Fourth studio album from Athen, GA's R.E.M. Lifes Rich Pageant was originally recorded in 1986 and was the band's most commercially successful album up to that point. They worked with producer Don Gehman at John Mellencamp's Belmont Mall Studios in Indiana. The result was a cleaner sound than their previous releases, with a heavier emphasis on the rhythm section of drummer Bill Berry and Mike Mills' bass. Their Southern post punk spirit is still there with overtly political songs and a more energetic sound. Includes the songs: "Fall on Me," "Cuyahoga," and the Mills sung "Superman." Twelve tracks in all. Released by I.R.S. Records on black vinyl housed in a reproduction of the original sleeve.

• music label: I.R.S. Records 2016

reviewed by Le Haim 08/2016