The first concert «R.E.M.» Have won back in the American small town of Athena that in the State of Georgia, on April, 19th, 1980. Into group structure entered four guys expelled from university: Michael Staip (the river on January, 4th 1960, Dekater, the USA; a vocal), Peter Bak (the river on December, 6th 1956, Berkeley, the USA; a guitar), Mike Mills (the river on December, 17th 1958, Oranzh of the Country, the USA; a bass) and Bill Berri (the river on July, 31st 1958, Da Lat, the USA; shock). Having got quite good popularity among a student's brotherhood in their native city, guys have sat down at studio to write down the debut single «Radio Free Europe» which has been published on an independent label on «Hibtone Records». This release has been met by praises of critics which recognized, the group is capable to do more. Their country-folk a sound contrasted with a bass drive, and something reminded early «Who». With addition here a charismatic vocal of Stajpa and it, as a whole unheard, it is possible even nonexistent, lyric poets, the firm sound «R.E.M turned out.» Rather different from any other American group postpank an era of the beginning 80.

Having subscribed to «IRS records», the group has received good responses to release of a minialbum of 1982 «Chronic Town», produced Mitchem Isterom. Their impatiently expected debut longplay left in April 1983. Published with producers Isterom and Don Dickson, «Murmur» has surpassed all expectations, and has been recognized by magazine «Rolling stone» an album of year. «R.E.M.» Became cult group not only in the USA, but also in Europe, especially among students. The next year has appeared «Reckoning», differing spontaneity from the predecessor.
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