Pros Three outstanding songs, seven otherwise strong songs...
Cons Sometimes overshadowed by Murmur...
The Bottom Line A must-own REM gem chock full of understated, sparkling jangle-pop tracks.
Full Review
While rock and pop contemporaries in the early 1980’s owed a lot to the punk movement and called themselves the New Wave, REM was something entirely different. Their sound was organic and modern yet at the same time comfortable. REM was one of the original proprietors of “alternative” rock.
Throughout the 1980’s REM recorded and toured constantly. Their efforts paid off in a fervent fan base and critical acclaim to boot. From 1983 to 1988, they released an album a year. Despite their prolific nature, the Athens, Georgia based foursome were widely lauded for their DIY aesthetic, quirky lyrics, and appealing melodies.
Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), and Bill Berry (drums) made their official debut in 1982 with the EP Chronic Town. It boasted the successful single Radio Free Europe and the distinct “REM” sound. When debut LP Murmur (1983) was finally released the band was clearly on their way somewhere. The production was incredible, the songs were perfect, Murmur was a one-of-a-kind thing. But, as previously mentioned, REM tried and tried again throughout their first decade often dancing around genius.
Next in line was 1984’s Reckoning. If Murmur was an experiment of sorts, Reckoning was a return to roots. REM started out as a “garage band” and Reckoning is reflective of this origin. Distinctive, straight-forward, and incredibly entertaining this is a largely brilliant sophomore release. While some people might still be stuck on the debut, it is here that I think the band’s heart lies. It is incredibly accessible and very nearly timeless.
Reckoning, as with most recordings of the era, is brief with just ten songs. But with that said the brevity lends itself well to the album—it is concise and pointed and without filler or fluff. I believe this to be the album’s real strength—it gets down to business quickly and holds the listener’s attention for nearly forty rapt minutes. Reckoning isn’t my favorite REM album, but it is close to the top of the list.
What really makes this album something special is a trio of songs. 7 Chinese Bros., So. Central Rain, and Pretty Persuasion appear in that order on the album. If not for these songs, Reckoning would be a lot easier to ignore. The three songs are equally emotional, intelligent, fun and appealing. 7 Chinese Bros. is immediately recognizable with the jangly, neatly arranged guitars and percussion. The bright and chipper melody makes for a pleasant, summery experience.
Slightly less upbeat but no less appealing, So. Central Rain strikes a pretty major chord. But of the trio, I like Pretty Persuasion the best. This isn’t to say it is the best song—rather it reminds me very much of the songs from the Document era. And it was during Document that I first heard REM. So I suppose I harbor a great deal of prejudice toward *that* REM. Stipe’s vocals are lovely and earnest and the song itself is a mid-tempo rocker, the tempo at which the band best excels.
As the album continues there are plenty of points of interest as it is very consistently good. Second Guessing is a sparkling, upbeat, almost acoustic sounding track. Camera is a dark, melodically challenging track driven by Mills’ bass guitar and is important because it adds some variety to the album. Finally, Little America is a fast-paced romp that proves pleasurable on the ears.
I went into Reckoning for review thinking that there were some problems. But in listening and relistening to the album I came to the conclusion that it is damn near perfect. A good 4.5/5 stars. I’ve never been what one would call a fan of REM but over the years I’ve snatched up seven albums. The band will always be known for their influence on most all indie/alternative bands that followed.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Track List:(the spelling and capitalizations are correct and copied directly from the CD jacket)
01. HarborcOat
02. 7 chineSe bros.
03. so. Central Rain
04. Pretty Persuasion
05. Time After Time (annElise)
06. second GuessinG
07. letter Never sent
08. camerA
09. (don’t Go back To) ROCKVILLE
10. little america
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Shelly’s REM Collection:
Murmur [1983], Reckoning [1984], Green [1988] Out of Time [1991], Automatic For the People [1992], Monster [1994], New Adventures in Hi-Fi [1996]
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