After the minor success of the group's debut single "Radio Free Europe" in 1981, R.E.M. manager Jefferson Holt felt the band was ready to record a longer release. While he felt they were not ready to record a full album, Holt figured an EP would be satisfactory. The band was uncertain at first if they would record with producer Mitch Easter (who had produced "Radio Free Europe"), but Easter managed to convince Holt and the band to let him produce it.
In October 1981, R.E.M. spent a weekend at Easter's Drive-In Studios recording the EP. Easter was a fan of the Krautrock band Kraftwerk, which inspired him to try various sonic experiments while recording. Easter incorporated tape loops and recorded singer Michael Stipe singing outdoors. The band was open to such experimentation and used the sessions as an opportunity to learn how to use a studio.
"…The performance itself is a delight. This is team playing at the highest level and coming from where it does - no doubt a Viennese claim would be made for it as definitive (missing repeats apart). The sound of the group is warm and pleasant to the ear and apart from some lack of definition from the recording the blend of woodwind and strings is exemplary. My notes include the terms "Viennese lilt" (second movement Adagio) "irresistible" (Allegro Vivace), "smiling" (the minuet) and a single word "excellent " for the Theme and Variations. In some ways it sounds old-fashioned, with less attack than we hear from contemporary groups…" ~musicweb-international
Praised by the Baseler Zeitung and Bangkok Post for her „personal and captivating style“ and „polished, powerful and refined“ performance, Hitomi Niikura pursues a successful career as a soloist who with her passion has captured the hearts of audiences across the world.
GAIN Music has announced the forthcoming release of Swedish rockers H.e.a.t‘s latest album, to be titled Into the Great Unknown. It will be the band’s 5th studio album and will be available from September 21, 2017.