R.E.M.
Green (Warner Bros.)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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After ten years as indie and college radio darlings on IRS Records, R.E.M. released Green, its first major label record. At the time, critics and fans alike seriously questioned whether the band would have artistic and/or commercial success with the colossal WEA media conglomerate. In retrospect, those concerns were unnecessary. The band would become one of America's most popular rock acts while creating a tuneful and artistically challenging, albeit slightly inconsistent, series of recordings. The group has attained another level of success with the reissue of the eight titles from its Warner Music Company back catalog - each with an added DVD of videos and interviews.

Green is an exceptional major label debut. The group proved that they could evolve artistically while remaining true to their indie roots. To do this, the band tweaked its music. Jangle rock remained central to the band's sound on tracks such as "Pop Song 89," "World Leader Pretend," and "I Remember California," but was augmented by driving power chords and ringing harmonics on anthems such as "Orange Crush." The lyrics denouncing militarism are less metaphorical and more concrete. Also, the vocals are clearer and are more at the front of the mix than on previous records - Michael Stipe, for better or worse, no longer sings with his trademark mumble.

On the included DVD, you'll see one of the last shy Michael Stipe interviews, in an extremely lo-fi production. Extensive interviewing would transform the singer into an effective public speaker for numerous causes. There he states the aim of the record was creating an upbeat collection of songs. Tunes like "Stand" definitely fit the bill as the band at its silliest. It's a cute bubblegum anthem - that you'll either love or hate - about the individual and responsibility to community. R.E.M.'s major label debut was a great success, especially in comparison to indie contemporaries such as the Replacements and Hüsker Dü, who struggled artistically and commercially on the same major label.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick