The hard working way that R.E.M. was using didn't fail after the success of Out of time. Many people thought it would be a long time until they hear from R.E.M. again, but the band was back in Athens writing new songs just a few months after Out of time's release. "It was going to be quiet and drowny" said Peter. The lyrics were again personal and the mood of Automatic was death and mourning. Half the songs on the album were meant to be drumless. At about this time, a rumour that Michael had AIDS began. From all of his referances to death on the album, and the fact that the gay community believed he was gay, people started thinking that Michael had AIDS. The title of the album was taken from a restaurent that the band liked. It's called Weaver D's fine foods in Clarke County Georgia with a sign- "Delicious fine foods. Automatic for the people". Recordings began in New orleans, then in Bearsville NY, Miami and finally Atlanta. Mixing was done in Seattle. Automatic for the people proved to be another success to R.E.M. It went straight in at #2 in the US, and #1 in the UK and sold over 14 million copies world-wide.
Songs:
Drive, Try not to breathe, the sidewinder sleeps tonight, Everybody hurts, New Orleans inst. #1, Sweetness follows, Monty got a raw deal, Ignoreland, Star me Kitten, Man on the moon, Niteswimming, Find the river.
DriveTry not to breatheThe sidewinder sleeps toniteEverybody hurtsNew Orleans inst. #2Sweetness follows
Monty got a raw dealIgnorelandStar me kittenMan on the moonNightswimmingFind the river
| <<< Out of time |II Monster >>> |