34 years ago today, REM’s Chronic Town EP was released and it simply changed the whole landscape of indie-rock, college-radio, clubs, touring, fanzines – it inspired a whole host of imitators (god help us!) but also tons of bands that sounded absolutely nothing like them (such as SST bands). During the first half of the 80s, it felt like “family” to have this band in common amongst an army of 20 somethings across the nation. I rarely think about these guys now – but when I do, well………..
– Pat Thomas is the author of Listen, Whitey! The Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975.
