Saturday, April 13, 2019

#87 - Monster: R.E.M. (1994)


I feel like I had to include at least one album from these guys. But which one?

They do have some wonderful ones, though they are – in my opinion – a little too obviously art school-y.





About Monster … The original image was something that graphic designer Chris Bilheimer found. He then shot it intentionally out of focus.


Bilheimer actually did a lot of stuff for R.E.M., as well as work for Green Day, and many other bands. Probably his most famous cover is Green Day’s American Idiot.





Monster debuted at #1 in the US and UK. “What’s the Frequency Kenneth?” was the big hit on this one (also probably one of the best song titles ever). It represented something of a departure for the band, a dedicated attempt to be a little more rock 'n roll.

Do I really need to say anything about these guys? I feel they were the first band to really take alt/indy mainstream. Buck’s clangy guitar, Stipes’ vocals, the very intelligent lyrics, the super catchy tunes … They made the RnR HoF in 2007, then disbanded (amicably) in 2011. 


Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Bill Berry

Of course there are homages / rip-offs / parodies / simulacra:






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