R.E.M.: Document (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) – Music Review

20140330_0845The 25th Anniversary Deluxe reissue of R.E.M.’s seminal album Document contains the remastered original album along with a second CD containing a live recording from one of the stops on their 1987 “Work” tour. The four albums R.E.M. released prior to Document have also recently received 25th Anniversary reissues, with the bonus materials generally geared toward die-hard fans. The group was incredibly productive in its early years, releasing a full length album every year from 1983-1988, and continued to release albums regularly until eventually disbanding in 2011.

Formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980, R.E.M.’s popularity built slowly in the late 80’s, with the band eventually blowing up in the early 90’s with the release of 1991’s Out of Time and 1992’s Automatic for the People. The band would go on to achieve worldwide commercial success and is considered to be a pioneer of the alternative rock genre, influencing groups such as Nirvana, Live and Pavement.

The most recognizable songs on Document are easily ‘It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)’ and ‘The One I Love’, which served as R.E.M.’s first breakout hit, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually helping the album reach platinum status. The album also marks the first time that the band would work with producer Scott Litt and shows the band beginning to experiment with different instruments such as the dulcimer and saxophone. Lead singer Michael Stipe’s vocals are strong throughout as his lyrics explore politically charged themes.

Stipe seems to prophesize more recent social movements on the foreboding ‘Welcome to the Occupation’, as he sings accompanied by guitarist Peter Buck’s distinctive jangly guitar chords. “Here we stand and here we fight”, Stipe sings, “All your fallen heroes/Held and dyed and skinned alive”. ‘Exhuming McCarthy’ is a more lighthearted romp, mixing punk and surf-rock elements with a driving beat but the lyrics carry a biting message as Stipe delivers the refrain “Exhuming McCarthy, Exhuming McCarthy/ (meet me at the book burning)”.

Though deeper cuts like ‘Lightin’ Hopkins’ and ‘King of Birds’ are mostly forgettable, R.E.M. reached new heights with this release and 25 years later much of the songwriting on Document has stood the test of time.

Author: Gabe Vigh

Gabe is a Cambridge, MA based writer, photographer and artist. He is a big fan of recycling, Bob's Burgers, and a bit of a weather buff.