The Big Mates discuss reality television, etymology, Austin Powers, and Collapse Into Now by R.E.M.

Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their deep dive into the career and discography of R.E.M. by concluding their analysis of the band's fifteenth and final studio album, released in 2008. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.

They continue with their track-by-track analysis of the album and explore their feelings on each song and how they contribute to the whole record. They then look at how Collapse Into Now was received by critics and fans at the time of release and how those views may have changed now that we know it was the band's final album.

What will we make of the album? Did the band stick the landing of their career? How much do the band love unlikely animals going up forms of stairs? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?

Our next episode is out on Monday March 10th!

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