The Big Mates discuss BIG NEWS, Band of Brothers, animals, and Lifes Rich Pageant 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 fourth studio album, released in 1986. 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 changed their process again for the recording of this album, and how much of that was a reaction to their previous record. They explore the new songwriting technniques, the band's new way of working in the studio, and the relationship they formed with a new producer, before digging into the form, artwork, and themes of the album itself.

They also spend some time looking at the wider musical landscape of the mid-80s, the best selling albums of the time, and where R.E.M. fit into it all!

How did R.E.M. fit into the musical tendencies of the 80s? How many tracks are on the album? Is a bison the same thing as a buffalo? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday March 4th and will continue our analysis of Lifes Rich Pageant.

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