The Big Mates discuss fame, identity, balloons, and Monster 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 ninth studio album, released in 1994. 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 the expectations that must have weighed on the band, the tricky recording sessions for the album, and the external events that must have influenced them. 

They also talk about how the artwork was created, how the band arrived at the title, the process behind the tone of the album, and they get started on their track-by-track analysis!

How does a band follow up its biggest hit? Is this their horniest album? What is the name of Season 7? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday August 12th and will continue our analysis of Monster.

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