What is the debut studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M.?

The debut studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M. is titled *Murmur*.

When was R.E.M.'s debut album, Murmur, released?

*Murmur* was released on April 12, 1983.

Which record label released R.E.M.'s debut album, Murmur?

*Murmur* was released by I.R.S. Records.

Where were the recording sessions for Murmur held?

The album was recorded at Reflection Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Who served as producers for R.E.M.'s debut album, Murmur?

Don Dixon and Mitch Easter served as the producers for *Murmur*.

What were the primary musical genres associated with R.E.M.'s sound on Murmur?

R.E.M.'s sound on *Murmur* is described as being firmly rooted in American jangle pop, alternative rock, post-punk, and garage rock.

How did Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic characterize the sound of Murmur compared to R.E.M.'s earlier work?

Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted that the band abandoned the "garagey jangle pop" of their previous releases for a more subdued variation, creating a distinctive sound that felt eerily timeless and evocative, subverting folk and pop conventions with unpredictable twists.

What stylistic influences did guitarist Peter Buck draw upon for his playing on Murmur?

Peter Buck took stylistic cues from bands like The Byrds, Television, and The Feelies for his guitar work on the album.

How has Michael Stipe's vocal delivery on Murmur been described?

Michael Stipe's vocal style on *Murmur* has been described as elevating mumbled vocals to an art form, often making his lyrics difficult to discern due to deliberate slurring, being lost in a muddy mix, or being drowned out by instrumental work.

What is depicted on the front cover of the Murmur album?

The front cover of *Murmur* features an image of a large quantity of kudzu, a fast-growing, invasive vine known for overtaking and killing other plants by shading them.

What landmark associated with the album cover became a tourist destination?

The trestle featured on the back cover of the original vinyl LP, originally part of the Georgia Railroad line into downtown Athens, became a local landmark known as the "Murmur Trestle."

What was the outcome of public outcry regarding the demolition of the "Murmur Trestle"?

Following public outcry, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission voted to save the trestle on October 2, 2000, although its future remained uncertain in the following years due to maintenance costs.

What was the initial error on the tape edition of Murmur regarding a cover song?

The initial tape edition listed a cover of "There She Goes Again" by The Velvet Underground as the final track, but it was not actually present on the release; this error was corrected in later printings.

How has Murmur been recognized in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" lists?

*Murmur* was ranked number 197 on Rolling Stone's 2003 list, retained that position in the 2012 list, and was moved to number 165 in the 2020 revision of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."

What was the peak chart position of Murmur in the United States?

*Murmur* reached number 36 on the Billboard album chart in 1983.

What was the chart performance of the single "Radio Free Europe" from Murmur?

The re-recorded version of "Radio Free Europe" was the album's lead single and reached number 78 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in 1983.

How did the sales of Murmur compare to expectations by the end of 1983?

Despite critical acclaim, *Murmur* had sold approximately 200,000 copies by the end of 1983, which I.R.S.'s Jay Boberg considered below expectations.

When did Murmur achieve gold certification in the United States?

*Murmur* was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1991, signifying 500,000 units shipped.

How did Rolling Stone review Murmur upon its release?

Rolling Stone called the album "epochal" and gave it four out of five stars, with reviewer Steve Pond noting that it fulfilled the band's potential with its intelligent, enigmatic, and deeply involving sound.

What distinction did Murmur receive from Rolling Stone in 1983?

*Murmur* was named Rolling Stone's Best Album of 1983, surpassing albums like Michael Jackson's *Thriller*, The Police's *Synchronicity*, and U2's *War*.

What did Paste Magazine rank Murmur in its 2023 list of best debut albums?

Paste Magazine included *Murmur* at sixth place in its 2023 list of the greatest debut albums of all time, praising the interplay between Peter Buck's guitar and Mike Mills' bass.

What specific accolade did Spin magazine give Murmur in 1995?

In 1995, Spin magazine ranked *Murmur* at number 8 in its list of "100 Alternative Albums."

What was the ranking of Murmur in Pitchfork Media's 2002 list of Top 100 Albums of the 1980s?

Pitchfork Media ranked *Murmur* at number 5 in its 2002 list of the Top 100 Albums of the 1980s.

Who is credited as the songwriter for all tracks on Murmur, with one exception?

Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe are credited as songwriters for all songs on *Murmur*, with the exception of "West of the Fields."

Who co-wrote the song "West of the Fields" on Murmur?

The song "West of the Fields" was co-written by Neil Bogan, along with the band members Bill Berry, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills.

What instruments did Bill Berry play on Murmur?

Bill Berry contributed drums, backing vocals, percussion, and piano on "Perfect Circle" for *Murmur*.

What instruments did Mike Mills play on Murmur?

Mike Mills played bass guitar, backing vocals, piano, organ, acoustic guitar, and vibraphone on "Pilgrimage" for *Murmur*.

Who mastered the album Murmur at Sterling Sound?

Greg Calbi mastered the album *Murmur* at Sterling Sound in New York City.

What was the initial production plan for R.E.M.'s debut album, and why did it change?

Initially, I.R.S. Records paired R.E.M. with producer Stephen Hague, but the band's dissatisfaction with his technical approach and unauthorized additions led them to request recording with Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, which the label eventually allowed after hearing a demo.

How did R.E.M. approach recording Murmur to achieve a timeless feel?

The band recorded *Murmur* through a process of negation, deliberately avoiding common rock music clichés such as guitar solos or then-popular synthesizers to give the album a timeless quality.

What was the significance of the kudzu plant featured on the Murmur album cover?

The kudzu plant, known for its rapid growth that can overtake and kill other plants by shading them, was featured on the album's cover, symbolizing its pervasive and enveloping nature.

What was the outcome of the 2000 Athens-Clarke County vote regarding the "Murmur Trestle"?

In 2000, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission voted to save the trestle, which had become a landmark associated with the album *Murmur*, though its long-term preservation remained a concern.

When was the 25th anniversary edition of Murmur released, and what did it include?

The 25th anniversary edition of *Murmur* was released on November 25, 2008, featuring a remastered version of the album on disc one and a previously unreleased live concert from July 9, 1983, on disc two.

What specific musical elements did Stephen Thomas Erlewine identify as contributing to Murmur's unique sound?

Erlewine highlighted the de-emphasis of the backbeat and the accentuation of the ringing guitar's ambience as key elements that created the album's distinctive and timeless sound, making it feel as if it appeared out of nowhere.

How did Jonathan Gregg describe the meaning conveyed by Murmur's sound and lyrics?

Gregg noted that even though Stipe's lyrics were often difficult to understand due to slurring, mixing, or being obscured by instrumentation, the album still conveyed an impressive sense of meaning, creating a "film noir" atmosphere.

What did Dan Weiss of Paste Magazine observe about the intersection of punk and Rickenbacker arpeggios in R.E.M.'s early work?

Dan Weiss noted that punk music never truly merged with Rickenbacker arpeggios until songs like "Radio Free Europe" and "Sitting Still" from *Murmur* made it acceptable for bands like The dB's.

What did Paste Magazine highlight in 2023 regarding the musical interplay on Murmur?

Paste Magazine highlighted how Peter Buck's guitar and Mike Mills' bass "busily bounced around otherwise simple choruses," creating something entirely new on *Murmur*.

What is the title of the R.E.M. album that followed Murmur chronologically?

The album that followed *Murmur* chronologically was *Reckoning*, released in 1984.

What is the total duration of the album Murmur?

The album *Murmur* has a total length of 44 minutes and 11 seconds.

What specific equipment changes were made during the recording of Murmur?

Due to Peter Buck's Fender Twin Reverb amplifier being unavailable, Mitch Easter's Ampeg Gemini II was used for most tracks, and Mike Mills used Easter's girlfriend's Rickenbacker 4001 bass instead of his own Dan Armstrong bass.

What was the significance of the album's inclusion in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" lists?

Its consistent inclusion and rising rank in Rolling Stone's prestigious "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" lists underscore *Murmur*'s enduring critical acclaim and legacy in music history.

What did the "See also" section list as a related music genre or movement?

The "See also" section lists "Paisley Underground" as a related music genre or movement.

What was the catalog number for the original US vinyl LP release of Murmur?

The catalog number for the original US vinyl LP release of *Murmur* was SP 70604.

What was the catalog number for the original US cassette tape release of Murmur?

The catalog number for the original US cassette tape release of *Murmur* was CS 70604.

When was Murmur released in the United Kingdom?

*Murmur* was released in the United Kingdom on August 29, 1983.

What did the "I.R.S. Vintage Years" edition of Murmur include?

The "I.R.S. Vintage Years" edition of *Murmur*, released in 1992 in the Netherlands, included bonus tracks.

What is the title of the R.E.M. compilation album that covers their 1982–2011 period?

The compilation album covering R.E.M.'s 1982–2011 period is titled *Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982–2011*.

What is the title of the R.E.M. compilation album that focuses on their I.R.S. years?

The compilation album focusing on R.E.M.'s I.R.S. years (1982–1987) is titled *And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987*.

What did the 25th anniversary edition of Murmur include on its second disc?

Disc two of the 25th anniversary edition of *Murmur* contained a previously unreleased live concert the band played at Larry's Hideaway in Toronto on July 9, 1983.

What was the overall critical reception of Murmur upon its release?

Murmur received critical acclaim upon release for its unconventional sound, characterized by Michael Stipe's cryptic lyrics, Peter Buck's jangly guitar style, and Mike Mills' countermelodic bass lines.

What did the Athens-Clarke County Commission suggest in 2016 regarding the "Murmur Trestle"?

In 2016, the Athens-Clarke County Commission suggested that a trail tax could fund the existence of the "Murmur Trestle."

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Album Overview

Debut Statement

Murmur, released on April 12, 1983, by I.R.S. Records, stands as the debut studio album of the American alternative rock band R.E.M. It marked a significant departure from prevailing musical trends, establishing a unique sonic identity that would profoundly influence the trajectory of independent and alternative music.

Critical Acclaim

Upon its release, Murmur garnered widespread critical acclaim for its distinctive sound. Critics lauded its unconventional approach, characterized by Michael Stipe's enigmatic lyrical delivery, Peter Buck's signature jangly guitar work, and Mike Mills's intricate countermelodies. This critical reception cemented the album's status as a landmark release.

Enduring Influence

Murmur has consistently been recognized for its lasting impact. It has featured prominently on numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time, including those by Rolling Stone, highlighting its enduring significance in music history. Its influence can be traced through subsequent generations of alternative and indie artists.

Background and Recording

Production Challenges

The initial recording sessions for Murmur were marked by creative friction. The band's first producer, Stephen Hague, favored a more polished, technically perfect sound that clashed with R.E.M.'s raw aesthetic. This led to dissatisfaction, particularly after Hague added unapproved keyboard parts to the track "Catapult."

Collaboration with Easter and Dixon

Seeking a more sympathetic production approach, R.E.M. successfully lobbied their label, I.R.S. Records, to work with Mitch Easter and Don Dixon. A trial session resulted in the track "Pilgrimage," impressing the label enough to allow the band to record the album with this preferred production team at Reflection Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The "Negation" Approach

Influenced by their negative experience with Hague, R.E.M. adopted a deliberate strategy of "negation" during recording. They consciously avoided common rock music clichés, such as extended guitar solos and prominent synthesizers, aiming for a timeless and distinctive sound. Drummer Bill Berry's insistence on recording in a traditional booth further contributed to the album's unique sonic character.

Composition and Music

Sonic Identity

Murmur is deeply rooted in American folk rock, post-punk, and garage rock traditions. The album eschewed the more straightforward "jangle pop" of their earlier work, opting for a more subdued yet atmospheric sound. This was achieved by de-emphasizing the backbeat and accentuating the ringing quality of Peter Buck's guitar.

Enigmatic Vocals

Michael Stipe's vocal delivery on Murmur is famously cryptic. His lyrics, often delivered with a deliberate slur and frequently obscured by the instrumental mix, created an aura of mystery and profound meaning. This unique vocal style became a hallmark of R.E.M.'s early sound.

Melodic Complexity

Beyond the jangly guitars, the album incorporated subtle melodic textures, including piano and countermelodic lines from bassist Mike Mills. These elements contributed to the album's rich, layered sound, which critics described as "eerily timeless" and evocative, subverting conventional pop and folk structures.

Artwork and Packaging

The Kudzu Cover

The iconic front cover of Murmur features an image of kudzu, a rapidly growing invasive vine. This visual choice reflected the album's dense, enveloping sound and perhaps the band's own burgeoning presence in the music scene, subtly hinting at their powerful, pervasive influence.

The Murmur Trestle

The back cover showcased a train trestle located in Athens, Georgia, which became a local landmark associated with the album, affectionately known as the "Murmur Trestle." Despite plans for demolition over the years, public outcry and preservation efforts led to its eventual replacement with a replica as part of a new trail project.

Tracklist Anomaly

Early pressings of the cassette edition of Murmur erroneously listed a cover of The Velvet Underground's "There She Goes Again" as the final track. This error was corrected in subsequent releases, with the band later distancing themselves from rumors that the track was intentionally omitted to avoid royalty payments.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Consensus

Murmur was met with near-universal critical acclaim. Publications like Rolling Stone hailed it as "epochal," praising its depth, cohesiveness, and unique sound. The album's enigmatic qualities and Stipe's distinctive vocals were frequently highlighted as key elements of its appeal.

Chart Performance

Despite its critical success, Murmur achieved modest commercial success initially, reaching number 36 on the Billboard 200 chart. The lead single, "Radio Free Europe," charted at number 78. However, the album was certified gold by the RIAA in 1991, signifying its long-term commercial viability.

Enduring Influence

Murmur is widely regarded as one of the most important debut albums in rock history. Its innovative sound and artistic integrity influenced countless artists and helped define the burgeoning alternative rock movement. Its consistent presence on "best of" lists underscores its enduring cultural and musical significance.

Track Listing

The Album's Songs

All songs were written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe, except where noted.

Side One:

"Radio Free Europe" – 4:06
"Pilgrimage" – 4:30
"Laughing" – 3:57
"Talk About the Passion" – 3:23
"Moral Kiosk" – 3:31
"Perfect Circle" – 3:29

Side Two:

"Catapult" – 3:55
"Sitting Still" – 3:17
"9-9" – 3:03
"Shaking Through" – 4:30
"We Walk" – 3:02
"West of the Fields" (Berry, Buck, Mills, Stipe, Neil Bogan) – 3:17

Personnel

Core Band Members

The foundational lineup of R.E.M. contributed significantly to the album's distinctive sound:

Bill Berry – drums, backing vocals, percussion, piano
Peter Buck – electric and acoustic guitars
Mike Mills – bass guitar, backing vocals, piano, organ, vibraphone
Michael Stipe – lead vocals

Production Team

The album's production was overseen by Don Dixon and Mitch Easter, who played a crucial role in shaping the band's nascent sound. Additional contributions included:

Don Dixon – co-producer, acoustic guitar, bass guitar
Mitch Easter – co-producer, acoustic guitar, backwards guitar, additional snare drum
Greg Calbi – mastering
Carl Grasso, Ann Kinney, Sandra Lee Phipps – art design and photography

Chart Performance

United States Charts

Murmur charted on the Billboard 200, reaching a peak position of 36. This demonstrated early commercial traction for the band's unique sound.

Chart	Position
US Billboard 200	36

United Kingdom Charts

The album also appeared on the UK Albums Chart, indicating its reception in international markets, albeit with a later peak position.

Chart	Position
UK Albums Chart	100 (1994), 111 (1996), 199 (2009 Deluxe Edition)

Certifications

The album's enduring popularity was recognized by the RIAA, which certified Murmur Gold in October 1991, signifying shipments of over 500,000 units in the US.

Region	Level
US (RIAA)	Gold

Release History

Original Release

Murmur was initially released on April 12, 1983, in the United States across multiple formats, including vinyl LP, cassette tape, and compact disc. Subsequent international releases followed shortly after.

Key Formats & Dates:

US LP: April 12, 1983 (I.R.S. SP 70604)
US CD: 1983 (I.R.S. 44797-0014-2)
UK LP: August 29, 1983 (I.R.S. 70014)

Notable Reissues:

25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (US): November 25, 2008 (I.R.S./Universal Music Group), featuring remastered audio and a live concert recording.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (US): 1995 (LP & CD), remastered on 180-gram vinyl and gold CD.

Accolades and Rankings

Critical Recognition

Murmur has been consistently recognized by music critics and publications for its artistic merit and historical importance. It frequently appears on lists of the greatest albums of the 1980s and all time.

Rolling Stone: #8 on "100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s" (1989)
Spin: #8 on "100 Alternative Albums" (1995)
Pitchfork: #5 on "Top 100 Albums of the 1980s" (2002)
Rolling Stone: #197 (2003), #165 (2020) on "500 Greatest Albums of All Time"
Q Magazine: #6 on "The 40 Best Records of the 80s" (2006)
Mojo: #75 on "The 100 Records That Changed the World" (2007)
Slant Magazine: #13 on "The 100 Best Albums of the 1980s" (2012)
Rolling Stone: #18 on "The 100 Best Debut Albums of All Time" (2013)

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References

Search for R.E.M.: Gold and Platinum data. RIAA.com. Retrieved on May 12, 2008.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Murmur (album) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional music or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding music history, analysis, or the music industry. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified experts for specific inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Murmur: The Genesis of Alternative Rock's Soundscape

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Album Overview ℹ️

💿 Debut Statement

🌟 Critical Acclaim

🏆 Enduring Influence

Background and Recording 🎙️

⚙️ Production Challenges

🤝 Collaboration with Easter and Dixon

💡 The "Negation" Approach

Composition and Music 🎵

🎸 Sonic Identity

🎤 Enigmatic Vocals

🎹 Melodic Complexity

Artwork and Packaging 🖼️

🌿 The Kudzu Cover

🌉 The Murmur Trestle

❓ Tracklist Anomaly

Reception and Legacy 📈

⭐ Critical Consensus

📊 Chart Performance

🏛️ Enduring Influence

Track Listing 🎼

🎶 The Album's Songs

Personnel 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

👥 Core Band Members

🛠️ Production Team

Chart Performance 📈

🇺🇸 United States Charts

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Charts

⭐ Certifications

Release History 📦

📅 Original Release

Accolades and Rankings 🏆

⭐ Critical Recognition

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Album Overview

Debut Statement

Critical Acclaim

Enduring Influence

Background and Recording

Production Challenges

Collaboration with Easter and Dixon

The "Negation" Approach

Composition and Music

Sonic Identity

Enigmatic Vocals

Melodic Complexity

Artwork and Packaging

The Kudzu Cover

The Murmur Trestle

Tracklist Anomaly

Reception and Legacy

Critical Consensus

Chart Performance

Enduring Influence

Track Listing

The Album's Songs

Personnel

Core Band Members

Production Team

Chart Performance

United States Charts

United Kingdom Charts

Certifications

Release History

Original Release

Accolades and Rankings

Critical Recognition

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice