What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About R.E.M.

The Big Mates discuss death, memory, Emmerdale, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. 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 pick up their discussion towards the end of the album and complete their track-by-track analysis. They then sum up their feelings on the seminal record, including scores and highlights. They then explore the legacy of the album, how it has aged over time, and how that compares to the reception of the album when it was released in 1992. What do we think of Automatic for the People? How does it rank amongst the band's other albums? Do you fear the moon? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday July 29th and will see us provide sparkling commentary for R.E.M.'s performance at the 40 Watt Club. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss record collecting, Andy Kaufman, the Monty Hall Problem, and Automatic for the People by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by continuing their analysis of the band's eighth studio album, released in 1992. 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 pick up their discussion part way through the album, and they continue their track-by-track analysis, breaking down the inspirations, technicalities, and contexts of each song. They grapple with the mood of the album and search for its place in rock history. What is the quintessential R.E.M. song? How troubling was Peter Buck's relationship with his mandolin? Do we believe they put a man on the moon? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday July 22nd and will continue our analysis of Automatic for the People. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss straws, Uncle Tupelo, Frasier, and Automatic for the People 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 eighth studio album, released in 1992. 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 come with albums that are labelled "the greatest of all time," and touch on how the album was conceived in the writing and recording sessions. They also look at the musical landscape the album was released into in the early Nineties. They also talk about the artwork, the title, the tone of the album, and get started on their track-by-track analysis! How has the album aged? Is it a rock album? Have you ever seen a group of people look more like a 90s alternative rock band? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday July 15th and will continue our analysis of Automatic for the People. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates provide gentle and celebratory audio commentary for R.E.M.'s performance on MTV Unplugged in1991. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the performance as originally broadcast on MTV. Dig out those official DVDs to watch along... Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our next episode comes out Monday July 8th and will begin our deep-dive into Automatic for the People! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss greetings, The Bear, spoken word, 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 wrapping up 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 finish up their track-by-track examination and come to some kind of conclusion about how they think and feel about the album as a whole. They also look at how the album was recieved, the band's decision to not tour the album, and the legacy the record leaves behind. What will the scores be? Is the second half stronger than the first? Which is better, sunrise or sunset? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday July 1st and will see us provide audio commentary for R.E.M.'s 1991 performance on MTV Unplugged. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss illicit apples, ribs, Pearl Jam, 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 pick up their discussion at one of the most omnipresent songs ever featured on the podcast, and they dig into the cultural context, personal relationship, and emotional weight of Losing My Religion. They talk about the aspects of the song that make it an unlikely hit and discuss how it fits into the overall album. They also speak on the divsive nature of another big single, Shiny Happy People and try to get to grips with how this album slots in with the albums released by the band's contemporaries. Is Losing My Religion weird? What was everyone else up to in 1991? How far will they get this time? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday June 24th and will continue and conclude our analysis of Out of Time. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

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. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

Adam sits down with author John Hunter to discuss his book, Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M.. Adam and John chat about all things R.E.M., and explore why he wrote the book, what the book encompasses, and the challenges in tackling such a wide-reaching story. They also touch on the differences in fandom today, online music discourse, and John’s Top 10 R.E.M. songs! Our next episode is out on Monday June 10th and will begin our deep-dive into Out of Time, the seventh album by R.E.M.. Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M. by John Hunter is available now in paperback in the US, and as an eBook in the rest of the world! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates provide incendiary and probably life-changing audio commentary for Tourfilm, the first live video release by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the film as originally presented on VHS/Laserdisc compilation and also dig into how it was made, how R.E.M. have progressed as a live band, and explore the whole 1989 Green World Tour. Dig out those official DVDs to watch along... Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our next episode comes out Monday June 3rd! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

Adam and Steve discuss the recent reissue of Lifeblood by Manic Street Preachers, a comprehensive set, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the album. They are joined by music producer Greg Haver, who produced the original album and here looks back at the last 20 years of Lifeblood, how people's reaction to it has changed, and how he viewed that initial reaction to the record. He also discusses how the album affected his career, changed his relationship with the band, and how he feels about the album now. This interview is a bit longer if you join our Patreon! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss bass strings, 8 Mile, Amanda Lynne, and Green by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's sixth studio album, released in 1988. 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 wrap up the track-by-track, exploring each songs place on the album, the variety of styles covered, and the many things Stipe is writing about. They then sum up the album and give it some scores! They also find time to explore how the album was received at the time it came out and look ahead to the band's world tour in the following year. What do we make of the album? Do these songs affect you differently as a parent? Will you attend Bangfest? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday May 27th and will see us offering audio commentary for Tourfilm. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss naughty fishermen, floppy top half, Requiem for a Tuesday, and Green 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 sixth studio album, released in 1988. 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 handled their transition to a major label, started writing in new configurations, and learned how to play new instruments. They decode the album's artwork, define the moods of the record from bubblegum pop to experimental rock, and note the differences from the band's earlier work. They also find time to discuss Eponymous, the American election, and the track sequencing on Green. How many tracks are on the album? Does the label an artist is signed to change your perception of them? What an answer to what is music is? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday May 20th and will continue and conclude our analysis of Green. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss olive oil, Christmas, strings, and two side projects from members of Radiohead. Adam, Steve, and Lucas return to the subject of their fourth season in order to catch up the extra-curricular activities of members of Radiohead. First up is the string-laden and atmospheric third album from Philip Selway, Strange Dance. Then they explore Jarak Qaribak, the collaboration between Jonny Greenwood and Dudu Tassa. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the albums, 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. Has Phil made another Christmas album? Who is the spikiest member of Radiohead? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out next Monday May 13th, and will see us return to R.E.M. with a deep-dive into their sixth album, Green! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates slow it down and take a break to discuss ratings, rankings, creasy head holes, and the career of R.E.M. from 1980 - 1987. Adam, Steve, and Lucas talk about their feelings so far on the band, having covered the five records that encompass "the I.R.S. years." They place each album previously covered into the context of this era, they return to each album with more experienced ears, and they talk about how they feel about them now. They chat context, albums, preconceptions, expectations, and much more before offering up their individual Top 10 R.E.M. (1982 - 1987) songs. These have been compiled into our very first "Best Of R.E.M." compilation, available (alongside previous Best Ofs) here: https://bit.ly/3xVZAVf What makes it into the Top 10s? Can Lucas sing all of It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)? Is gold just an amber brown? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out next Monday, May 6th! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates provide mesmerising and entirely necessary audio commentary for Succumbs, the first video release by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the VHS/Laserdisc compilation featuring music videos and films from 1983 through to 1986. Head to YouTube to watch along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzWrTWsV5vI&t Or don't - the episode works fine either way! Our next episode comes out Monday April 29th and will see us reflect on R.E.M.'s career so far! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss Christmas tree etiquette, goose related nightmares, Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Document by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by finishing up their track-by-track 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 bring the track-by-track to a close, exploring the meaning of the songs, the differences between the first and second half, and explore two of the biggest R.E.M. songs that they have encountered so far. They sum up their thoughts on the album, give scores, and discuss how it was received when it came out. They also find time to discuss the legacy and influence of the album, the band's Work Tour of 1987, and the end of their recording contract with IRS. How do we feel about the album? Do you know what a dulcimer sounds like? Why is Lucas the James Bond guy? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday April 22nd and will see us offering some audio commentary for the first R.E.M. video release, Succumbs. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

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. Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss running, arranging the arrangements of a meeting, paste, and go to see The Smile live at the Brighton Centre. Adam, Steve, and Lucas converge in Brighton in order to experience a live show by Radiohead sidproject, The Smile. They discuss their expectations, live business, and both their initial and considered reactions to the performance. What do they play? What are the vibes? Will Lucas even make it? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out next Monday April 8th, and will see us return to R.E.M. with a deep-dive into their fifth album, Document! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.

The Big Mates discuss liner notes, The Velvet Underground, being nice, and Dead Letter Office by R.E.M. Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by exploring the collection of b-sides they released in 1987. They talk about where each track came from, 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 the collection in general, whether b-sides should be taken seriously, and whether or not R.E.M. are the band to do that! They get to explore a range of moods along the way, from soft country, to heavy metal pastiche, to classic rock covers, and beyond... a must! Why is this some people's favourite R.E.M. album? How can you listen to this podcast being recorded live? How do you surf the web? Find out on this episode of What Is Music? Our next episode is out on Monday April 1st and will be a report from The Smile Live in Brighton! Join the conversation on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpod E-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.com Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free episodes of this show, and more music discussion by subscribing to our Patreon! Head to patreon.com/whatismusicpod and receive up to two new episodes of our various shows every week (including shows about Manic Street Preachers and monthly themed playlists!), ad-free archives of What Is Music?, and access to our Patron-only Discord server for even more music (and non-music) discussion! Check out the Skwiggo album here: https://skwiggo.bandcamp.com/album/skwiggo-i Support our show when starting your own podcast! By signing up to Buzzsprout with this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=780379 Check out our merch! https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.com Donate to our podcast! https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic http://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/ Support the Show.