UAWIL #234: REM - Fables of the Reconstruction

The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast · May 22, 2025 · 1h 24m

By 1985, REM had carved out a following both in their home base of Athens, GA and at colleges and indie radio stations around the US. Their first two albums Murmur and Reckoning gave them a foothold as they learned how to craft songs and play live. But they were ready to take the next step so instead of retreating to North Carolina where they'd recorded their first two albums, they went to London to broaden their horizons and up their songwriting and recording game.

Because REM had grown into a solid live band, some songs were worked out on the road like their classic travel song Driver 8…