Recently, The Man (TM) recalibrated his iPod light. I threw out three R.E.M albums to go on it from my favorite times: Fables of the Reconstruction (perhaps my favorite of all), Out of Time, and Monster. I’m remembering how much I really enjoy what these guys did, and do.
Let me take you back to a different time. A time called the early 80s, when college students blared the Violent Femmes out of dormitory windows to shock their parents. (Yes, no one really considered in a mere 20 years, the band would be top 40 fodder). During this time, a college band from Athens, Georgia began producing music with a social message and a kind of country twang.
I couldn’t get enough of that sound. I raced out and bought Murmur, Reckoning and Fables of the Reconstruction and wore out the cassette tapes. My favorite songs were Don’t Go Back to Rockville and Can’t Get There from Here, although the plaintive strains of Seven Chinese Brothers was a close third.
There was a time when I didn’t understand what the band was doing, and why it was wandering in the wilderness. From about Life’s Rich Pageant to around Document, they embraced a samey sound that made me wonder where my band had gone.
However, Green renewed my religion, and I’ve been happy with the band’s ability to experiment, but maintain their identity since. Most people are fond of Out of Time and Automatic for the People, both albums which exemplify the versatility of the band, but I have a soft spot for Monster, their “rock” album.
Of course, at the pinnacle of their popularity, I went to one of their concerts. As the marijuana-scented air wafted toward me, I had one of those “you kids get off my lawn” moments. You know, I was here when the band formed. This is my hip college band. Who the hell are you?
I’m okay that the band is on the oldies station. This band feels significant.
Which bands do you like particularly, and why?
Catherine
Oh, man, that brings back memories. My first girlfriend was an REM fanatic who gave me copies of all of their albums at that point. When we broke up, she gave me a copy of Drama and listening to It’s The End Of The World etc. just about killed me. Reading the titles of the songs brought them into my mind — Seven Chines Brothers was my favorite. Maybe it’s been long enough for me to give ’em a listen again.
If you like REM, check out Big Star, who I suspect was an influence.
Me? I owe allegiance to the Ramones, but I am a man of many musics. They Might Be Giants was a big one for me. Flaming Lips, up until Clouds Taste Metallic. (In A Priest-Driven Ambulance is one of the all-time great albums, but I love the songs on Transmissions From The Satellite Heart.) Oingo-boingo and Devo, Pere Ubu during their three-album pop phase. Shonen Knife — am I the only one in America that got the joke? They were making fun of cute girl bands, you dummies. There are moods when Big Black is the only thing I can bear to listen to. The Pogues, of course, loudly and repeatedly. I’ll go further — I listen to AC/DC without irony and the Residents with pleasure. I’ve got a copy of Eskimo I keep next to the bet to listen to at night when I can’t sleep. The first three Elvis Costello albums, Graham Parker, Rockpile, Nick Lowe… I could quite literally go on all day.
And just for the record, the Beachboy’s version of Sloop John B has the greatest vocal bridge in the history of pop.
But these days, I’m as likely to be listening to blues, jazz, folk, or classical as rock. You know what I like about getting older? The way my tastes have broadened.
I enjoy jazz and blues myself now. You’re absolutely right about tastes broadening.
Shonen Knife? Man, I’d forgotten about those guys!
Chris Holsapple? Depeche Mode?
Catherine
R.E.M. for the win. I had the chance to see them in concert my Freshman year of college and loved it. Had an excellent view of the stage and everything that went on. I do believe that I own most, if not all of their albums.
Tom Petty (alone and w/the Heartbreakers) are probably my fav of all time. Those tunes are just right for me. Beach Boys are great as well (got a chance to see them in concert as well).