The Big Mates discuss violins, harpsichords, flugelhorns, and Out of Time 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 seventh studio album, released in 1991. 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 talk about the expectations that come with a "blockbuster" album of this kind, the band's intention to create a chamber pop record, and the continued instrument swapping. They try to reconcile those expectations with what the album ultimately is, and start to figure out why this album became the huge international success that it is now known to be.

They also dig into the artwork and discover how politically important this album was, despite not featuring any overtly political songs, and try to assign some meaning to the album title.

Is radio worse than TikTok? Are R.E.M. a road? Is Billy Bragg left wing? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday June 17th and will continue our analysis of Out of Time.

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