Maps and Legends: The Story of R.E.M.- John Hunter – Book Review
by Killian Laher

Several books have been written about R.E.M. but there is no definitive work on their history.  John Hunter has written what may be a candidate for that title.  It took five years to write and is an extremely weighty tome.  The book traces each of the band members from their beginnings, without too much unnecessary information regarding the period before the band was formed.

What we get then is a chronological, highly detailed and opinionated account of the band’s career.  There are plenty of anecdotes unseen elsewhere and the account is unvarnished in the extreme.

Their first manager and Bill Berry’s ex, Kathleen O’Brien, emerges as something of a tragic figure, indeed there’s a pattern of band associates being jettisoned in an abrupt and cold manner.

Hunter is not overly reverential to the band, and you can read his barely concealed disdain for their behaviour as they embrace the trappings of fame in the late 80s and early 90s.  Peter Buck in particular emerges as a complete spoofer, as well as a talented musician.  His air rage incident and his behaviour, in general, are not dressed up in any way.

But what jumps off the pages here is a love for the music, particularly their early material, as opposed to a hagiography of the band.  The author has clearly researched the topic within an inch of its life, as is obvious from the exhaustive list of source material and quotes in the bibliography. The book is currently only available in the US but will hopefully receive a European release.