R.E.M. Reveal Automatic For The People Documentary - Noise11.com
R.E.M. Photo by Ros O'Gorman, noise11.com, music news

R.E.M. Photo by Ros O'Gorman.

R.E.M. Reveal Automatic For The People Documentary

by Music-News.com on December 10, 2017

in News

As Athens, Georgia rock icons R.E.M.’s landmark Automatic For The People celebrates its 25th anniversary, the band has reissued the newly-remastered album on a variety of formats.

These include a deluxe 4-disc edition featuring previously unreleased demos, the only live-show from the era from the 40-Watt Club in Athens & the record mixed in the revolutionary new Dolby Atmos format by original producer Scott Litt and engineer Clif Norrell.

To commemorate this important milestone, Craft Recordings has released a new mini documentary, featuring brand new interviews, wherein band members Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck as well as contributors including Scott Litt and string arranger/Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones reveal the full story behind the creation of this timeless album.

In the documentary, R.E.M. discuss deep aspects of the album, from how they conceived and recorded the songs to how they feel retrospectively about the record many consider their masterpiece.

“Culturally, 1992 in America was not an easy place to be,” Michael Stipe says, reflecting on the world as R.E.M. prepared to record Automatic For The People. “We’d been through 12 years of politically the darkest era America had ever seen with (Ronald) Reagan, (George) Bush and AIDS. I think the record was a response to that. I wanted to make a record about loss, transition and death – the biggest transition we all know.”

With the band off the road, the Automatic For The People songs came together during sessions in several US studios including Daniel Lanois’ Kingsway in New Orleans and Criteria in Miami – the latter complex also renowned for hot-housing Derek & The Dominoes’ ‘Layla’. When they emerged, R.E.M. collectively believed they had captured something special.

“The songs came together, Michael’s lyrics came together, the production and the sound and the overdubs and everything all seemed right for this record,” Mike Mills comments, while Peter Buck adds: “And I don’t think there was another record that sounded like that record that year – which I think is a good thing.”

“Buoyed by the success of Out Of Time and ‘Losing My Religion’, Automatic… was the record where I felt we had the world’s ear,” Michael Stipe continues. “I felt really confident and powerful, but also extremely vulnerable. And as a man in pop music, presenting oneself as vulnerable was something that wasn’t really done at that point. The band provided me with beautiful songs and moods to write about loss and darkness – and it worked.”

The 25th anniversary of R.E.M.’s Automatic For The People was released on 10 November.

music-news.com

Related Posts

The Cure The Head on the Door
The Cure’s The Head on the Door: 40 Years of Post-Punk Perfection

Released on August 26, 1985, The Head on the Door marked a pivotal moment in The Cure's evolution. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the album stands as a testament to the band's ability to blend post-punk sensibilities with accessible pop melodies, propelling them into the mainstream while retaining their distinctive edge.

August 30, 2025
The Korgis Coffee In New York
The Korgis Join Forces With Australian Guitarist Joe Matera For ‘Coffee In New York’ Album

English pop-rock survivors The Korgis are back in 2025 with a brand-new collaborative album, teaming up with Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Joe Matera. The project, titled Coffee In New York, will be released on October 24, 2025, via Renaissance Records in the USA on both vinyl and CD.

August 28, 2025
Bon Jovi, Photo By Damien Loverso
Bon Jovi Call On Friends For Forever (Legendary Edition)

Bon Jovi will return this October with a brand-new collaboration record, Forever (Legendary Edition), set for release on October 24, 2025. The 14-track album finds Jon Bon Jovi and the band reimagining the spirit of their 2024 record Forever with the help of an all-star guest list. The project arrives after Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal cord surgery, a setback that forced him to step away from touring while still creatively hungry to share music.

August 28, 2025
Tom Araya of Slayer at Download Melbourne 2019 photo by Mary Boukouvalas
Slayer Announce One-Night-Only Headline Show at Hersheypark Stadium

Slayer will return to the stage this September for a rare headline show on the U.S. east coast, confirming a massive one-night-only concert at Hersheypark Stadium, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2025.

August 27, 2025
Mike Joyce The Drums
Mike Joyce Turns the Tables in The Drums: A Candid Beat from The Smiths’ Backseat

Manchester’s unsung pulse, drummer Mike Joyce, finally steps out from behind The Smiths’ jangly guitar riffs with his much-anticipated memoir, The Drums, due for release in November 2025.

August 26, 2025
Ali Campbell
UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell Announce Perth Show For Big Love World Tour

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell have added a Perth date to their Big Love World Tour after strong demand across Australia, bringing one of reggae’s most distinctive voices back to the West Coast. The show will take place at Kings Park & Botanic Garden on Sunday, 18 January 2026.

August 25, 2025
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds photo by Ros O'Gorman
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Announce Wild God 2026 Tour of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds will return home to Australia in January 2026 with the official announcement today of their Wild God Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand tour. The run of shows will be the band’s first in the region since 2022 and will bring their acclaimed Wild God album to life for local audiences.

August 25, 2025