The Big Mates discuss Coldplay, Maroon 5, Robbie Williams, and Around the Sun by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by starting their analysis of the band's thirteenth studio album, released in 2004. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They discuss how the pace of the band had slowed down (and the frustrations that resulted), the fragmented recording sessions, and the state of the world the album was released into. 

They explore the overarching themes of the album, question whether this could be the most experimental R.E.M. album, and also get to chat about the 2004 Vote for Change Tour. They then get started on their track-by-track analysis of the album!

How many bands has Peter Buck actually been in? What is a dome phone? What is slam dancing? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday January 13th and will continue our analysis of Around the Sun.

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