Sold Date: July 12, 2024
Start Date: June 12, 2024
Final Price: £27.99 (GBP)
Seller Feedback: 3900
Buyer Feedback: 0

R.E.M. Fables Of The Reconstruction Vinyl LP 
Side One:
"Feeling Gravitys Pull" – 4:51 "Maps and Legends" – 3:10 "Driver 8" – 3:23 "Life and How to Live It" – 4:06 "Old Man Kensey" – 4:10
Side Two:
"Cant Get There from Here" – 3:39 "Green Grow the Rushes" – 3:46 "Kohoutek" – 3:18 "Auctioneer (Another Engine)" – 2:44 "Good Advices" – 3:30 "Wendell Gee" – 3:01
R.E.M.'s "Fables of the Reconstruction," released in 1985, is a haunting and evocative journey through the American South, blending the band's signature jangle pop with richly textured storytelling. As their third studio album, it stands as a unique and somewhat enigmatic entry in their discography, reflecting both a departure from their earlier sound and a foreshadowing of their later, more polished works.
From the opening strains of "Feeling Gravitys Pull," the listener is immediately immersed in an atmosphere of mystery and introspection. Peter Buck's intricate guitar work, Michael Stipe's enigmatic lyrics, Mike Mills' melodic basslines, and Bill Berry's subtle yet driving drumming combine to create a soundscape that is both familiar and otherworldly. The album's production, helmed by Joe Boyd, known for his work with Fairport Convention and Nick Drake, adds a layer of ethereal beauty and melancholic charm.
Tracks like "Maps and Legends" and "Driver 8" stand out with their catchy hooks and poignant lyrics, encapsulating the essence of R.E.M.'s ability to craft memorable melodies infused with deep emotional resonance. "Green Grow the Rushes" and "Can't Get There from Here" offer glimpses of the band's exploration of Southern gothic themes, weaving tales of history, mythology, and local lore.
The album's midsection, including songs like "Kohoutek" and "Auctioneer (Another Engine)," delves into darker, more introspective territory, showcasing Stipe's cryptic and often impressionistic lyricism. "Good Advices" provides a moment of introspective solace, while "Wendell Gee," the album's closing track, leaves the listener with a sense of bittersweet reflection.
What makes "Fables of the Reconstruction" particularly compelling is its ability to conjure vivid imagery and evoke a strong sense of place. The album feels like a collection of short stories, each song offering a glimpse into the lives and landscapes of the South. This narrative quality, combined with the band's evolving musical sophistication, makes it a standout work in their early catalog.
In conclusion, "Fables of the Reconstruction" is a captivating and richly textured album that showcases R.E.M.'s growth as artists and storytellers. Its blend of atmospheric production, intricate musicianship, and evocative lyricism ensures that it remains a cherished and influential work within their extensive discography. For both longtime fans and newcomers, this album offers a deeply rewarding listening experience that continues to reveal new layers with each listen.