R.E.M.: Talk About the Passion

by Denise Sullivan

The voices of nearly sixty R.E.M. insiders—friends, musicians, producers, and industry colleagues—comprise an unusual, unadulterated history of one of rock's most innovative, integrity-driven bands. Besides new photos and an updated discography, the author has added two new chapters that discuss recent the making of Monster and New Adventures in Hi-Fi; drummer Bill Berry's aneurysm and departure from the band; the controversial dismissal of R.E.M.'s manager Jefferson Holt; and much more.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

254 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

Reviews

[Boz Reacher]

A fairly interesting glimpse at how some people reacted when their friends became famous but I was hoping for some information on the rock band R.E.M.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bang up to date - includes Monster!

Lovely stuff about the early days of the band, when Stipe and Buck had a timeshare on a single pair of underpants, told by fans, friends and colleagues who debate exactly when the live shows became too big to be enjoyable. I was left with the impression of a nice bunch of guys hanging out in a nice college town, which is exactly my R.E.M. headcanon.

As a bonus, a reference to a band I'd never heard of meant I finally understood the line "She doesn't have to have her Young Fresh Fellows tape back" in They Might Be Giants' 'Twisting'.

[Dorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

R.E.M.: Talk About The Passion: An Oral History

by Denise Sullivan

1994

Da Capo Press

3.5 / 5.0

R.E.M. Insiders-friends, musicians, producers-share stories and their time with the band members, the fun times and hard times. Rather dry in delivery, the stories are entertaining and revealing. They talk about the formation of the band, early songs and shows and discuss the bands decision to let their manager, Jefferson Holt, go.

A great fan read and tribute, as well as an interesting bunch of stories.

[Charlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best oral histories offer some sort of insider insight. This one felt one or two degrees too far removed to be effective.

[Paul Fuhr · Rating 3 out of 5]

An often fascinating, rough-hewn chronicle of R.E.M.'s rise, as told through the voices of everyone surrounding and supporting the Athens, GA band. The band members' words are relegated to interview clips. I love oral histories as they often reveal petty arguments, resentments and frustrations toward the band they love -- and this one is no different. While R.E.M. doesn't come out as a villain, I loved hearing all the details of the first shows and recording process through to 1997's New Adventures in Hi-Fi. While they have much more history after this, it doesn't matter that the book ends here. This is the band I know. While a great deal of people take shots at the band throughout ("I didn't really get it"), it adds a ton of color. If nothing else, a great glimpse into the politics of the industry in the early 80s and how large bands coalesce from backyards, with many people getting frozen out in the process. If you're even a passing fan of R.E.M., I recommend this.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. At first I was disappointed when I saw that the people being interviewed were not really insiders—I was hoping it could include more from the band itself. But once I got over this disappointment, I appreciated their perspectives.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for research on an article I wrote about the sleeve artwork of REM's early records. More enlightening than the recent Replacements oral history, but too much of the book focuses on if success made the band more snooty and less compelling artistically. Too many of the interviewees sounded simply jealous and bitter, most prominently (and sadly) Victor Krummenacher from Camper van Beethoven. But if you're looking for a fairly intimate account of REM's rise to fame, this book isn't a bad source to start with.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say more like 3.5 stars. Good quotes, but the overall book isn't as good as some of the other R.E.M. books I've read.

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still in my REM phase.

[Katie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote about R.E.M. on my blog - http://804-notassigned.blogspot.com/2...

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this shortly after high school when I was still obsessed with their music. Their earlier records are still on my playlist along with a handful of newer songs.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great band. Interesting oral history.