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Fables of the Reconstruction
Rock · 1985 · 11 tracks

Fables of the Reconstruction

R.E.M.'s third album, "Fables of the Reconstruction," delves into Southern Gothic themes with a darker, murkier sound. Produced by Joe Boyd, it blends their signature jangle pop with significant folk

June 11, 1985 · Capitol Catalog MKT (C92)

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"Fables of the Reconstruction" is the sound of R.E.M. venturing into the humid, shadowed corners of the American South, filtered through a London studio's lens. It's an album steeped in enigmatic narratives, where Peter Buck's jangle guitar meets the unexpected twang of a banjo and the mournful swell of strings. This record feels like a collection of whispered secrets and forgotten histories, perfect for those moments when you want to lose yourself in a world of rustic mystery and contemplative melancholy. It's a crucial piece of R.E.M.'s evolution, showcasing their deepening lyrical complexity and willingness to experiment with instrumentation, making it a must-own for anyone seeking the roots of alternative rock's poetic side.

Tracklist · 11 Tracks
01
Feeling Gravity’s Pull
4:52
02
Maps and Legends
3:10
03
Driver 8
3:24
04
Life and How to Live It
4:09
05
Old Man Kensey
4:10
06
Can’t Get There From Here
3:40
07
Green Grow the Rushes
3:46
08
Kohoutek
3:17
09
Auctioneer (Another Engine)
2:44
10
Good Advices
3:31
11
Wendell Gee
3:00
Moments Worth Listening For
The dark, chromatic guitar riff that opens "Feeling Gravitys Pull," immediately setting the album's murkier, more ominous tone.
The distinctive, driving banjo line in "Driver 8" that intertwines with Peter Buck's jangle, creating a quintessential early R.E.M. folk-rock moment.
The unexpected inclusion of brass and strings in tracks like "Green Grow the Rushes," adding a new layer of orchestral texture to their established sound.
Michael Stipe's particularly evocative and cryptic vocal delivery on "Maps and Legends," where his voice feels like a whispered secret amidst the swirling instrumentation.
Reviews

How does Fables of the Reconstruction sound next to the rest of R.E.M.'s catalogue?

Hand Played+2.8σ

The production is built around hand played than this artist usually allows.

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