John Hunter, the author of the excellent R.E.M. biography, Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M., spoke to Dr. J about writing the story of R.E.M. over five years and what he learned about the band, their peers — notably The Connells and The dBs — and R.E.M.’s place in popular music.

The book can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/Maps-Legends-Story-R-M/dp/B0BYBL1MBR.