Album Essentials: R.E.M. "Reckoning"
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By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor
The band behind this week’s ‘Essential’ album, partially defined the path of early 80s guitar-based music, in an era where synthesizers had taken over. R.E.M. had their own ideas about where music in the new decade should be headed. Without taking one thing away from their entire, glorious discography, there is an argument to be made for the first chapter in the R.E.M. fables as being their best. The run of records from 'Chronic Town,’ in 1982, through 'Document,' in 1987, is pretty hard to beat. Over the course of those 6 years, R.E.M. stated their case, delivered the goods, and brought a soundtrack to an unsuspecting music world. Call it 'college rock,' 'alternative,' or whatever you like, somewhere between the influences of Wire, Television, the Byrds, and Moby Grape, the jangle ascending glory of R.E.M. came to light.
Their debut single, 'Radio Free Europe' was issued on the Hibtone label, in 1981, making college radio take notice, followed by IRS Records snapping them up to issue the EP, 'Chronic Town.' Their proper debut full length, 'Murmur,' followed in 1983, and with it, swarms of young, enthusiastic fans and rock critics, hunting for more and more accolades to heap upon this quartet from Athens, Georgia. By 1984, the little world of 'college rock' was bursting at the seams with bands like Husker Du, The Replacements, X, The Bangles, and many more, all upping the ante with new releases. R.E.M. stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park with 'Reckoning' that year. 2024 marks its 40th anniversary!
From the first jangle that kicks off 'Harbourocat' to the last surging chord of 'Little America' it was clear R.E.M. had rapidly become more focused than they were on the classic debut, 'Murmur.' It was the same team of Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, who helped the band develop its sound and style, that was quickly becoming a signature of not only their own, but of many an up-and-coming band trying to go for that sharp, jangly guitar sound that was firmly melodic pop, but with a unique, less obvious take on the genre. ‘Reckoning’ brought a sharper edge in songwriting, performance, and production.
'Don't Go Back To Rockville,' and 'South Central Rain' were both issued as singles, but made no dent, the latter barely scraping into the Top 100. That being said, both songs, along with 'Pretty Persuasion,' 'Second Guessing,' and '7 Chinese Brothers,' found a place on college radio charts, and helped R.E.M. gain more ground. The album itself made it up to No. 27. Self-assured yet full of wide eyed wonder, it captures the band at a genuine peak. This was rock and roll to be sure, but seemed a world away from the likes of Motley Crue, Ratt, and Quiet Riot, let alone Cyndi Lauper, Prince, or Duran Duran, and yet another world away from 'Thriller,' all ruling the commercial airwaves at the time. At that moment, R.E.M. were arguably kings of the underground, but getting too big for that circle. While many more classics would follow over the years, 'Reckoning' was certainly an early high-water mark, one that still rings out some four decades later.