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:
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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.