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THE REVIEW
After the great critical success of "Murmur" and "Reckoning", REM changed producers. They called Joe Boyd, who took them to record in London.
As soon as "Fables..." was released, the critics trashed it: boring, pretentious, self-indulgent. An inexplicable denunciation, because inside here we find at least 4 of the highest achievements of their repertoire: "Driver 8" (the rhythmic masterpiece of REM, with a memorable opening riff, and a wonderful change supported by the harmonica); "Maps and Legends" (REM's folk-electric in all its splendor, supported by the perfect backing vocals of Mills); "Green Grow the Rushes Grow" (with a spine-chilling chorus); "Wendell Gee" (a stroke of genius by Mills, who gives us an enchanting, mournful nursery rhyme, with Stipe leaving us spellbound).
A step below, three other excellent songs: "Feeling Gravity Pull" (folk-electric full of gloom contrasted by a very delicate chorus and an expert orchestral arrangement); "Old Man Kensey" (another dark folk-rock, with Mills in the spotlight); "Life and How to Live It" (fast-paced REM).
Even in "Fables...", REM demonstrate that they are a band of singles rather than albums - due to the presence of some tracks that aren't perfectly successful. That said, these minor tracks never degrade into filler or the bombast to which the band would accustom us from the next record. It would take until "Automatic for the People" to find such a serious album.
The lyrics also deserve praise, as here they start to become engaged, after the nonsense of the previous two albums. In Stipe's words: "The lyrics of "Murmur" and "Reckoning" are improvised nonsense into the microphone. In "Fables..." I started telling stories".
Less homogeneous than "Reckoning", but with superior peaks.
A great record with several beautiful songs to (re)discover.
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Summary by Bot
R.E.M.'s third album, Fables of the Reconstruction, faced harsh criticism upon release but contains several of the band's best songs like "Driver 8" and "Wendell Gee." The album represents a shift to more engaged and narrative lyrics by Michael Stipe. While not as cohesive as their previous work, it boasts remarkable peaks and remains an essential listen for fans. It highlights the band's strength as a singles group and hints at their future artistic growth.Tracklist Videos
R.E.M.
Formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. Core lineup included Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills; Bill Berry was the original drummer until 1997. Pioneers of alternative/college rock with a career spanning to their 2011 split.98 Reviews
Other reviews
By murmur
"Wendell Gee," the track that closes the album, leaves a deep mark on the heart, the kind that REM usually leave on any other album.
A depressed and alcoholic Michael Stipe delivered his worst performance as a singer of his entire career.
By ste84
"You understand it immediately from the dark cover and, subsequently, from the dark contents!"
"This is an album difficult to appreciate on the first listen but in its genre is a small masterpiece."
