The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.

Music journalist Carlin (Sonic Boom) offers an animated account of R.E.M., telling how the alt-rock band rose to global fame and captured the spirit of their generation. Carlin shows how the band members—drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and singer Michael Stipe—got their start at a 1980 house party in Athens, GA. As the ’80s gave way to the early ’90s, the band’s raw energy and unique sound challenged social and political conformity, tapping into a shifting cultural landscape. Groundbreaking albums like Out of Time, Automatic for the People, Monster, and Green cemented the group’s place in the annals of music history. Mike Chamberlain narrates, offering a smooth and engaging delivery that allows listeners to fully absorb the nuanced history of this groundbreaking band. Chamberlain skillfully conveys both the intimate moments of R.E.M. members’ interactions and standout moments in their musical journey, captivating with tales of the band’s personal struggles and entwined relationships.