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• R.E.M.’s Murmur Reissue borders on classic

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R.E.M. had a good 2008. In April, they released Accelerate, which saw the band with a more hard rock sound than they have used in years. A tour followed, and the band played to some of their biggest audiences.

A lot of critics stated that it was the album that hearkened back to their jangly, indie-rock roots. This is not the case though, as the deluxe reissue of their 1983 debut album Murmur proves the band had a lot more going for them in the beginning than loud guitars. Their sound was varied and wide, with a lot of possibilities.

The sound of R.E.M. in 1983 is quite accomplished for a new band, with possibilities to explore. From the opening chords of “Radio Free Europe” onward, the band sounds like they have been playing together for years, with a sense of melody and songwriting that takes their influences and makes something completely new. It doesn’t sound like a debut record.

Now, this may sound like as a glorification, but the proof is in the songs of Murmur. Whether it’s the sonic assault of “Catapult,” the poppy hook of “Laughing,” or the waltz of “We Walk,” the music sounds just as fresh now as it did then, and the band is arguably braver and more daring than their current incarnation.

Again, let the music speak for itself. Peter Buck’s guitar sounds like it can play just about any style, Mike Mills’ bass almost acts like a lead instrument, drummer Bill Berry knows that hitting hard doesn’t always add up to good drumming and even though Michael Stipe has not yet found the vocal range he would display on later albums, he sounds confident and strong, (even if his lyrics sound like he is mumbling.)

The reissue of Murmur also includes a live show from that era, and marks the first time R.E.M. has had a complete live show on CD. If the band sounded brave on record, they come off as timid and unsure live. They aren’t always ready to face the increasingly growing crowds.

That’s not to say they weren’t good in concert though. In 1983, R.E.M. had a lot more subtlety in their songs live, as opposed to the arena bombast utilized later. They had not learned how to fill the entire room with their sound. At the same time though, some songs are played at faster speeds as if only to further emphasize their nervousness.

The live disc also shows the band making progress. Several songs on the album end up on later R.E.M. records, and it is refreshing to see the band is already looking forward, (even if they do look back for a great cover of The Velvet Underground’s “There She Goes Again.”)

To put it simply, this album is a classic. While it may not be their best record, (that title goes to their next album, 1984’s Reckoning,) it shows unbelievable promise for a new band that they would fulfill for years.

It’s funny how 25 years can treat a band, and in this case, R.E.M. had a good year in 1983, just like they did in 2008.

The price scale: I rate albums more or less by price. Since a fair price for a double CD at a store such as Best Buy is around $18.99, R.E.M.’s deluxe edition of Murmur stands at a value of $17.50/$18.99.