Murmur

CD Details

R.E.M. released their debut full-length album Murmur in 1983, establishing themselves as a distinctive force in alternative rock. Michael Stipe’s enigmatic vocal delivery pairs with Peter Buck’s ringing guitar work, Bill Berry’s rhythmic drumming, and Mike Mills’s bass lines to create a sound that stands apart from its contemporaries. Though some drew comparisons to country-rock acts like the Byrds, the band forged their own identity through tracks like “Radio Free Europe,” “Talk About the Passion,” “Pilgrimage,” and “Sitting Still,” which showcase their ability to blend jangly instrumentation with cryptic lyricism.

This CD edition was released on A&M Records and contains ten tracks totaling approximately 37 minutes. The album opens with “Radio Free Europe” and flows through standout songs including “Moral Kiosk,” “Perfect Circle,” “Catapult,” and “Shaking Through.” Grab this used copy and own a landmark college-rock record that helped define the sound of the 1980s.