The Big Mates discuss file naming conventions, Role Models, trickle-down economics, and Document 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 fifth studio album, released in 1987. 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 touch on how the band used the skills they learned on the previous album, the search for a more muscular sound, and the beginnings of their relationship with a new producer.

They also tackle the meaning of the album's title, what exactly features on the album's artwork, and they find the time to reflect on what they have learned about R.E.M.'s sound so far, and explore the political landscape of the US in the 1980s.

How does all of that fit into Document? Is it heavy metal? Who is David Strathairn? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday April 15th and will continue and conclude our analysis of Document.

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