R.E.M. - Lifes Rich Pageant (I.R.S./Capitol)

Step by step, R.E.M. is getting all of their early albums re-mastered, and often upgraded to a deluxe status. As is the case with "Lifes Rich Pageant," the album is reissued in a great box containing two discs, a poster, booklet with liner notes, and cards with photos of each individual member. What a package!

"Lifes Rich Pageant" was originally released back in 1986, and once again was a solid dose of alternative college rock. At this point, R.E.M. was an established band, still short of the superstar status they gained in the upcoming decade, but they had all the marking needed for what was to come.

It was their fourth album, and it showed a much lighter side of the band than any of the previous records. "Fall On Me" was making a great crossover into a mainstream radio, and introduced the band to a wider audience. The music still holds up today, it has an edge, much like The Smiths or The Mission. There was something very unique about the alternative bands from that time frame, and that type of feel hasn't been reproduced since.

The second disc is called "The Athens Demos," and it's exactly what the title says. It shows many of these songs in a demo state, and many others that never made the final cut. Again, a great look into an inside of the creation process. The booklet explains the circumstances of how the band was progressing and changing as they approached the writing and recording process.

All in all, a great package for the fans, and a respectful treatment to a very important record. R.E.M. may be no more, but their music will continue to live, thrive, and inspire many new bands to come.

Mark Kadzielawa