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R.E.M.'s debut studio album, *Murmur*, was released in 1984.
Answer: False
The album *Murmur* was released in 1983, not 1984.
Greg Calbi mastered the album *Murmur* at Sterling Sound in New York City.
Answer: True
The mastering process for *Murmur* was completed by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, located in New York City.
R.E.M. initially worked with producer Stephen Hague for *Murmur* but switched due to dissatisfaction.
Answer: True
The band's initial sessions with producer Stephen Hague were unsatisfactory, leading to their decision to work with Mitch Easter and Don Dixon instead.
The original US vinyl LP release of *Murmur* had the catalog number CS 70604.
Answer: False
The original US vinyl LP release of *Murmur* bore the catalog number SP 70604. CS 70604 was the catalog number for the cassette tape release.
*Murmur* was released in the United Kingdom on August 29, 1983.
Answer: True
The album *Murmur* was released in the United Kingdom on August 29, 1983.
What is the title of R.E.M.'s debut studio album?
Answer: Murmur
R.E.M.'s debut studio album is titled *Murmur*.
In what year was R.E.M.'s debut album, *Murmur*, released?
Answer: 1983
*Murmur* was released in 1983.
Which record label was responsible for releasing R.E.M.'s debut album, *Murmur*?
Answer: I.R.S. Records
*Murmur* was released by I.R.S. Records.
Where did the recording sessions for the album *Murmur* take place?
Answer: Reflection Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina
The recording sessions for *Murmur* were conducted at Reflection Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Who are credited as the producers for R.E.M.'s album *Murmur*?
Answer: Don Dixon and Mitch Easter
Don Dixon and Mitch Easter are credited as the producers for R.E.M.'s debut album, *Murmur*.
What song was mistakenly listed on the initial tape edition of *Murmur*?
Answer: A cover of "There She Goes Again" by The Velvet Underground
The initial tape edition of *Murmur* mistakenly listed a cover of "There She Goes Again" by The Velvet Underground, which was not actually included on the release.
Michael Stipe's vocal delivery on *Murmur* was characterized by clear enunciation and easily discernible lyrics.
Answer: False
Michael Stipe's vocal delivery on *Murmur* is widely noted for its often mumbled, slurred, and intentionally obscured quality, which contributed to the album's enigmatic atmosphere rather than clear enunciation.
To achieve a timeless feel, R.E.M. deliberately included prominent guitar solos and synthesizers on *Murmur*.
Answer: False
To achieve a timeless aesthetic, R.E.M. consciously avoided common rock clichés such as prominent guitar solos and synthesizers on *Murmur*.
Dan Weiss observed that punk music and Rickenbacker arpeggios were commonly merged before *Murmur*.
Answer: False
Dan Weiss noted that the fusion of punk sensibilities with Rickenbacker arpeggios became widely acceptable in music subsequent to the influence of tracks like "Radio Free Europe" from *Murmur*.
Which of the following genres was NOT primarily associated with R.E.M.'s sound on *Murmur*?
Answer: Glam rock
While *Murmur* is associated with alternative rock, post-punk, and jangle pop, it is not typically categorized within the genre of glam rock.
How did Stephen Thomas Erlewine characterize the shift in R.E.M.'s sound on *Murmur* compared to earlier work?
Answer: They abandoned "garagey jangle pop" for a more subdued, timeless variation.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted that *Murmur* represented a departure from R.E.M.'s earlier "garagey jangle pop," evolving into a more subdued and timeless sonic landscape.
Peter Buck drew stylistic guitar cues for *Murmur* from which of these bands?
Answer: The Byrds, Television, and The Feelies
Guitarist Peter Buck drew significant stylistic inspiration for his playing on *Murmur* from bands such as The Byrds, Television, and The Feelies.
What characteristic of Michael Stipe's vocals on *Murmur* is highlighted in the source?
Answer: Elevating mumbled vocals to an art form, often difficult to discern
Michael Stipe's vocal delivery on *Murmur* is frequently described as elevating mumbled vocals to an art form, characterized by deliberate slurring and often making lyrics difficult to discern.
*Murmur* was ranked number 165 on the 2020 revision of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."
Answer: True
In the 2020 update of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time," *Murmur* was positioned at number 165, reflecting its sustained critical recognition.
Rolling Stone gave *Murmur* a perfect score of five out of five stars upon its release.
Answer: False
Rolling Stone awarded *Murmur* four out of five stars in its initial review, praising its "intelligent, enigmatic, and deeply involving sound."
In 1983, Rolling Stone named *Murmur* the best album of the year, ahead of Michael Jackson's *Thriller*.
Answer: True
Rolling Stone designated *Murmur* as its Best Album of 1983, placing it above other notable releases such as Michael Jackson's *Thriller*, The Police's *Synchronicity*, and U2's *War*.
Paste Magazine ranked *Murmur* as the number one greatest debut album of all time in 2023.
Answer: False
In Paste Magazine's 2023 ranking of the greatest debut albums, *Murmur* was placed at sixth position.
Spin magazine ranked *Murmur* number 8 in its "100 Alternative Albums" list in 1995.
Answer: True
Spin magazine recognized the enduring influence of *Murmur* by including it at number 8 on its "100 Alternative Albums" list published in 1995.
Pitchfork Media ranked *Murmur* number 50 in its 2002 list of Top 100 Albums of the 1980s.
Answer: False
Pitchfork Media ranked *Murmur* at number 5 in its 2002 list of the Top 100 Albums of the 1980s, not number 50.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised *Murmur* for its heavy reliance on the backbeat and conventional pop structures.
Answer: False
Stephen Thomas Erlewine characterized *Murmur*'s sound as a departure from conventional pop, noting its de-emphasis of the backbeat and its unique, ringing guitar ambience.
How did *Murmur*'s ranking change in the 2020 revision of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" compared to the 2003 and 2012 lists?
Answer: It moved up to number 165.
In the 2020 revision of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time," *Murmur* moved up to number 165, from its previous position of 197 on the 2003 and 2012 lists.
What rating did Rolling Stone give *Murmur* in its initial review?
Answer: Four out of five stars
Rolling Stone awarded *Murmur* four out of five stars in its initial review.
Which of these albums was NOT surpassed by *Murmur* in Rolling Stone's "Best Album of 1983" designation?
Answer: Prince's *1999*
*Murmur* was named Rolling Stone's Best Album of 1983, surpassing *Thriller*, *War*, and *Synchronicity*. Prince's *1999* was also ranked highly but was not surpassed by *Murmur* in that specific designation.
In Paste Magazine's 2023 ranking of best debut albums, where did *Murmur* place?
Answer: Sixth place
Paste Magazine ranked *Murmur* sixth in its 2023 list of the greatest debut albums of all time.
What specific accolade did Spin magazine give *Murmur* in 1995?
Answer: Number 8 in "100 Alternative Albums"
In 1995, Spin magazine included *Murmur* at number 8 on its list of "100 Alternative Albums."
What was *Murmur*'s ranking in Pitchfork Media's 2002 list of Top 100 Albums of the 1980s?
Answer: Number 5
Pitchfork Media ranked *Murmur* at number 5 in its 2002 compilation of the Top 100 Albums of the 1980s.
The single "Radio Free Europe" from *Murmur* reached number 1 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.
Answer: False
The re-recorded single "Radio Free Europe" achieved a peak position of number 78 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in 1983, not number 1.
By the end of 1983, *Murmur* had sold over one million copies, exceeding expectations.
Answer: False
By the end of 1983, *Murmur* had sold approximately 200,000 copies, a figure considered below expectations by the record label, despite considerable critical acclaim.
*Murmur* achieved gold certification in the United States in 1991.
Answer: True
The album *Murmur* was certified gold by the RIAA in 1991, signifying sales of 500,000 units.
What was the peak position of *Murmur* on the Billboard album chart in the United States?
Answer: Number 36
*Murmur* reached its peak position of number 36 on the Billboard album chart in the United States.
What was the chart performance of the re-recorded "Radio Free Europe" single in 1983?
Answer: It peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.
The re-recorded single "Radio Free Europe" achieved chart success in 1983, peaking at number 78 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.
How were the sales of *Murmur* by the end of 1983 viewed by the record label?
Answer: Below expectations, despite critical acclaim.
Despite receiving significant critical acclaim, the sales of approximately 200,000 copies by the end of 1983 were considered below expectations by the record label, I.R.S. Records.
When did *Murmur* receive its gold certification from the RIAA?
Answer: 1991
*Murmur* achieved gold certification from the RIAA in 1991.
The front cover of the *Murmur* album features an image of the "Murmur Trestle."
Answer: False
The front cover of *Murmur* depicts a dense kudzu vine, not the "Murmur Trestle," which is featured on the back cover of the original vinyl release.
The "Murmur Trestle" became a tourist destination after the album's release.
Answer: True
The railway bridge known as the "Murmur Trestle," featured on the album's back cover, gained local recognition and became a point of interest for fans following the album's release.
The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission voted to demolish the "Murmur Trestle" in 2000.
Answer: False
In 2000, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission voted to preserve, rather than demolish, the "Murmur Trestle" following public outcry.
The kudzu plant on the album cover symbolizes R.E.M.'s rapid rise to fame.
Answer: False
The kudzu plant, known for its invasive and enveloping growth, was used on the cover to symbolize its pervasive nature, not R.E.M.'s rise to fame.
What image is featured on the front cover of the *Murmur* album?
Answer: A large quantity of kudzu vine
The front cover of the *Murmur* album prominently features an image of a dense kudzu vine.
What landmark, featured on the back cover of the original vinyl LP, became known as the "Murmur Trestle"?
Answer: A railway bridge on the Georgia Railroad line
The "Murmur Trestle" refers to a railway bridge on the Georgia Railroad line, which was featured on the back cover of the original vinyl LP of *Murmur*.
What was the result of the public outcry regarding the potential demolition of the "Murmur Trestle" in 2000?
Answer: The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted to save the trestle.
In response to public outcry, the Athens-Clarke County Commission voted in 2000 to preserve the "Murmur Trestle."
What did the Athens-Clarke County Commission suggest in 2016 regarding the "Murmur Trestle"?
Answer: That a trail tax could fund its existence.
In 2016, the Athens-Clarke County Commission proposed that a trail tax could be utilized to fund the preservation and maintenance of the "Murmur Trestle."
Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe are credited as songwriters for all songs on *Murmur*.
Answer: False
While the core members are credited for most songs, the track "West of the Fields" was co-written with Neil Bogan.
The song "West of the Fields" was solely written by the members of R.E.M.
Answer: False
The song "West of the Fields" was co-written by Neil Bogan, in addition to R.E.M. members Bill Berry, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills.
Mike Mills played drums and backing vocals on *Murmur*.
Answer: False
Mike Mills primarily contributed bass guitar, backing vocals, piano, organ, and vibraphone on *Murmur*. Bill Berry was the primary drummer.
Who co-wrote the song "West of the Fields" on the *Murmur* album?
Answer: Neil Bogan and the band members
The song "West of the Fields" was co-written by Neil Bogan, along with R.E.M. members Bill Berry, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills.
What instrument did Bill Berry play on *Murmur*, besides drums and backing vocals?
Answer: Piano
In addition to drums and backing vocals, Bill Berry contributed piano on the track "Perfect Circle" for *Murmur*.
The 25th anniversary edition of *Murmur* included a live concert recording from 1983.
Answer: True
The 25th anniversary edition of *Murmur*, released in 2008, featured a previously unreleased live concert recording from July 9, 1983, on its second disc.
The album that followed *Murmur* was titled *Out of Time*.
Answer: False
The album that chronologically followed *Murmur* was *Reckoning*, released in 1984. *Out of Time* was released much later in 1991.
What did the "I.R.S. Vintage Years" edition of *Murmur* include?
Answer: Bonus tracks
The "I.R.S. Vintage Years" edition of *Murmur*, released in the Netherlands, featured bonus tracks.
What is the title of the R.E.M. compilation album covering their 1982–2011 period?
Answer: Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982–2011
The comprehensive compilation album covering R.E.M.'s career from 1982 to 2011 is titled *Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982–2011*.
What did Disc Two of the 25th anniversary edition of *Murmur* contain?
Answer: A previously unreleased live concert from 1983
Disc Two of the 25th anniversary edition of *Murmur* featured a previously unreleased live concert recording from July 9, 1983.