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Book Review of R.E.M. Inside Out: The Stories Behind Every Song

R.E.M. Inside Out: The Stories Behind Every Song
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Author Craig Rosen does a decent job of researching interviews of R.E.M. members and those who've worked with the band. He divys up quotes to present insight into the each song's lyrics--often quotes that conflict with each other.

Rosen does tend to overplay possible distant theme links among songs, but usually only when he has little else to work with for a particular song.

The photos in this book are a definite plus, both thorough and applicable to the text.

On balance, this is not a definitive guide to exact meanings of R.E.M. songs. Those familiar with their work understand that is not possible. It is, however, a great official introduction to the band as well as a pleasurable encyclopedia to accompany most of R.E.M.'s catalog.