REM: The Unheralded Instigator of Grunge
In the Beginning
As we moved past the middle-80’s, we saw a shift from the artistic creativity of earlier in the decade, to a what many felt was a blander and formulistic approach to pop, rock, New Wave and dance music. Many bands continued to pursue their music ambitions by caving into music executives demands for “more of the same.” And yet, there were a few, brave artists that refused to give up their dreams of creativity, innovation, and self-determination. The youth of the late 80’s often felt that music no longer represented the angst, insecurity, and rebellion that they were experiencing as they moved towards adulthood. It was this dichotomy between what music labels thought would make money and what much of the younger fanbase wanted that helped lead to the sudden, revolutionary explosion out of the Pacific Northwest that would become Grunge.
Yet, while we credit the “Seattle Scene” for this genre of music...
