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R.E.M. back in ‘Accelerate’ mode

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May 26, 2008 6:15 PM (93 days ago) by Tom Lanham, The Examiner
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Guitarist Peter Buck wanted and received a more improvisational style from his R.E.M. bandmates — Michael Stipe and Mike Mills — when they went into the studio to record their latest album, “Accelerate.”
(Getty Images file photo)
Guitarist Peter Buck wanted and received a more improvisational style from his R.E.M. bandmates — Michael Stipe and Mike Mills — when they went into the studio to record their latest album, “Accelerate.”

SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - Many rock stars are content to rest on their laurels. But that’s not the case with R.E.M. axeman and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Buck, a whirling dervish of side-project activity.

Since his supergroup’s 1981 inception, he also strummed for the late Warren Zevon in the Hindu Love Gods; Robyn Hitchcock in the Venus 3; Scott McCaughey’s Minus 5; local alt-folkie Mark Eitzel and short-lived spinoffs Tuatara and the Full Time Men.

As the Baseball Project, he just completed a sports-themed set with McCaughey and Steve Wynn, “Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails.”

“Everyone I work with, we don’t have any money, and we go in and make a record in like four or five days,” says Buck, 51, who discovered a minor problem via those DIY discs. “I’d play ‘em against the last R.E.M. record [2004’s “Around the Sun”] and they were all better, and I couldn’t figure out why.”

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But Buck — who returns to his Berkeley birthplace for two shows at the Greek this weekend — arrived at a logical conclusion for R.E.M.’s comeback, “Accelerate.”

His outside efforts, he realized, “weren’t made with this long-winded process of ProTools and overdubbing, or booking eight months in the studio and spending every day trying to iron every last bit of spontaneity out of it. Sometimes with R.E.M. we’d do 20 takes of a song, and I’d ask ‘Why are we doing this?’”

His band mates — bassist Mike Mills and frontman Michael Stipe — had no answer.

So Buck delivered an ultimatum: “Everybody knew I wasn’t happy, and I wanted everyone to understand that I had absolutely no interest in making records the way we’d been doing it, like we were making an Eagles album or something. So I said, ‘If we don’t make a great record, I’m not doing this anymore.’”

Buck knew his group had been penning jagged, guitar-oriented numbers like “Mr. Richards,” “Horse to Water” and “Supernatural Superserious” — cuts that recalled the Athens, Ga., outfit’s early I.R.S. Records days.

But they needed an editor who could hustle “Accelerate” along. So U2/Snow Patrol’s Jacknife Lee was recruited, with orders to halt so-so sessions after three or four takes.

The process worked. Buck’s guitar is actually conversing, even scrapping with Stipe’s vocals again, instead of being buried under a mountainous keyboard mix, a la “Sun.”

It’s more in line with R.E.M.’s no-frills early-’80s approach, Buck says, “back when we had 40 songs, we weren’t on the radio, and we had to just go into the clubs and do it. And we were left alone, unsigned, so we really became super-tight — I mean, if someone had signed us that first year, I don’t know if we would’ve made those same first records.”

IF YOU GO

R.E.M. with Modest Mouse, The National

Where: Greek Theatre, Gayley Road and Hearst Avenue, Berkeley

When: 6 p.m. Saturday; 5 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $39.50 to $89.50

Contact: (415) 421-8497 or www.ticketmaster.com

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Comments from Examiner Readers

10:13 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 11, 2008 re: "Review: Cher smokin’ at Caesars"

 Jane Fall said:
I went to Cher's August 6th performance at Casear's Palace ... expecting a show of a lifetime. She started her show 30 minutes late and the crowd was really antzy. They started screaming, yelling and clapping until she finally came out. When she arrived, she announced her voice was not at its best, and that she had thought about canceling the show ... but decided the show must go on .. which I was quite happy about. The show would have been "Much Better" if she had just sung ... and not taken a break after each song ... and then made us wait 5-10 minutes while the acrobats and dancers performed for us to kill time. Also, she showed way too much of her past ... taking time to show excerpts from each movie, all her old hairdo's and way too much with Sonny as though they had performed recently!!! I feel she could do away with all of this and just sing for the money that we paid,and I had to pay $28.00 taxes on this ticket. Save Your Money --- Get a CD! Not worth it!!!!

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5:59 PM MST on Thu., Aug. 7, 2008 re: "Britain’s angry young men"

 Examiner Reader said:
whatever. anger in UK, Britain, or wherever. if they're a punk band singing about life and how hard it is, they should do the usual. drink, do lots of drugs, sex up and down, then die into infamy as rockstars. don't pick that guitar too much.

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1:02 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 re: "Rundgren's ready for 'Arena' rock"

 Examiner Reader said:
Anger does not solve a thing! Anger is how we got where we are today...anger at the 9/11 attacks, anger at terrorists, anger at anyone who would speak of the USA in anything but glowing terms. More anger only breeds more anger. Todd USED to focus on SOLUTIONS, not base emotions like anger. He is now just another angry punk with a guitar. the lyrics to Arena are inarguably the worst he's ever come up with - compare them to other Rundgren albums. He will be embarrassed by this CD in another 2 years when he gets some perspective on (and control over) his anger.

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12:06 PM MST on Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 re: "Hush Sound finds beauty all around"

 Balderdash to this myth said:
At 54, I had to bemusedly read this article after the fallacious statement that states one does not look up in wonder at the world. In a word, that is simply balderdash: untrue tripe! I look at my world with, in, and full of wonder, every day. This is just another stereotype that will fall as healthier aging is experienced by millions. Some advice: whatever you've been told or led to believe about growing older is likely not true, being heavily biased. My suggestion is to keep and make friends of many different ages and learn and grow from each other.

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2:29 AM MST on Sun., Aug. 3, 2008 re: "Rundgren's ready for 'Arena' rock"

 Examiner Reader said:
Obama's got my vote, and I don't think you should take Todds Statment about "Hope" as a large slam against Obama. Sure he's angry and I am too. My good paying job of 17 years went to China, we were lied into a very expencive war that was not at all necessary, this country has run up a record dept pushing a half a trillion for this year alone, the dollar isn't worth anything, gas is four dollars a gallion ect, do I have too go on? Yes this is a good time to be angry and it is time for change... big change.

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11:13 AM MST on Fri., Jul. 18, 2008 re: "Rundgren's ready for 'Arena' rock"

 glitch said:
Todd has always been a bit of a left wing nut - "If you hope that the Earth is just going to go back to its normal temperature." And what is the earth's normal temperature Todd? That aside I've heard a couple cuts from this CD and they are just incredible - which is to be expected from this phenomenal musical genius. I absolutely can't wait to get TR's latest offering.

5 agree | 15 disagree
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1:39 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 14, 2008 re: "Rundgren's ready for 'Arena' rock"

 Examiner Reader said:
Todd needs to grow up. He's such an angry old man it's scary. He says what bothered him about Obama is the message of hope? Just how in hell does one expect a change if one does not have hope that change can take place? In one of his new tunes he talks about losing his convictions....he could not be more correct. He has lost more than his convictions, he's lost his way and he's losing fans with every stop on this tour. People are walking out of these shows. Todd used to make people think in constructive ways, in ways that made the world have more COMPASSION instead of more ANGER. Go get some help for your late-life crisis - it's not so bad being 60. And being all pi$$ed off about it isn't helping you or anyone else. Get over yourself, write some decent tunes and try it again....unless you want your last effort to be a CD everyone looks back on as your worst ever...except those who will gladly kiss your arse just because you are "Todd".

38 agree | 42 disagree
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9:27 AM MST on Sun., Jul. 6, 2008 re: "Rundgren's ready for 'Arena' rock"

 Examiner Reader said:
The 60th birthday, "Toddstock" was phenominal. He opened his home and land to any fan who could fly to Kauai. The $300 covered a campsite in his yard, 2 meals a day, endless fresh fruit and 24/7 tap beer, Martini's and Mai Tai's, a Real Luau, the fun never ended. The Rundgren's were unbelievably gracious and had to have lost a lot of money on this party. Hodja451

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5:22 PM MST on Sat., Jul. 5, 2008 re: "Rundgren's ready for 'Arena' rock"

 Examiner Reader said:
todds up to the challenge as long as you dont touch his money his land or any of his property....just everyone else....the average american. great musician, producer...moron of a human being

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10:48 PM MST on Wed., Jul. 2, 2008 re: "Ours’ songwriter has a new lease on life"

 Examiner Reader said:
"Could I save your life like you saved mine?" ... doesn't that refer to his own son? You actually quote him later saying "...the most selfish thing I could do, to leave my children..." This article could probably have used a bit more research.

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10:45 PM MST on Sat., Jun. 14, 2008 re: "Cherished music fest in danger of having to seek out new digs"

 Examiner Reader said:
Camp Mather produced revenue of $1,490,000 in the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Campers paid fees totaling $1,352,000. Revenue from concessions included $16,000 from the general store and $1,000 from Mather Saddle. Camping fees were last raised in 1998. • The Strawberry Music Festival has used Camp Mather on the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends for 20 years. RPD has extended its use through 2008. Strawberry Festival, Inc. paid RPD $121,000 for use of Camp Mather in the 2001- 2002 fiscal year. RPD staff members do not agree on whether use of Camp Mather by 5,000 persons over each weekend of this bluegrass festival has a negative environmental impact. • RPD anticipates that Camp Mather operating expenses, including facilities maintenance, will total $678,594 for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. The camp is projected to return revenue of $1,275,000 in the 2002-2003 fiscal year.

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10:34 PM MST on Sat., Jun. 14, 2008 re: "Cherished music fest in danger of having to seek out new digs"

 Examiner Reader said:
The city has been neglecting Camp Mather for years and this increase in fees had better be accompanied by major improvements in the way they maintain this jewel of a camp. Parks & Recs own public financial statements from earlier this decade show total Camp Mather income of $1.6 million($125k from Strawberry, plus all the non-cash work). Out of this only $600k went back into Mather, the rest was siphoned off into The City's General Fund.

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12:08 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 13, 2008 re: "Cherished music fest in danger of having to seek out new digs"

 Examiner Reader said:
I too have attended this festival since it's inception in 1982. This time, the Park & Rec dept. is cutting off its nose to spite its face. The rent increase will double the rent in five years time. They clearly want to "stick it" to the festival to off-set their new water treatment plant. The rent increases for the festival alone over the eighty year life of the plant total more money than the original cost of the plant. This is what some people would call: Rent Gouging ! Shame on You Parks & Rec. Dept.

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8:45 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 11, 2008 re: "Cherished music fest in danger of having to seek out new digs"

 Examiner Reader said:
I have attended this festival since it started. It is truly a beautiful and well organized family event. The festival leaves Mather sparkling. My children have grown up there and now return as adults. Why that this is even an issue with the Parks and Rec people is beyond me. Hopefully in this time of budget cuts, a wonderful, treasured money maker for the city will be allowed to continue on with it's wonderful tradition. SF Park and Rec, Wake up!

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7:42 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 11, 2008 re: "Cherished music fest in danger of having to seek out new digs"

 Examiner Reader said:
Regarding the article on the problems with the lease for the Strawberry Music Festival. If the rent was the only thing Strawberry brought to Mather that would be one thing, but they also clean the the camp grounds prior to the festival and after the festival the camp staff mentioned it is cleaner than at any time of the year. Yes in this time when State, County and City budgets are in a squeeze and in need of money nothing is going to replace the festival at Mather. I am a consultant for another music festival and when I read the the City would not be able to tender a contract until August I couldn't believe what I just read. No festival could allow that short of a lead time knowing they may not have a facility for the next year. Within a week or so after the festival you begin planing for the next one. I can't believe that since November the City has not been able to specify the "outstanding issues". Is this they way the conduct their business in all ways?

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6:19 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 2, 2008 re: "Review: Cher smokin’ at Caesars"

 Examiner Reader said:
ilove cher im not dissopointed with her at all;

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11:35 AM MST on Fri., May. 30, 2008 re: "Review: Cher smokin’ at Caesars"

 Heidy from Holland said:
I went to the Cher show and also saw her Farewall tour in Holland in 2002. I thought the 'opening' night was very dissapointing, her voice wasn't very good and a very stiff public, no dancing at all. I think after this show she should retire. Yes a legend but don't push it.

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9:42 AM MST on Wed., May. 28, 2008 re: "R.E.M. back in ‘Accelerate’ mode"

 Ian H said:
I can't wait to see these guys at the Greek on Saturday. "Living Well's the Best Revenge" is their best barn-burner since the Monster tour 13 years ago. And as a 20-year fan, I'm totally with Buck on the layering. Thanks for leading the charge on a great album, Peter!

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9:42 AM MST on Fri., May. 23, 2008 re: "Review: Cher smokin’ at Caesars"

 Music Lover said:
Cher is amazing...a true legend! She got the talent 4ever. Her Music & Show nobody can do, only her!

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8:53 PM MST on Wed., May. 7, 2008 re: "Asia rises again with ‘Phoenix’"

 Examiner Reader said:
Asia show at the Ballroom was fabulous. Steve was complete animated like I have never seen at a yes show. Carl Palmer, what can you say except assume? Did anyone buy the $30 wrist band of the Show? Wondering how it sounds.

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9:25 PM MST on Sat., Apr. 19, 2008 re: "Thriving Ivory heads for the big-time"

 Examiner Reader said:
nice. we remember seeing the band in Dan's Bar and the G street pub in sacto and playing with other local bands trying to launch out of San Fran, and thriving ivory did it while others feel off the face of the earth. bravo.

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12:17 PM MST on Mon., Apr. 14, 2008 re: "Review: Nick Lowe's pure pop"

 Examiner Reader said:
Was very disappointed with Nick Lowe. My new ex fav. Acoustic on stage with a mic for his warmup then with him. How about a band, some pub rock? It was like Donovan in a bad time warp. I remember when that bard used to rock and roll... sadly...

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9:36 PM MST on Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 re: "There's only one Ray Davies"

 Examiner Reader said:
Ray Davies' "Peace In Our Time" is about a troubled relationship, not about the end of the war. Please read the lyrics before writing your article. Rolling Stone made the same error. You'd think the media in San Francisco could learn to read before writing. Thank you.

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4:39 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 re: "Big lineup set for S.F. summer music festival"

 Examiner Reader said:
$215, plus fees, for such an ecclectic lineup? No thanks.

 18 agree | 15 disagree
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10:39 AM MST on Wed., Mar. 19, 2008 re: "Come to the cabaret"

 Examiner Reader said:
Regarding "Come to the Cabaret" no mention has been made of how the new Razz Room intends to include local artist or even if they will be able to book the room as in the old days with the Plush Room. While it is nice to know that the "Big Names!" in Cabaret will have a place to play, it would be nice to know that the little man will still be considered. That's what was nice about The Plush. It did provide opportunity for local talent.

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7:02 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 12, 2008 re: "Biffy Clyro lives up to its name"

 Examiner Reader said:
Can't wait for this. Biffy Clyro are probably the best band on the planet at the moment.

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5:49 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 31, 2008 re: "What lies ‘Between Daylight and Dark’"

 Examiner Reader 2 said:
Actually, spreading 'virally on the Internet' is how Ms. Gauthier seems to be getting her music heard these days. Being from Britain, of course, you don't fathom the sorry state of US radio. And it appears she wants nothing more than to share these multilingual versions of her song with listeners around the world, for free. Perhaps sparking some understanding, or at least a potential discussion, in the process. Aided, of course, by that malevolent Machiavellian device, the Internet. Does that sound like a self-centered 'celebrity' to you? We Yanks aren't as stupid as we look.

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9:10 PM MST on Tue., Jan. 29, 2008 re: "What lies ‘Between Daylight and Dark’"

 Examiner Reader said:
I doubt that Mr.Lanham did anything more that reprint a press release, which will no doubt spread virally on the Internet and make money for Ms. Gauthier as "news." This is the problem with celebrity culture and the lack of a world view in the United States. To think that a song which stands to make the "artist" some money is going to stop the torture that is life in the Mideast is a grave disservice to the people suffering there. Celebrities are a simple-minded lot and Americans believe them. From UK visitor

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1:28 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Indie rock's Nick Luca promotes 'Fractions'"

 Examiner Reader said:
great band - great show!

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7:54 PM MST on Sun., Jun. 17, 2007 re: "Huey Lewis, News celebrate Memorial Day with song"

 Examiner Reader said:
Huey was hot in the 80's, but now it's sort of sad to see that he's becoming, well, middle aged. I'm glad to see that he can still rock and roll even though it makes me feel old!

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5:55 AM MST on Tue., May. 15, 2007 re: "Concerto’s story is a family affair"

 Examiner Reader said:
I know this is a really third-rate rag and you're doing the best you can, but would it kill you to proofread a bit and spell the names of the people you quote correctly?

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12:03 PM MST on Tue., May. 8, 2007 re: "World of ‘Weird Al’ comes to B'more"

 "Weird" Michael said:
Good article! I always head that Al got his nick name "Weird Al" whilst attending university. deadairpodcast

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2:27 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 26, 2007 re: "Fans can expect ‘spectacle’"

 MCRGirl said:
Interesting.

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