By Chris Willman
03.24.91
Los Angeles Times
Like most of the group’s earlier album titles, R.E.M.’s new “Out of Time” has any number of possible meanings–the most ironic and self-deprecating one being that perhaps the quartet from Georgia thinks its salad days of being recognized as the great American alternative rock ‘n’ roll band are past.
In the early [...]
By Greg Kot
03.24.91
Chicago Tribune
R.E.M.’s full-length debut, Murmur (IRS, 1983, 4 stars), is arguably the most influential guitar-rock album of the ’80s, a stirring combination of the familiar and exotic. Although its sources are obvious-the Byrds, Velvet Underground, Wire-the band merely uses them as touchstones for its gentle melodicism, jangling guitars, less-is-more arrangements and moody vocals.
Reckoning [...]
By Greg Kot
03.24.91
Chicago Tribune
For the better part of the ’80s, R.E.M. helped define the parameters of so-called “alternative” rock.
The Athens, Ga., band’s homegrown simplicity and uncompromising intelligence, combined with a steady rise in popularity, helped galvanize the independent, underground scene in America, a loose network of noncommercial radio stations, small record companies, fanzines and discerning, [...]
By David Fricke
03.23.91
Melody Maker
The world is collapsing / Around our ears / I turned up the radio / But I can’t hear it.
These are the first words out of Michael Stipe’s mouth on this, R.E.M.’s “difficult” seventh album, and they ring with a truth he could not have possibly imagained when he first wrote them. [...]