This serves as REM's full length debut and aside from the self titled Marshall Crenshaw of the same era, is hands down one of the most important pieces of work ever to emerge from the 80's. I was in 11th grade when this gem came out liking it then but I only appreciate its genius now. Now for you younger folks, if overproduced synthetic crap music is what makes you tick then this recording is gonna take some getting used to. In fact you may never get used to it at all. The album's "rawness" is its beauty. No drum machines, overdubbed doped up vocals etc. Just 4 guys from Athens GA setting the standard for a new genre of music. It takes several listens to grasp it (forget the lyrics… Read more
