MFSL LP 1-231: R.E.M. - MURMUR - SEALED & MINT 1995 USA Numbered 200-gram OOP

	C$		400
	$		290

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Background -

Factory SEALED since 1995! This is your chance to get a long out of print, audiophile LP made by MFSL, in truly mint condition.

Murmur is the debut album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1983 on I.R.S. Records. This item up for sale is the audiophile LP reissue made by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab.
Murmur drew critical acclaim upon its release for its sound, defined by singer Michael Stipe's cryptic lyrics, guitarist Peter Buck's jangly guitar style, and bassist's Mike Mills' melodic bass lines.

R.E.M. started recording its debut album in December 1982. I.R.S. paired R.E.M. with producer Stephen Hague, who had a higher profile than the band's previous producer Mitch Easter. Hague's emphasis on technical perfection did not suit the band; the producer made the group perform multiple takes of the song "Catapult", which demoralized drummer Bill Berry. Also, Hague took the completed track to Synchro Sound studios in Boston and added keyboard parts to the track without the band's permission and to their dismay. Unsatisfied, the band members asked the label to let them record with Easter. I.R.S. agreed to a "tryout" session, allowing the band to travel to North Carolina and record the song "Pilgrimage" with Easter and producing partner Don Dixon. After hearing the track, I.R.S. permitted the group to record the album with Dixon and Easter.

R.E.M. entered Reflection Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina in January 1983 to begin recording sessions with Easter and Dixon. Much of the band's material for the album had been tested on preceding tours. Because of its bad experience with Hague, the band recorded the album via a process of negation, refusing to incorporate rock music clichés such as guitar solos or then-popular synthesizers, in order to give its music a timeless feel. Berry in particular was resistant to "odd" musical suggestions, insisting that his drums be recorded in a drummer's booth, a practice that was antiquated at the time. Dixon and Easter took a hands-off approach to much of the recording process. The pair would only fix up a vocal track or ask singer Michael Stipe to re-record a vocal if it was very substandard.

Murmur's sound characterized the quieter, introverted side of the first wave of alternative rock in the United States. The sound was new at the time, though not stepping beyond the constructs of traditional rock music. The guitars have a bright ring like chimes that brought on comparisons to The Byrds, and the bass guitar has the bright punchy sound of the Rickenbacker favored by Mike Mills. Mills carries much of the melodic element of the music on the bass, contributing to the moody sound of early R.E.M. albums. Also contributing to this sound is the distant singing of Michael Stipe whose obscure lyrics, sung indistinctly, lend to the mystery and depth of the music.

In a rare instance of R.E.M. co-writing, Stipe asked friend Neil Bogan to contribute lyrics to "West of the Fields."

• MFSL - Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Record LP item - ??? record labels with ??? lettering - this item is FACTORY SEALED
  

• Record Made in the USA

• Pressing is in STEREO - issued in 1995, original recording is from 1983 on the IRS label
  

• Half Speed Mastering, pressed on the Anadisq 200-gram LP format (the LP weighs in at a beefy 200+ grams)
  

• Limited Edition and Numbered LP - No. 4938
  

• Record Speed: 33 1/3 rpm

• FACTORY SEALED

• Record Made in: 1995
  

• Record Catalog Number: MFSL 1-231

Featured on this item:

R.E.M.

Title of this Audiophile LP -

Murmur

Track Listings -

All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe, except where noted
Side one:
1. "Radio Free Europe" – 4:06
2. "Pilgrimage" – 4:30
3. "Laughing" – 3:57
4. "Talk About the Passion" – 3:23
5. "Moral Kiosk" – 3:31
6. "Perfect Circle" – 3:29
Side two:
7. "Catapult" – 3:55
8. "Sitting Still" – 3:17
9. "9-9" – 3:03
10. "Shaking Through" – 4:30
11. "We Walk" – 3:02
12. "West of the Fields" (Berry, Buck, Mills, Stipe, and Neil Bogan) – 3:17

***Actual tracks on the LP are not in the order described above.


Performed By -

R.E.M.
Bill Berry – percussion, drums, bass guitar, piano, backing vocals
Peter Buck – guitar
Mike Mills – bass guitar, drums, piano, backing vocals
Michael Stipe – vocals

Production and additional musicians
Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound, New York City, New York, United States
Don Dixon – co-producer, bass guitar on "Perfect Circle"
Mitch Easter – co-producer
Carl Grasso – art design
Ann Kinney – art design
Sandra Lee Phipps – photography and art design

CONDITION Details:

LP Jacket:

• The GATE-FOLD jacket is in MINT condition, it is brand new and factory sealed.

• The jacket has NO splits of any kind - it is completely solid and intact, and shows only some very minimal shelf wear. The outer plastic wrap (bag) is in perfect condition, with no tears - all intact.
  

• It has NO drill holes or saw marks of any kind.
  

• There is NO writing on the front or back of the jacket.
  

• The cover has clean and sharp colors - see picture with this listing for more detail.
  

The LPs (vinyl) itself:

• The LP is assumed to be in MINT condition as this item is FACTORY SEALED!

• This is the mint copy you have always dreamed about and wanted in your collection - any super picky audiophile would be happy with this one!
  

• As for any record, even brand new, sealed ones, we always recommend a proper record cleaning before playing!

A Short Note About LP GRADING -

• Mint = Only used for sealed items.
• Near Mint = Virtually flawless in every way.
• Near Mint Minus = Item has some minor imperfections, some audible.
• Excellent = Item obviously played and enjoyed with some noise.
• Very Good Plus = Many more imperfections which are noticeable and obtrusive.