R.E.M.: Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)
Recorded with British folk-rock producer Joe Boyd (early Pink Floyd, Incredible String Band, Nick Drake etc), this was peak R.E.M. when they still enjoyed outsider status and were in the vanguard on college radio rock. The folk influence from Boyd is evident but it suited material which moved towards Southern folk, downbeat psychedelia and imagery from an earlier time. After this, mainstream acceptance and stadiums beckoned.
Next: R.E.M., Murmur and Reckoning; The Byrds, Sweetheart of the Rodeo; Grant Lee Buffalo, Mighty Joe Moon; Grant-Lee Phillips, Mobilize
