R.E.M. - Lifes Rich Pageant

After a harrowing experience recording their previous album (1985's magnificent 'Fables Of The Reconstruction'), REC reconvened the following year muttering something about a 'poppier' sound. However, old fans were given little to complain about when 'Life's Rich Pageant' was unveiled. Admittedly new producer Don Gehman had cleaned things up; you can even hear what Michael Stipe was singing on a couple of songs. And, yes, there's even a novelty cover ('Superman'). All these factors though, point to a band really enjoying themselves in the studio, from the euphoric clatter of 'Begin The Begin' to the poignant waltz-time strum of 'Swan Swan H'. Highlights? Too many to mention - but it's hard to disagree with Stipe when he cites 'Cuyahoga' and the hymnal 'Fall On Me' as two of his very best. LP - 180 Gram Vinyl with Download.

Tracklist:

A1 Begin The Begin
A2 These Days
A3 Fall On Me
A4 Cuyahoga
A5 Hyena
A6 Underneath The Bunker
B1 The Flowers Of Guatemala
B2 I Believe
B3 What If We Give It Away?
B4 Just A Touch
B5 Swan Swan H
B6 Superman