Automatic for the People (Pt. 1)

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.

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