Album Info
| Artist: | R.E.M. |
| Album: | Document |
| Released: | Australia, 1987 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Finest Worksong | 3:49 |
| A2 | Welcome To The Occupation | 2:46 |
| A3 | Exhuming McCarthy | 3:19 |
| A4 | Disturbance At The Heron House | 3:32 |
| A5 | Strange | 2:31 |
| A6 | It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) | 4:04 |
| B1 | The One I Love | 3:17 |
| B2 | Fireplace | 3:22 |
| B3 | Lightnin' Hopkins | 3:20 |
| B4 | King Of Birds | 4:09 |
| B5 | Oddfellows Local 151 | 5:22 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
R.E.M.'s fifth studio album, "Document," released in 1987, marks a pivotal moment in the band's career, both artistically and commercially. This album is often credited with propelling R.E.M. from college radio darlings to mainstream rock icons, setting the stage for their future success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. "Document" is notable for its more polished production and the band's increasing political engagement, which is reflected in the album's themes and lyrics.
Produced by Scott Litt, who would go on to work with R.E.M. on several subsequent albums, "Document" features a sound that is both accessible and experimental. The album opens with "Finest Worksong," a track that immediately sets the tone with its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus. This song, like much of the album, showcases the band's ability to blend jangly guitar riffs with Michael Stipe's enigmatic lyrics, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative.
One of the standout tracks on "Document" is "The One I Love," which became R.E.M.'s first top 10 hit in the United States. Despite its seemingly straightforward love song structure, the song's lyrics reveal a darker, more ambiguous narrative, a hallmark of Stipe's songwriting. The success of "The One I Love" helped the band reach a wider audience and solidified their place in the rock music landscape.
Another significant track is "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," a frenetic, stream-of-consciousness song that has become one of R.E.M.'s most enduring hits. The song's rapid-fire lyrics and apocalyptic imagery capture the anxiety and uncertainty of the late 1980s, resonating with listeners both then and now. Its cultural impact is evident in its frequent use in films, television, and even political campaigns.
"Document" also includes tracks like "Exhuming McCarthy," which directly addresses the political climate of the time, drawing parallels between the McCarthy era and the contemporary political landscape. This willingness to engage with political themes was a defining characteristic of R.E.M.'s work during this period and contributed to their reputation as a band with a conscience.
Critically, "Document" was well-received, with many reviewers praising the band's ability to balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity. The album's success was not only a testament to R.E.M.'s growing popularity but also to their influence on the alternative rock genre. "Document" is often cited as a key album in the development of alternative rock, influencing countless bands that followed.
In terms of awards, "Document" did not win any major accolades at the time of its release, but its impact on R.E.M.'s career and the music industry is undeniable. The album's success paved the way for the band's subsequent albums, such as "Green" and "Out of Time," which would bring them even greater commercial success and critical acclaim.
Overall, "Document" stands as a landmark album in R.E.M.'s discography, representing a moment of transition and growth for the band. Its blend of catchy melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and political commentary make it a compelling listen, even decades after its release. For fans of R.E.M. and alternative rock, "Document" is an essential album that captures the spirit of a band on the brink of superstardom.
