Aeroplanes for the rest of the tour).
     I don't know what REM will sound like from the back of an aircraft
    hanger.  New Order got away with it last sunday, so maybe it will
    be ok.
    
    Mike

    
    I was a "Green" convert - just read all the very good reviews and
    went out and bought it - simple as that.  Up until then, all I'd
    every heard was "The One I Love".  I got my cheque returned from
    Hammy Odeon - typical, they put on an extra Wembley show, by which
    time I'm going all the way up to Edinburgh (Tommy, where are you)
    to see em.  I've also turned two people onto "Green" in a big way.
     "Q" magazine title for the review read "Is this the bast band in
    the world"!!!
                              
    They've been described as 'Byrds like', but to me (not sound wise,
    but more the way they are popular), they're starting to become the
    T. Heads of the late 80's.

    Should be good live.
    
    David.
    

    
    I am one of those converts........(hope that doesn't sound rude!)
    
    I love the Green album. I shall be out this week sometime to purchase
    more stuff, as I have managed to 're-install' my hifi (know what
    I mean Dave...)
    
    I shall be seeing them in Edinburgh mid. May. Can't wait.
    
    I think they have this very strange writing technique. It's hard
    to describe but it's a sort of repetativeness throughout some of
    there songs. 'The One I Love' being a good example of that. Simple
    but effective.
    
    Tommy.

All this has brought to mind a quote from an interview with
Peter Buck (I think) from REM on Capitol Radio.

When asked how he would categorise REM, he said.

"Writing about Music, is like Dancing about Architecture"

Cheers.

Mark.

>                       -< Dancing about Architecture!! >-
>
>All this has brought to mind a quote from an interview with
>Peter Buck (I think) from REM on Capitol Radio.
>
>When asked how he would categorise REM, he said.
>
>"Writing about Music, is like Dancing about Architecture"

I think that the phrase actually originates with Frank Zappa and expresses his 
views about music critics or to quote Oscar Wilde a critic is someone who knows 
the price of everything and the value of nothing.

Nigel

    They were interviewed on Rapido (BBC2) last night - extracts from
    'Stand', 'The One I Love' and one other from 'Green'.  Buck and
    Stype did the talking.  They're very much a part of Athens, Georgia,
    and identify with it very strongly.  Also, it looks like their success
    is just spurning them on to greater things.  But, how much of their
    'cult' tag/following will stay with them now we shall see.  Guess
    it's time for me to investigate some of their back catalogue (when
    are you gonna buy 'Document', Tommy :=====:).
    
    David.
    

    
    Yeah, I saw that 'interview' with REM on Rapido the other night.
    Interesting as it was it left you thinking "well is that it?". They
    try and get through so much in a half hour programme that nothing
    is covered properly. Yep that's right, Tommy is wingeing again....

    
    
    I was at the gig in Worcester, Mass. on the 9th of April and they
    were so good it was unbelievable. I'm across here for 4 months and
    was totally p*ssed about missing them in Edinburgh but this certainly
    made up for it. 
    
    Are u the Tommy Crookston that starts work for SQF in May (with
    Bill Gilpin) cos I'm in that cheeky wee group as well - good ol'
    Tech Support. See you in June! Enjoy Edinburgh.
    
    Stuart.

    
    How's about a detailed review of the concert Stuart ? Just to get
    me in the mood for May 24th. You've guessed it. I've got tickets
    for Barrowland. Will they transform well to a 2000 stand-up venue
    from the arena circuit in the States ?
    
    			Ian.

    
    Ok, I was near the stage so it was a great atmosphere nothing like
    I had experienced before. The place was HUGE (say the same size
    as NEC). They have a screen at the back which starts with some images
    then they burst onto the scene and do Pop Song 89 (I hear they change
    set every night), as you can imagine all of Green is done plus Finest
    Worksong, End of the World (brain has gone dead ...). They didn't
    do Stand until the encore (4 encores). The highlight was Turn You
    Inside Out (IMO). They did some covers (which I didn't recognise)
    in the encores as well. (IMO) best concert I've ever seen - esp.
    on reflection and listening to Green again.
    
    I wish I was going to the Barrowlands and Playhouse. More tickets
    have been issued for Boston Garden show - maybe go!
    
    Have a good night (I'm jealous)
    
    Stuart

    
    re: .11
    
    Sir,
     
    	to "quote" Oscar Wilde?  Surely you mean to *paraphrase*, since
        the original couplet begins "a cynic...." rather than "a critic...."
        
        Oh I just *love* controversy...8^)
    
    							Ian!
    
    
     P.s. no, Sue Chilton is not having an identity crisis, nor are
          your eyes deceiving you, for this is indeed the one and only
          IBL on a flying visit (silence descends upon the assembled
          throng...."IBL who?").  Anyway, *wotcha* to everyone who knows
          me (in the true traditions of Radio 210), which really means
          the old guard who were pottering around in here a year ago
          and *still* haven't found a better way to survive the stress of 
          20th century living....!
    
          Goodbye, au reservoir, arrividerci, seonara, ciao, and remember
          "Keep Music Live"! (sorry Dave 8^))
    
          
    

    Old deccies don't die; they just show up in UK_MUSIC.....

    
    Well, what can I say. I was at the Playhouse in Edinburgh last night
    for my first live taste of REM. My expectations had been built up
    quite considerably by reading some excellent reviews recently and
    I felt sure that it couldn't really live up to what i wanted....
    
    ....it did.
    
    The concert was bloody superb. I enjoyed every single minute of
    it. Apart from having one of the most charasmatic frontmen ever,
    every number was just brill. What else can I say, almost two solid
    hours of great entertainment, with touches of wit and reparte and
    even some 'political' statements aka Gabriel style (not quite as
    grand) in between the songs.
    
    -  a living testament why I didn't get that job on the NME  -
    
    Cheers
    Tommy
    

    I hear that the wonderful Throwing Muses are the support at the
    Wembley REM concert. Should be a good one....
    
    Bob

     I saw REM down here in Oz mid Feb, and they were fab. Their only
    flaw, in my eyes, was the fact that they didn't play any of their
    old stuff. I've been a fan for about 3 to 4 years, since "Life's
    Rich Pageant", was released, which I think is probably THE best REM 
    album ever. Green, in my eyes is a bad attempt to go commercial,
    and to me is their worst album.
     They began with Pop Song 89, then Stand and  another Green song.
    Then went into a mix of "Document" and a couple off "Life's Rich...".
    They really made my night by playing "Begin The Begin", "Gravity's
    Pull" and "It's The End Of The World..." which I think are REM's
    best.
     I was really p*ssed off with the fact that they didn't play "Radio
    Free Europe". Anyway, great night, with a great band, especially
    Stipe's excellent vocal ability.
     A couple of weeks before the concert, a local radio station did
    an interveiw with Buck. He told listeners, he thought that REM 
    were at their hieght and probably do one more album before calling
    it a day. This way, Buck said, they'd finish up on a high!!
    
      No  more REM....
    
                         What a horrible thouhgt!!
    
                                      Regards Jack.

    Is there a new REM lp in the offing? Are they gonna tour, even? I've just 
    heard the new single on the radio, it sounds pretty good.
    
    Bob

    The new LP is released next week, I believe.  It gets rave reviews in
    the magazines this month.  No tour announced yet tho. 
    
    Mikef

The new album is due out 12-Mar in the US.
REM has said that they plan to return to the studio & make another,
and then they'll tour.  The cast of characters appearing on the
new album is pretty varried...  including a guy who usually does
hip hop/rap.  They claim that this one's not a rock album; we'll see.

R.

    does any one know the name of the album???? I hear that it is to be one
    of there best yet.....
    
    kat

    New Album is called Out Of Time
    
    Rob.

    Just for the record, there's a review in Q, seems to bee a good album,
    rated 4/5.
    
    				Andy.

    A local radio station here (LA) played the whole album last night.
    I heard about six of the songs.  I would say this is a very Michael
    Stipe album. If you are familiar with Stipe's outside projects,
    like producing Hugo Largo, and like his artsy side, then you will
    like this album.  But by no means is this a completely artsy album;
    there is plenty of hooks and guitar/bass/drums songs.  They also
    use string intruments...violin & such.  
    
    Most of it doesn't sound like their older stuff...re: the discussion
    in Rad_Rad, but it also doesn't sound so un-REM-like that you wouldn't
    recognize it.  (hey, love that double negative.)
    
    -Vicki
    

    
    FWIW - REM are playing a live session on Radio 1 this evening from
    10pm to midnight.
    
    
    Emma

    Do you have any idea where the gig is taking place?
    
    Mike

    The live stuff tonight was recorded in a BBC studio two days ago.  REM
    are playing in London tomorrow night at the Borderline club, under the
    name Bingo Hand Job.  The club says all tickets have been sold.  Anyone
    have any bright ideas?
    
    Mikef

    Go up early, pretend to be a fanzine writer wanting an interview, get
    the interview, don't leave the venue.  - Worked for me =8*)
    
    Tim
    ---

    Don't I have to be young, have a fringe, spots, glasses, and a shabby
    raincoat to do that though...?  ;-)
    
    Mikef

    
    Mike what are you implying? That I'm a young, bespectacled, badly dressed 
    individual with long hair and a skin problem.
    
    I'll have you know I'm not that young
    
    Tim
    ---

    
    I missed most of the session on Nicky Campbells show last night, what I
    did hear sounded good though.  Its to be repeated on the Saturday
    sequence on Easter Saturday =8*) so get those tapes ready.
    
    Tim
    ---
    

Does anyone have any dates/places for upcoming concerts??

Especially on the continent?

John

    They are not touring with this LP but going straight back into the
    studio to record the next one and then touring after that.
    
    Tim
    ---

    Did anyone manage to tape the live session on Radio 1 ???
    
    Woz

    I am a recent convert to REM - I love Out Of Time - I can't stop
    playing it!
    
    I've also heard Green and Document (which I enjoyed) and Fables (which
    I think I need to revisit...
    
    Whilst idly browsing through the Radio Times (as you do), desperately
    searching for programmes with some connection with Rock music, however
    minor (the usual state of affairs) I noticed that MTV appeared to have
    an REM day, last Saturday.  I also noticed that part of the day was
    devoted to "REM - Unplugged".  I heard a live, acoustic version of
    Changing My Religion in a record shop the other day and assume that it
    must have originated on that programme.
    
    So, did anyone hear it?  Did anyone tape it?  I would dearly love to
    see, or otherwise hear that programme. Can anyone help?
    
    Dave

    
    Hi folks,
             Just incase you didn't know; REM will be on radio 1 LIVE
             this boxing day ..... not too sure about the exact time 
             but I'm pretty sure it's on about 8.30 (check yer' radio
             times to be certain), just incase some poor unfortunate
             soul didn't know. It'd be a shame to miss it....
    
                                                              Charlie.

    
    Re. 40   I've seen that REM - Unplugged on MTV and I can vouch that it
    is BRILLIANT. REM like that are soooooo excellent that I just want to
    see it again. I've written off to MTV asking if they will be repeating
    any of their 'Unplugged' series, so If I hear anything, I'll let you
    all know (if you still read this note:-)
    
    Fleg....

    
    Hiya!,
    
    The latest REM album "Automatic for the People" came out last week.For
    anyone  wavering  over whether to buy it ,It surpassed my expectations
    pleasantly!....On 1st  few listenings I'd say definitely on a par with 
    "Out of Time" if not  better !. What I *didnt* like  was the CD itself
    which is a brash fluorescent yellow colour which,I think,makes it look
    cheap and nasty...
    
    Sandie.../
                       

    This has been driving me seriously nuts:
    
    What the hell is Stipey singing in chorus of the new single "The
    Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight"??  ..it's times like this that you get really
    annoyed at lack of lyric sheets...
    
    Any suggestions?  Or is it blindingly obvious and I'm stupi
    
    It sounds like "Comininchannelbreakerer".. ?!?!?
    
    Yours, desperately,
    
    Debs.
    
    

    or even stupiD....
    
    Debs.
    

    
    Ah ha!-I asked that in MUSIC:: Yonks back when the Album first came out
    Apparently It's  "Call and you'll wake her.."  ! Only easy to hear once
    you've been told what it is!!
    
    Sandie.../

    > Apparently It's  "Call and you'll wake her.."  ! Only easy to hear once
    > you've been told what it is!!
    
    You mean I've been wrong singing along with "Home in Jamaica" all this
    time?
    
    ~sam.

    
    Whoops!,
    
    Re-reading the 306.10 in MUSIC:: Its " Call when you try to wake her
    up"
    
    Sandie.../ 

    Actually it's Hopi Indian, as used to such great effect on earlier REM
    recordings.
    
    Piers

    Stipe's lack of vocal clarity obviously lent itself to the debut 
    album's title. "Mumble" would have been more apt.  
    
    barry.

I, for one, am glad that Mr. Stipe has begun mumbling again.  I don't like
understanding the words of REM songs and felt it was a sellout to enunciate
correctly.

Paul

    
    
    re last two....
    
    If you've seen the lyrics to the track "Star me Kitten" you might just
    be glad he's a mumbler!
    
    
    
    Michael
    

re .52

Care to share them with us.

Balders

    
    
    The title of the song is "Star me kitten", but reading the lyrics and
    listening to the track (once your know) it's clear that the 'star' in
    the title is really an asterisk.
    
    I.E. "**** me kitten"
    
    
    Michael

    Bill Berry - drummer with REM - collapsed with a brain haemorragh
    during a concert last wednesday.  He has been operated on, and is set
    to fully recover, but will not be able to work for at least three
    months, possibly a year.  The UK shows this year may be cancelled, I
    don't think there has been a decision yet.
    
    mikef

    I thought they suspected it was a brain haemorragh but it was a 
    severe migraine.  Did they do a brain scan again?
    
    julia

    According to todays press...
    
    
    he suffered a ruptured aneurysm, with no internal bleeding (is this
    getting gooey?), surgeons performed an operation on friday, to clip
    the aneurysm to prevent any bleeding.
    
    He is at risk of a stroke for the next two or three weeks.  
    
    Err...I'm starting to feel a bit faint typing this in.
    
    mikef

Can't see him wanting to be on stage for a while.  I'd have thought that the 
volume and vibrations of the sound would start messing with any weak bits in 
your head.

    This all happened at their 1st March Lausanne gig, with the drummer
    reeling around on stage with his hands clasped to his head. The band
    immediately rescheduled their gig for the next night in Zurich but have
    since cancelled their whole European tour.
    
    Piers

    
    First reports last Thursday, suggested he'd be back playing the drums
    within weeks and that the UK dates would go ahead as planned, although
    all other European dates were immediately postponed/cancelled... 
    
    ...from the conflicting reports, it makes me think it's probably a lot
    more serious than they're letting on.
    
    Graham

    back again - had to get some fresh air after typing in that medical
    stuff..
    
    Well, I hope its not serious, but it sounds like a real downer.   
    
    mikef