Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987 cover

Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987

R.E.M. · 2014

165 min · 50 tracks · alternative rock · folk rock · jangle pop

A captivating blend of early alternative rock textures and raw studio energy that reveals R.E.M.'s formative years.

Why this album works

Best for
wave-like pacing with surprises exploratory vibes through rarities live energy from early performances
Context
Released in 2014, 'Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987' comes after R.E.M.'s monumental success in the 1990s and their dissolution in 2011. This collection showcases the band's evolution from indie darlings to influential rock icons, highlighting pivotal tracks from their early days on the I.R.S. label.
If you like
alternative rock, folk rock, jangle pop

Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987 is an album by R.E.M., released in 2014. A captivating blend of early alternative rock textures and raw studio energy that reveals R.E.M.'s formative years. This album matters as it compiles rare tracks and live recordings that illustrate R.E.M.'s artistic journey, capturing their emergence as a key player in alternative rock. The release was met with positive critical reception, emphasizing its importance for fans and historians alike, showcasing tracks that predate their mainstream breakthrough. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987 sound like?

A captivating blend of early alternative rock textures and raw studio energy that reveals R.E.M.'s formative years. Rooted in alternative rock and folk rock.

What makes Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987 by R.E.M. notable?

This album matters as it compiles rare tracks and live recordings that illustrate R.E.M.'s artistic journey, capturing their emergence as a key player in alternative rock. The release was met with positive critical reception, emphasizing its importance for fans and historians alike, showcasing tracks that predate their mainstream breakthrough. Released in 2014, 'Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987' comes after R.E.M.'s monumental success in the 1990s and their dissolution in 2011. This collection showcases the band's evolution from indie darlings to influential rock icons, highlighting pivotal tracks from their early days on the I.R.S. label.

Who is Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987 for?

Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987 works well if you're into wave-like pacing with surprises, exploratory vibes through rarities and live energy from early performances.

How many songs are on Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987?

Complete Rarities: I.R.S. 1982–1987 has 50 tracks, running approximately 165 minutes.

Tracklist

50 tracks·165:47

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Radio Free Europe (original Hib‐Tone single) Standout 3:48
  • 2 Sitting Still (original Hib‐Tone single) 3:16
  • 3 White Tornado 1:56
  • 4 Gardening at Night (Different vocal mix) Standout 3:30
  • 5 Gardening at Night (acoustic) 3:54
  • 6 All the Right Friends (live in studio) 3:54
  • 7 Moon River (live in studio) 2:21
  • 8 Pretty Persuasion (live in studio) 4:02
  • 9 There She Goes Again (live in studio) 2:49
  • 10 Tighten Up (live in studio) 4:09
  • 11 Ages of You (live) 3:48
  • 12 We Walk (live) 3:17
  • 13 1,000,000 (live) 3:26
  • 14 Gardening at Night (electric demo) 4:44
  • 15 Just a Touch (live in studio) 2:38
  • 16 King of the Road (live in studio) 3:14
  • 17 Pale Blue Eyes (live in studio) 2:54
  • 18 Voice of Harold 4:25
  • 19 Walter’s Theme (live in studio) 1:32
  • 20 White Tornado (live in studio) 1:52
  • 21 Wind Out 1:59
  • 22 Wind Out (with Friends) (live in studio) 2:00
  • 23 9‐9 (live) 3:06
  • 24 Gardening at Night (live) 3:48
  • 25 Catapult (live) 4:03

Disc 2

  • 1 Ages of You 3:43
  • 2 Bandwagon 2:17
  • 3 Burning Down 4:13
  • 4 Burning Hell 3:49
  • 5 Crazy 3:03
  • 6 Driver 8 (live) 3:30
  • 7 Bad Day 3:03
  • 8 Femme Fatale (live in studio) 2:50
  • 9 Hyena (demo) 2:49
  • 10 Mystery to Me (demo) 2:02
  • 11 Rotary Ten 2:01
  • 12 Theme From Two Steps Onward (demo) 4:37
  • 13 Tired of Singing Trouble 1:00
  • 14 Toys in the Attic 2:28
  • 15 Romance 3:27
  • 16 Last Date 2:17
  • 17 Finest Worksong (lengthy club mix) 5:52
  • 18 Finest Worksong (Mutual Drum Horn mix) 3:51
  • 19 Finest Worksong (other mix) 3:46
  • 20 Maps and Legends (live) 3:16
  • 21 Disturbance at the Heron House (live) 3:26
  • 22 The One I Love (live) Standout 4:07
  • 23 Swan Swan H (acoustic) 2:43
  • 24 (All I Have to Do Is) Dream 2:38
  • 25 Time After Time, Etc. (live) 8:23

Release Date

January 1, 2014

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

165 min 47 sec