Album Information:

About R.E.M.:

R.E.M. was an American rock band, formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), and Bill Berry (drums). They are widely considered as one of the pioneers of alternative rock, with their music blending elements of jangle pop, folk rock, and post-punk.

The band started playing clubs in Athens and quickly gained a following, eventually signing with I.R.S. Records. Their first major-label album, 'Murmur' (1983), was critically acclaimed and featured singles like 'Radio Free Europe' and 'Talk About the Passion.' The album's success brought them national attention, and they went on to release a string of commercially successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

R.E.M.'s most successful album was 'Out of Time' (1991), which featured hit singles like 'Losing My Religion' and 'Shiny Happy People.' They continued to release hit albums in the coming years, including 'Automatic for the People' (1992), 'Monster' (1994), and 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi' (1996).

In 1997, R.E.M. parted ways with I.R.S. Records and signed with Warner Bros. Records, where they continued to release critically acclaimed albums like 'Up' (1998), 'Reveal' (2001), and 'Around the Sun' (2004). The band also experimented with different sounds and styles, with albums like 'Monster' featuring heavier guitar-driven music, and 'Automatic for the People' featuring more acoustic-based and orchestral arrangements.

Despite their success, in 1997, drummer Bill Berry left the band due to health issues, and R.E.M. continued as a three-piece. In 2011, the band announced their breakup after 31 years together, citing 'creative differences.'

Throughout their career, R.E.M. won three Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Their impact on alternative rock and their contribution to the music industry continues to be recognized and celebrated today.

About the album Chronic Town:

Chronic Town is the debut EP by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1982. The album contains five tracks that showcase the band's early sound and features strong guitar-driven music with introspective lyrics.

The album opens with 'Wolves, Lower,' which starts with a fast-paced guitar riff before transitioning into a more mellow verse. The song features Michael Stipe's signature cryptic lyrics and Peter Buck's dynamic guitar playing, setting the tone for the rest of the EP.

The second track, 'Gardening at Night,' is an upbeat song with a catchy chorus. Stipe's lyrics touch on the idea of escaping the mundane and finding solace in nature. The song's rapid tempo and driving guitar riffs make it a standout on the album.

'1,000,000' is a blistering track that shows off the band's punk rock influences. The fast-paced drums and bass provide a driving rhythm, over which Buck's guitar solos take center stage. Stipe's lyrics are somewhat nonsensical, but his delivery is passionate and energetic.

'Stumble' is a slower, more contemplative track that contrasts with the high-energy songs preceding it. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics show a more personal side of R.E.M.'s lyricism. Buck's guitar solo provides a fitting bridge between the song's two halves.

The album concludes with 'Gardening at Night (Different Vocal Mix)' which is a variation of the second track with slightly different lyrics and vocals. The mix features a more prominent bassline and an extended guitar solo.

Overall, Chronic Town is an impressive debut that showcases R.E.M.'s unique blend of punk and alternative rock. The album's five tracks are diverse in sound and showcase the band's ability to create a range of moods and emotions. The EP captures the raw energy and talent of the band that would later go on to become one of the biggest and most influential rock bands of the 1980s.

Members:

R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. The band was composed of four key members: Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry.

Michael Stipe - Michael Stipe was born on January 4, 1960 in Decatur, Georgia. He formed R.E.M. in 1980 and became the band's lead vocalist. Stipe is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including his work for LGBT rights and environmental causes. In addition to singing, he has also worked as a producer for other musical artists.

Peter Buck - Peter Buck was born on December 6, 1956 in Berkeley, California. He is the guitarist for R.E.M. and has also played with a number of other bands throughout his career, including The Minus Five and The Baseball Project. Buck is also known for his love of reading and has written essays on literature.

Mike Mills - Mike Mills was born on December 17, 1958 in Orange County, California. He is the bassist for R.E.M. and also sings backup vocals. Mills has also worked on a number of other musical projects, including playing bass for Hindu Love Gods, a band that included members of R.E.M. and blues musician Warren Zevon.

Bill Berry - Bill Berry was born on July 31, 1958 in Duluth, Minnesota. He was the drummer for R.E.M. until 1997, when he left the band to focus on farming. After leaving R.E.M., Berry continued to play music, but on a more limited basis. He also worked as a farmer and a businessman.

Track List for Chronic Town:

Sure, here are the tracks on Chronic Town by R.E.M. in order of appearance, along with their playtime and a brief description:

1. 'Wolves, Lower' - 4:16
This track starts off the album with a driving rhythm and energetic guitar riff. The lyrics describe a character who feels trapped and restless, trying to escape the constraints of his life.

2. 'Gardening at Night' - 3:30
This song features a catchy guitar melody and a fast-paced beat. The lyrics describe a dreamlike scene of someone working in a garden at night and experiencing a sense of freedom and escape.

3. 'Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)' - 3:52
A standout track on the album, 'Carnival of Sorts' is a more political song, with lyrics criticizing the government and calling for change. The music is also a bit darker and more intense than the previous two tracks.

4. '1,000,000' - 3:07
This song has a similar energy to 'Wolves, Lower' and 'Gardening at Night,' with punchy guitar riffs and driving drums. The lyrics describe a feeling of being overwhelmed and lacking direction in life.

Overall, Chronic Town is a strong debut EP from R.E.M., showcasing the band's signature sound of jangly guitars, driving rhythms, and introspective lyrics. Each track is distinct but works together to create a cohesive whole.

Discography for R.E.M.:

Here is a list of R.E.M.'s complete discography in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Studio Albums:

1. Murmur (1983)
2. Reckoning (1984)
3. Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)
4. Lifes Rich Pageant (1986)
5. Document (1987)
6. Green (1988)
7. Out of Time (1991)
8. Automatic for the People (1992)
9. Monster (1994)
10. New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)
11. Up (1998)
12. Reveal (2001)
13. Around the Sun (2004)

Live and Compilation Albums:

1. Dead Letter Office (1987)
2. Eponymous (1988)
3. Unplugged: The Complete 1991 and 2001 Sessions (2014)
4. In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003 (2003)
5. And I Feel Fine...The Best of The I.R.S. Years 1982-1987 (2006)
6. Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982-2011 (2011)
7. Live at the Olympia (2009)

Singles and EPs:

1. 'Radio Free Europe' (1981)
2. Chronic Town (1982)
3. 'So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)' (1984)
4. 'Driver 8' (1985)
5. 'Wendell Gee' (1985)
6. 'Superman' (1986)
7. 'The One I Love' (1987)
8. 'It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)' (1987)
9. 'Finest Worksong' (1988)
10. 'Orange Crush' (1988)
11. 'Stand' (1988)
12. 'Pop Song 89' (1989)
13. 'Get Up' (1991)
14. 'Shiny Happy People' (1991)
15. 'Losing My Religion' (1991)
16. 'Near Wild Heaven' (1991)
17. 'Radio Song' (1991)
18. 'Drive' (1992)
19. 'Man on the Moon' (1992)
20. 'Nightswimming' (1993)
21. 'Find the River' (1993)
22. 'What's the Frequency, Kenneth?' (1994)
23. 'Bang and Blame' (1994)
24. 'Strange Currencies' (1995)
25. 'E-Bow the Letter' (1996)
26. 'Bittersweet Me' (1996)
27. 'Electrolite' (1997)
28. 'Daysleeper' (1998)
29. 'Lotus' (1998)
30. 'Suspicion' (1998)
31. 'At My Most Beautiful' (1999)
32. 'The Great Beyond' (1999)
33. 'Imitation of Life' (2001)
34. 'All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)' (2001)
35. 'I'll Take the Rain' (2001)
36. 'Bad Day' (2003)
37. 'Animal' (2004)
38. 'Leaving New York' (2004)
39. 'Aftermath' (2007)