B-52's vs. R.E.M.

[Dr. Medulla]

Just posted the video for The B-52's' "Legal Tender" in the YouthToob thread, but thought, hey, let's poll this shit. Whose initial three records were better? R.E.M. is the critics' choice, definitely, basically inventing college rock. But The B-52's created a weird punk/new wave form that was no less creative, with a humour and theatricality that R.E.M. lacked. Place your bets, make your arguments.

[Wolter]

I love the highs on the B-52’s, but i find the first three REM albums to be flawless, especially Fables. If I feel like listening to the B-52’s, I usually either listen to the debut or Nude On the Moon, but if I want REM, I tend to dive into the entire IRS catalog.

[Dr. Medulla]

I love the highs on the B-52’s, but i find the first three REM albums to be flawless, especially Fables. If I feel like listening to the B-52’s, I usually either listen to the debut or Nude On the Moon, but if I want REM, I tend to dive into the entire IRS catalog.

I think you're the only other person I know who regards Fables as highly as I do.

[Sparky]

I don't actually own anything by the B-52's, I do like some of their debut album, "The B-52's", but I've always just liked REM more ( perhaps edgier?) that may not be the best way to describe them. B-52's were kind of comic book / new wave to me, REM had more substance to their music.

[Dr. Medulla]

I don't actually own anything by the B-52's, I do like some of their debut album, "The B-52's", but I've always just liked REM more ( perhaps edgier?) that may not be the best way to describe them. B-52's were kind of comic book / new wave to me, REM had more substance to their music.

I'll suggest in the B-52's defence that conceptually they had a strong connection to art rock. The kitsch wasn't just a gag, but part of a larger critique of American materialism. That said, it became more gimmicky as they went on.

[Sparky]

I don't actually own anything by the B-52's, I do like some of their debut album, "The B-52's", but I've always just liked REM more ( perhaps edgier?) that may not be the best way to describe them. B-52's were kind of comic book / new wave to me, REM had more substance to their music.

I'll suggest in the B-52's defence that conceptually they had a strong connection to art rock. The kitsch wasn't just a gag, but part of a larger critique of American materialism. That said, it became more gimmicky as they went on.

I would agree, B-52's were very connected to the "art rock" movement, again, nothing against them, just favor REM a bit more.

[revbob]

Ive never done much more than scratch the surface of either's catalog. I find the B52's to at least be somewhat amusing but maybe I have REM wrong and my view has been marred by their latter boring/pretentious output.

[Dr. Medulla]

Ive never done much more than scratch the surface of either's catalog. I find the B52's to at least be somewhat amusing but maybe I have REM wrong and my view has been marred by their latter boring/pretentious output.

I don't know if you'd find early REM appealing, but the IRS years are miles ahead from when they became huge.

[gkbill]

Hello,

It's a tough call. I'll listen to both of these but it very much depends on my mood. If you threw in Chronictown, it would be an easier decision.

[Sparky]

Ive never done much more than scratch the surface of either's catalog. I find the B52's to at least be somewhat amusing but maybe I have REM wrong and my view has been marred by their latter boring/pretentious output.

I don't know if you'd find early REM appealing, but the IRS years are miles ahead from when they became huge.

REM's earlier stuff, when they were touring with the Replacements, is what I enjoy the most. They played a few covers, such as California Dreamin', Have You Ever Seen The Rain & Femme Fatale, but put a unique spin on them in doing so. Later on they became a bit too commercialized for my liking, wasn't as much a fan of them towards the end of their run.

[revbob]

Ive never done much more than scratch the surface of either's catalog. I find the B52's to at least be somewhat amusing but maybe I have REM wrong and my view has been marred by their latter boring/pretentious output.

I don't know if you'd find early REM appealing, but the IRS years are miles ahead from when they became huge.

I'm sure younger me wouldn't have. I might enjoy it some now that Im getting old and boring.

[tepista]

first 2 B52s records are perfect and I still play them quite often. I like one REM song.

[Flex]

first 2 B52s records are perfect and I still play them quite often. I like one REM song.

I like REM a lot more than this but Im with the werewolf. B-52s were in that Devo mutant punk vein for those first records and they fucking rule. Smart, weird and fun.

[BostonBeaneater]

first 2 B52s records are perfect and I still play them quite often. I like one REM song.

I like REM a lot more than this but Im with the werewolf. B-52s were in that Devo mutant punk vein for those first records and they fucking rule. Smart, weird and fun.

Thirded. Fun is the defining difference for me.

[matedog]

I honestly don't think I know either very well. Probably worth a dive. I do know the European Radio song and Rock Lobster, both which rock.