The Big Mates discuss commercial pressure, word sandwiches, revenge fantasies, and Accelerate by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's fourteenth studio album, released in 2008. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They continue with their track-by-track analysis of the album and explore their feelings on each song and how they contribute to the whole record. They then look at how Accelerate was received by critics and fans at the time of release and how those views may have changed over time.

What will make of the album? Is there a tension between creativity and expectation? Is this album by R.E.M.? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday February 17th!

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