Rare Debut EP Cassetteby the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1982 by I.R.S. (International Record Syndicate) Records. Cassette, artwork sleeve & jewel case are in Very Good Condition, very clean & unmarked with no rips, tears or creases, almost no wear on it. Tape plays excellent, a very nice clean copy. Chronic Town is the first illustration of R.E.M.'s signature musical style: jangling guitars, chords played in arpeggio, murmured vocals, and obscure lyrics. After the minor success of the group's debut single "Radio Free Europe" in 1981, R.E.M. manager Jefferson Holt felt the band was ready to record a longer release. While he felt they were not ready to record a full album, Holt figured an EP would be satisfactory. I.R.S. released Chronic Town in August 1982 as its first American release. Reaction to the EP varied; with some not getting it while others embraced the EP release citing R.E.M as evoking the music of the late-1960s without any pretensions, mingling past and present to shape both into concurrent moments. The recording was the "sleeper" of the year, ranking second in the EP category of the Village Voice Jazz & Pop critics' poll in 1982. Songlist includes: "Wolves, Lower" / "Gardening at Night" / "Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)" / "1,000,000" / "Stumble". THIS IS AN EP RELEASED BEFORE R.E.M EVER RELEASED AN ALBUM. We ship within 24 hours of your purchase with a Delivery Confirmation.