Fables of the Reconstruction
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| Fables of the Reconstruction | ||
|---|---|---|
| Missing image Fables_of_the_Reconstruction_cover.jpeg Album cover | ||
| LP by R.E.M. | ||
| Released | 1985 | |
| Recorded | Livingston Studios, London, March 1985 | |
| Genre | College rock | |
| Length | 39 min 46 sec | |
| Record label | IRS Records | |
| Producer | Joe Boyd | |
| Professional reviews | ||
| Allmusic.com | 4 stars out of 5 | link (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDSUB020403200104372457&sql=A7kq2g40ttvjz) |
| Robert Christgau | B+ | link (http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?id=1140&name=R.E.M.) |
| R.E.M. Chronology | ||
| Reckoning (1984) | Fables of the Reconstruction (1985) | Lifes Rich Pageant (1986) |
Fables of the Reconstruction was the third album released by the band R.E.M.. It was released in 1985. Despite the critical acclaim received by the band after their initial two albums, Murmur and Reckoning, R.E.M. decided to make noticeable changes to their style of music and recording habits, including a change in producer and recording location (from the United States to the United Kingdom).
Lyrically, the album explores the mythology of the Southern United States. A celebration of an eccentric individual is the subject of no less than four songs on the album ("Maps and Legends", "Life and How to Live It", "Old Man Kensey", "Wendell Gee"). "Maps and Legends" is dedicated to the Reverend Howard Finster, "a man of vision and feeling--a fine example to all." "Driver 8" is a song about the scenery surrounding railroad tracks. Trains are a frequent topic of Southern music; they epitomize the freedom and promise of an escape from one's home environment. The source of the title of "Can't Get There from Here" is a curious phrase heard when asking directions in a rural area. "Kohoutek" is about a comet, and is perhaps the first song by R.E.M. about a romantic relationship. By the time this album was released, R.E.M were already well-known and critically acclaimed, and the video for "Can't Get There from Here" was played frequently on MTV.
Track Listing
All songs were composed by Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe and Bill Berry unless otherwise noted.
- Feeling Gravity's Pull (composed by Herbert/Slayton) - 4:48
- Maps and Legends - 3:01
- Driver 8 - 3:18
- Life and How to Live It - 4:20
- Old Man Kensey (composed by Ayers/Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe) - 4:10
- Can't Get There from Here - 4:10
- Green Grow the Rushes - 3:42
- Kohoutek - 3:10
- Auctioneer (Another Engine) - 2:41
- Good Advices - 3:30
- Wendell Gee - 2:56
Personnel
- David Bitelli - Saxophone
- Joe Boyd - Producer
- Jerry Boys - Engineer
- Peter Buck - Guitar
- Barry Clempson - Engineer
- Jim Dvorak - Trumpet
- Tony Harris - Engineer
- Mike Mills - Bass
- David Newby - Cello
- Michael Stipe - Vocals
- Bill Berry - Drums
- Camilla Brunt - Violin
- Philippa Ibbotson - Violin
- Pete Thomas - Saxophone
Trivia
The album is designed to be read on the sides of the LP as "Fables of the..." and "Reconstruction of the..." to create a redundant, never-ending title ("Fables of the Reconstruction of the Fables of the Reconstruction of the..." etc.)