The ideal way to experience “The Name of This Band is R.E.M.” is with a set of headphones and a selection of the band’s music accessible via streaming platforms or on CDs. Those leaning towards a nostalgia trip might find joy in choosing cassettes or vinyl records instead.

This book by Peter Ames Carlin transcends being just a cultural biography of R.E.M.; it delves into the band’s origins in the unassuming college town of Athens, Georgia, while also reflecting poetically on the qualities that allowed many of their songs to stand the test of time.

Carlin describes their sound as a new wave of post-punk, alternative music that balanced between being obscure and direct, capturing both dissent and delicacy, and embodying a pure pop that was both unapologetic and unashamed in its essence, particularly in the early 1980s.

The narrative is enriched with numerous behind-the-scenes insights and trivia about the band’s ascent. Fans will find it intriguing to read about the hesitance of record executives regarding the release of “Losing My Religion,” which became the seminal first single from the album “Out of Time.”

Moreover, the book presents a captivating account of a musical era that predates the age of social media, a time when bands such as R.E.M. gained traction through college radio stations. The initial chapters capture the vibrant music scene in Athens and chronicle the beginnings of the band.

Carlin also examines the band’s engagement in political issues, spotlighting their efforts in environmental advocacy and their support for the Rock the Vote initiative.

Notably, the members of R.E.M. chose not to participate in interviews for this book, which may be seen as a drawback in an otherwise thoroughly researched account. Readers hoping to uncover significant new insights into the band’s inner workings may feel let down. Yet, Carlin effectively articulates the profound influence R.E.M.’s music has had, reinforcing the importance of revisiting their story.