Before REM became media darlings and before they became more famous for their political statements than for their music, they were an exciting band from Athens, Georgia. REM helped usher in a new sound and Life’s Rich Pageant is a great example of a band beginning their assent into stardom.

“Fall On Me” is a classic. This song features great lyrics, a melancholy feel that reaches out to the listener and brings him or her into the music. You feel this song as much as you hear it. The same can be said for “Begin the Begin,” “I Believe” and “What If We Give It Away.” The albums best song is an obscure remake from the 1960’s band The Clique called “Superman.” The band really did learn from that song as they took the lyric to heart when they sang, “I can do anything.” This is a great album from a young, and often overlooked REM.