R.E.M.’s Murmur
R.E.M.’s Murmur by J. Niimi, published by A&C Black on April 28, 2005, is a detailed exploration of R.E.M.’s debut album, released in 1983. This edition, comprising 144 pages, delves into the album’s unique position within the landscape of American popular music, highlighting its distinct sound that remains relevant today. Niimi provides insights into the album’s creation, featuring contributions from key figures like Don Dixon and Mitch Easter, while also examining the enigmatic lyrics of Michael Stipe.
Readers will find a thorough investigation into the themes and artistic elements of Murmur, framed within the context of Southern Gothic art. The book discusses the complexities of Stipe’s lyrics and the broader implications of their interpretation, encouraging a deeper understanding of the album’s significance. With a focus on music, genres, and rock, this work offers a comprehensive look at an influential piece of music history, appealing to fans and scholars alike.
Official synopsis Publisher
R.E.M.’s debut album, released in 1983, was so far removed from the prevailing trends of American popular music that it still sounds miraculous and out of time today. J. Niimi tells the story of the album’s genesis – with fascinating input from Don Dixon and Mitch Easter. He also investigates Michael Stipe’s hypnotic, mysterious lyrics, and makes the case for Murmur as a work of Southern Gothic art.
EXCEPRT:
In the course of an interview that took place some twenty years ago, Michael Stipe made passing reference to an essay that had a deep impact on him. It’s what came to his mind when, after having been harangued by fans and journalists alike about Murmur’s lyrics, already grown weary from having to continually entertain their broad speculations, he finally threw up his hands. “Anyone who really wants to figure out the words to our songs should probably read this essay, then go back and listen,” Stipe told the interviewer. “It talks about how people misinterpret something that’s being said, and come up with a little phrase or word that actually defines the essence of what the original was better than the original did.” What Stipe was trying to say is that if you want answers to R.E.M., you’re not only looking in the wrong place, you’re also asking the wrong questions.
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