The Big Mates discuss illicit apples, ribs, Pearl Jam, and Out of Time by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They pick up their discussion at one of the most omnipresent songs ever featured on the podcast, and they dig into the cultural context, personal relationship, and emotional weight of Losing My Religion. They talk about the aspects of the song that make it an unlikely hit and discuss how it fits into the overall album.

They also speak on the divsive nature of another big single, Shiny Happy People and try to get to grips with how this album slots in with the albums released by the band's contemporaries.

Is Losing My Religion weird? What was everyone else up to in 1991? How far will they get this time? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday June 24th and will continue and conclude our analysis of Out of Time.

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The Big Mates discuss violins, harpsichords, flugelhorns, and Out of Time by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's seventh studio album, released in 1991. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They talk about the expectations that come with a "blockbuster" album of this kind, the band's intention to create a chamber pop record, and the continued instrument swapping. They try to reconcile those expectations with what the album ultimately is, and start to figure out why this album became the huge international success that it is now known to be.

They also dig into the artwork and discover how politically important this album was, despite not featuring any overtly political songs, and try to assign some meaning to the album title.

Is radio worse than TikTok? Are R.E.M. a road? Is Billy Bragg left wing? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday June 17th and will continue our analysis of Out of Time.

Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379

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Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic

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Adam sits down with author John Hunter to discuss his book, Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M..

Adam and John chat about all things R.E.M., and explore why he wrote the book, what the book encompasses, and the challenges in tackling such a wide-reaching story.

They also touch on the differences in fandom today, online music discourse, and John’s Top 10 R.E.M. songs!

Our next episode is out on Monday June 10th and will begin our deep-dive into Out of Time, the seventh album by R.E.M..

Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M. by John Hunter is available now in paperback in the US, and as an eBook in the rest of the world!

Join the conversation on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod
E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com

Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon!
Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion!

Support our show when starting your own podcast!
By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379

Check out our merch!
https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com
Donate to our podcast!
https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic

http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/

Support the Show.