R.E.M. “Chronic Town” 1982. Today, January 4th, is R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe’s birthday (b. John Michael Stipe 1960). The five song EP Chronic Town was the band’s first release (after the ‘81 single release of “Radio Free Europe”) and it demonstrated R.E.M.’s signature jangly sound and Stipe’s unique mumbled singing style, though over the years his delivery became more confident; on Chronic Town there is a hesitancy to his vocals making him sound quite young (which, of course, he was). The EP did moderately well, selling 20,000 copies in 1982 and while I.R.S. Records did not release an official single, R.E.M. did make their first video for the track “Wolves, Lower,” which is also one of my favorite tracks – soaring harmonies, an upbeat rhythm and an anthemic bridge. “Gardening at Night” is another great song, which also appears, with revised recordings, on Dead Letter Office;  And I Feel Fine: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987; Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982-2011; And I Feel Fine, and Eponymous. Apparently “gardening at night” refers to pissing outside.

I see your money on the floor I felt the pocket change.
Though all the feelings that broke through that door
Just didn’t seem to be too real.
The yard is nothing but a fence the sun just hurts my eyes.
Somewhere it must be time for penitence. Gardening at night is never where.
Gardening at night. Gardening at night. Gardening at night.

The neighbors go to bed at ten.
Call the prayer line for a change.
The charge is changing every month.
They said it couldn’t be arranged.

We ankled up the garbage sound, but they were busy in the rows.
We fell up, not to see the sun, gardening at night just didn’t grow.
I see your money on the floor, I felt the pocket change.
Though all the feelings that broke through that door
Just didn’t seem to be too real.
Gardening at night. Gardening at night. Gardening at night

Your sister said that you’re too young.
They should know they’ve been there twice.
The call was two and fifty one.
They said it couldn’t be arranged.

I see your money on the floor, I felt the pocket change.
Though all the feelings that broke through that door
Just didn’t seem to be too real.
We ankled up the garbage sound, but they were busy in the rows.
We fell up not to see the sun, gardening at night just didn’t grow.
Gardening at night. Gardening at night. Gardening at night