In doing these theme weeks (including the Bob Dylan Weekends) I’m frequently surprised by how prolific these artists were in their early years. It’s pretty much the norm to see albums released every year, sometimes two per year, for the first decade or so of these storied careers.
And then at some point a weariness must set in, or perhaps it’s a comfort level that comes with a certain degree of fame. And the albums slow down to one every three or four years, if that. Does the creative energy dissipate? Do record labels start pressuring established artists to build up anticipation between releases? Or is it something else?
At any rate, in 1986 R.E.M. was still in its fast and furious mode, and they released their fourth album in as many years, Lifes Rich Pageant (the missing apostrophe is intentional, but don’t ask me why).
Musically, Lifes Rich Pageant was a departure from the murkiness of its predecessors. R.E.M. had always been a rather powerful live band, but this was the first time they’d flexed their rock band muscles on record. The sound of this album was something of a kick in the teeth. Lyrically, Stipe dabbled in politics and environmentalism, with tracks such as first single ‘Fall On Me’ and ‘Cuyahoga’ aimed at delivering messages.
The album also contains R.E.M.’s first recorded cover song, with their version of ‘Superman’ becoming a minor hit (it was originally written and recorded by a band called The Clique).
I count Lifes Rich Pageant among R.E.M.’s finest albums — definitely in the top five. Though it loses some steam toward the end — ‘Just a Touch’ is just a touch too loud and pointless for my taste — it starts about as well as any album ever.
The album kicks off with ‘Begin the Begin,’ its throbbing rhythm section underlining Stipe’s surprisingly intelligible and gravelly vocals. Third comes ‘Fall On Me,’ with a soaring chorus that made it an instant fan favorite. And perched between them is my favorite, ‘These Days,’ a call to action for a generation two years into Ronald Reagan’s second term.
If I can, and I can
March into ocean, march into the sea
I had a hat I put it down and it sunk, reached down,
yanked it up, slapped it on my head
All the people gather
Fly to carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever….
I wish to meet each one of you
And you, me, you, if I can and I can
We have many things in common, name three
I had a hat and it sunk, reached down,
yanked it up, slapped it on my head
All the people gather
Fly to carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever you go.
Now I’m not feeding off you I will rearrange your scales
If I can and I can
I wish to eat each one of you and you, me, you
I had a hat and it sunk, reached down,
yanked it up, slapped it on my head
All the people gather
Fly to carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever you…
carry each his burden
We are young despite the years we are concern
We are hope despite the times
All of the sudden, these days
Happy throngs, take this joy wherever, wherever you go.
Meet Me In Montauk 
Another great song on a great album, though not my favorite song on this album (and not my favorite album from REM). Favorites on this album for me include “Begin the Begin” and “Fall on Me.” and”What if We Give it Away.” Had no idea, by the way that “Superman” was a cover–I suppose anything done with REM’s sound and Stipe’s voice gets stamped as an “REM” song.
Probably my favourite R.E.M. album (and possibly album period). I adore every song (except “What if we give it away” which is a bit too by the numbers for my taste), but especially love “Hyena”.
As for “These Days”, the ending must be the best part for me, when Mike Mills comes in with “Take away the scattered bones of my meal” (?)… heaven.
My favorite R.E.M. album, except for the snare that’s too high in the mix throughout. A sign of those times, production-wise.
Saw them at UCSD in the main gym on this tour. I seem to remember The Feelies opening. R.E.M. started their set with “These Days” and just got better, until a rowdy in the crowd got Stipe angry and he threw his harmonica at the guy. It landed at my feet (I was not the rowdy btw) and I stll have it to this day.
Guadalcanal Diary opened for them at UCSD. That was the first I ever went to and I remember them walking off stage for awhile because of pushing or rowdiness.