Bassist offered a profound explanation when citing an album that receives an ungrateful title from his point of view
Active between 1980 and 2011, the REM released fifteen studio albums. He put together one of the most consistent and respected discographies in the history of alternative rock.
However, it is normal for there to be at least one work that is not seen as well by fans as the rest. Mike Mills He even has his chosen one — which meets the options of several admirers.
In an interview with the journalist Jeff Tamarkin (via Far Out Magazine), the bassist of REM cited Around the Sun (2004) as the band’s weakest album. However, he offered a deeper explanation for the album’s problems, responsible for bringing tracks like “Leaving New York”, “Aftermath”, “Electron Blue” and “Wanderlust”.
Mills commented:
People think Around the Sun our weakest work, and I agree. But it’s not because of the songs. The songs are good. What happened was we tried to do too many things.”
According to the member, the album sessions suffered as a result of the group’s busy schedule. There were also contractual obligations with the record label, Warner Music. He said:
We stopped recording, made a greatest hits compilation, did a tour and then tried to finish the album. That wasn’t right for the songs because it made it difficult for us to concentrate.”
Mills he still made a point of taking the blame away from the producer Pat McCarthy after negative reviews regarding the album’s content. The band was the one that faltered, in its conception. He stated:
It’s not Pat McCarthy’s fault. It is our responsibility; we simply lost the trick.”
In subsequent interviews, the vocalist Michael Stipe acknowledged that the result of the recordings of Around the Sun fell short of members’ expectations. Especially regarding the amount of slow songs on the album.
Their next release, Accelerate (2008), was conceived as a reaction to this — and meant a return to form for the REM.
REM and the departure of their drummer
The career of REM is divided into two parts. For the first 15 years of their career, the quartet was made up of Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (low) and Bill Berry (battery).
The band structure was egalitarian. All members shared creative responsibilities, decisions and even profits among themselves.
Nonetheless, Berry left the band in 1997. The drummer suffered a brain aneurysm during a show in Switzerland two years earlier. The physical consequences of the episode impacted his routine on the road.
The musician communicated his desire to his companions before recording what would become the album began. Up (1998), with a single request: that the band not break up because of his departure.
Curiously, Around the Sun marks the debut of what would become his permanent replacement: Bill Rieflin. Although he was never credited as a member, the drummer remained with the band until its activities ended in 2011.
Collaborated: Pedro Hollanda.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
