More Than Chance: Review of Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M. by John Hunter

A good book on music becomes impossible to put down. The prose is compelling not just in the sense of wanting to finish a reading task, but with a sense of learning new facts or seeing a band from a different perspective. We used to call that a ‘page-turner’ – the reader could not stop. You know that you are reading a great book when you can feel the music, hear the music while reading. This book is just such an experience. I was so moved by the book that I sought out the author for an interview which will be shared here soon.

Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M. offers a captivating exploration of one of the most influential bands in alternative rock history. Written by John Hunter, the book deftly chronicles R.E.M.’s journey from their humble beginnings in Athens, Georgia, to international superstardom. Hunter brings rich depth from a fan’s perspective but shows the band’s warts and all for the reader without engaging in hero worship or gossip.

Far too often, books about successful rock bands are written in fait accompli style where the success of the project is assumed. That is not the case with Maps and Legends. Part of the reason for the success of R.E.M. is a series of lucky breaks that the band can capitalize on and does so with enthusiasm. Beyond blind luck, the band can capitalize on several situations that make the path possible. For example, the relationship between Bill Berry and Ian Copeland who formed Frontier Booking International (FBI) due to Berry’s internship when he was younger allows R.E.M. access as an opening band to several major opportunities to advance their career. Copeland’s brother’s ownership of IRS Records certainly gave the band a significant opportunity to have their music more widely distributed. However, the story of the band is not a series of unexpected chance moments or simply social networking, the work ethic and nearly herculean effort of the collective members played a role as well. Yet even with these opportunities the members as individuals and the band as a collective struggle with the transition from indie status to something larger to eventual international status. Hunter provides the facts so that the reader can see that in some ways the success was not foretold, it was not automatic.

Hunter provides a thorough account of the band’s evolution, analyzing their unique sound and lyrical depth, which set them apart from their contemporaries. The gradual growth of Peter Buck’s guitar work is especially well explained. Buck’s efforts to avoid music theory and play based on feel and intuition allow sonic choices that set the band apart from their contemporaries.

The narrative is rich with anecdotes, past interviews, and insights that highlight the band’s origins, development, creative process, personal dynamics, and the musical landscape they navigated. Hunter’s attention to the biographic detail of the four individuals who collectively gave life to the band brings into stark relief how the band began. To date, few books have explored Michael Stipe’s early musical career before co-forming R.E.M. Throughout this book key moments in R.E.M.’s career, including the release of landmark albums like Murmur, Reckoning, Document, Life’s Rich Pageant, Out of Time, and Automatic for the People are detailed engagingly and directly. The reasons that the albums sound the way that they do are answered.

One of the book’s strengths is its balance between personal stories and broader cultural commentary. Hunter situates R.E.M. within the context of a changing music industry, exploring their impact on the rise of indie and alternative rock. He captures the essence of their appeal: a blend of introspective lyrics, innovative sounds, and a commitment to making music. Hunter is deftly able to show how the words and music change across the early, mid, and late periods of the band without sounding trite or apologetic.

While the book is comprehensive, it also invites readers to reflect on the emotional resonance of R.E.M.’s music, making it a compelling read for both longtime fans and newcomers. Hunter’s engaging writing style and deep understanding of the band make Maps and Legends not just a good biography, but a celebration of a musical legacy that continues to inspire. Overall, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand the profound influence R.E.M. has had on music and popular culture.