And I don’t expect anyone can bring about a revolution in the way that Bob Dylan did – and really didn’t – in the 1960s.
~MichaelStipe
Super casual music listeners. That’s most of the people in the world. And you have to understand, that’s why Top 40 radio exists. It’s not there for people who seek out music and who love music.
~Michael Stipe
Reckoning is the second album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released April 9 in 1984 by I.R.S. Records.
It was produced by Mitch Easter and Don Dixon and was recorded at Reflection Sound Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina over 16 days in December 1983 and January 1984. Dixon and Easter intended to capture the sound of R.E.M.’s live performances, and used binaural recording on several tracks. Singer Michael Stipe dealt with darker subject matter in his lyrics, and water imagery is a recurring theme on the record. Released to critical acclaim, Reckoning reached number 27 in the United States—where it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1991—and peaked at number 91 in the United Kingdom.
R.E.M. – So.Central.Rain:
I had bought Murmur and loved it, but it was this album that really sealed my love for R.E.M. , and you could (most of the time) hear what Michael Stipe was singing! Reckoningbuilds on the energy of Murmur, but they sound more mature. They had been touring and recording and sound so much more sure of where they want to go, this album is the culmination of energy, experience and a clear view of what R.E.M. should be about. It is a classic album! Continue reading Today: R.E.M. released Reckoning in 1984 30 years ago→
And I don’t expect anyone can bring about a revolution in the way that Bob Dylan did – and really didn’t – in the 1960s.
~Michael Stipe
Super casual music listeners. That’s most of the people in the world. And you have to understand, that’s why Top 40 radio exists. It’s not there for people who seek out music and who love music.
~Michael Stipe
Eddie Vedder inducts REM Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions 2007:
R.E.M. – Find The River – Live 2003:
From Wikipedia:
Birth name
John Michael Stipe
Born
January 4, 1960 (age 53)
Decatur, Georgia, United States
Genres
Alternative rock, college rock,jangle pop
Occupations
Musician, lyricist, producer, visual artist
Instruments
Vocals, guitar
Years active
1980–present
Associated acts
R.E.M.
Automatic Baby
John Michael Stipe (born January 4, 1960) is an American singer, lyricist and visual artist. He was the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band R.E.M. from their formation in 1980 until their dissolution in 2011.
Stipe is noted and occasionally parodied for the “mumbling” style of his early career as well as his social and political activism. He was in charge of R.E.M.’s visual image; often selecting album artwork and directing many of the band’s music videos. Outside of the music industry, he runs his own film production companies: C-00 and Single Cell Pictures.
R.E.M. – Man On The Moon (Live 2010):
Album of the day:
Reckoning (1984):
…Reckoning is clear, which doesn’t necessarily mean that the songs themselves are straightforward. Michael Stipe continues to sing powerful melodies without enunciating, but the band has a propulsive kick that makes the music vital and alive. And, if anything, the songwriting is more direct and memorable than before…
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine (allmuisc.com)
