from the EP Chronic Town, IRS Records, 1982Much of what would become R.E.M.’s signature sound can already be heard falling into place on their debut EP, an incredible fact when you consider that it took many great bands at least a few albums before they got all the glitches worked out; yes, you can hear bits & pieces of all the oft-noted influences here (Television, The Byrds, Wire, The Feelies), but more than anyone else, the world has fellow Athens, GA group Pylon to thank for their initial direction. Whatever the template, R.E.M. quickly convinced the listening public that their own interpretation was worth checking out, crafting a sound that felt recognizable yet remained free from the specter of their inspirations. Peter Buck played the guitar almost like a banjo, igniting mental images of the dilapidated South: graveyards, Spanish moss in the trees, humid smells. They have never been short on praise, managing to endear themselves to the critics and masses alike, but R.E.M. always lived up to the hype, a rare treat indeed!
