What makes Dead Letter Office by R.E.M. notable?

'Dead Letter Office' is significant for its exploration of lesser-known tracks and cover songs, providing insight into R.E.M.'s influences and creative process. The album's release coincided with the band’s rise to fame, allowing fans to discover their roots while also charting on Billboard's Heatseekers list, underscoring its impact on their growing legacy. Released on April 27, 1987, 'Dead Letter Office' came at a pivotal moment in R.E.M.'s career as their third compilation album. It followed the band's breakthrough record, 'Document', which had solidified their presence in the alternative rock scene. This album serves as a bridge between their earlier, more obscure work and their impending mainstream success.

Who is Dead Letter Office for?

Dead Letter Office works well if you're into quirky, eclectic listening sessions, short, punchy tracks and exploratory and adventurous vibes.

How many songs are on Dead Letter Office?

Dead Letter Office has 20 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Dead Letter Office

R.E.M. · 1987

63 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock · folk rock · jangle pop

A collage of quirky covers and early B-sides showcasing R.E.M.'s jangly guitars and cryptic lyricism.

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Why this album works

'Dead Letter Office' is significant for its exploration of lesser-known tracks and cover songs, providing insight into R.E.M.'s influences and creative process. The album's release coincided with the band’s rise to fame, allowing fans to discover their roots while also charting on Billboard's Heatseekers list, underscoring its impact on their growing legacy.

Best for: quirky, eclectic listening sessions short, punchy tracks exploratory and adventurous vibes
Context: Released on April 27, 1987, 'Dead Letter Office' came at a pivotal moment in R.E.M.'s career as their third compilation album. It followed the band's breakthrough record, 'Document', which had solidified their presence in the alternative rock scene. This album serves as a bridge between their earlier, more obscure work and their impending mainstream success.
Stylistic neighbors: Sonic Youth· Tori Amos· Frank Zappa· Beck· The Offspring· They Might Be Giants· Melvins· Nirvana

Tracklist

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

1 Crazy Standout 3:03
2 There She Goes Again 2:50
3 Burning Down 4:13
4 Voice of Harold Standout 4:25
5 Burning Hell 3:49
6 White Tornado 1:56
7 Toys in the Attic 2:30
8 Windout 2:00
9 Ages of You 3:44
10 Pale Blue Eyes Standout 2:54
11 Rotary Ten 2:00
12 Bandwagon 2:17
13 Femme Fatale 2:50
14 Walter’s Theme 1:31
15 King of the Road 3:16
16 Wolves, Lower 4:13
17 Gardening at Night 3:30
18 Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars) 3:54
19 1,000,000 3:06
20 Stumble 5:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

Listen next

Document

1987

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1986

Full R.E.M. discography Artists like R.E.M.

alternative rock folk rock jangle pop