Continuum will release the latest book in its popular 33 1/3 series on May 1st, 2005. R.E.M.’s Murmur is written by J. Nimi and checks in at 128 pages.
Description from Continuum’s website:
R.E.M.âs debut album, released in 1983, was so far removed from the prevailing trends of American popular music that it still sounds miraculous and out of time today. J. Niimi tells the story of the albumâs genesis â with fascinating input from Don Dixon and Mitch Easter. He also investigates Michael Stipeâs hypnotic, mysterious lyrics, and makes the case for Murmur as a work of Southern Gothic art.
Excerpt:
In the course of an interview that took place some twenty years ago, Michael Stipe made passing reference to an essay that had a deep impact on him. Itâs what came to his mind when, after having been harangued by fans and journalists alike about Murmurâs lyrics, already grown weary from having to continually entertain their broad speculations, he finally threw up his hands. âAnyone who really wants to figure out the words to our songs should probably read this essay, then go back and listen,â Stipe told the interviewer. âIt talks about how people misinterpret something thatâs being said, and come up with a little phrase or word that actually defines the essence of what the original was better than the original did.â What Stipe was trying to say is that if you want answers to R.E.M., youâre not only looking in the wrong place, youâre also asking the wrong questions.
R.E.M.’s Murmur
by J. Niimi
May 1, 2005
ISBN: 0826416721
paperback
128 Pages
4 3/4 x 6 1/2
$9.95
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