REM’s ‘Fables of the Reconstruction’ received a spirited benediction from Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy and ‘Friends’ in front of a large and enthusiastic audience at the Neptune Theater in Seattle Friday night. The all-star friends in question on this particular evening included drummer Jon Wurster (Superchunk, Mountain Goats, Bob Mould), John Stirratt (Wilco) on bass, Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering) on second guitar and Vijat Tellis Nayak handling keyboards. Lead guitar and lovely harmony vocals came courtesy of bandleader Jason Narducy (Superchunk, Bob Mould) and standing in for enigmatic REM singer Michael Stipe was Oscar nominated actor Michael Shannon.
The band played ‘Fables of the Reconstruction’ start to finish before concluding the first set with a cover of the Velvet Underground’s ‘Femme Fatale’. They returned for a second set, during which they played a good portion of ‘Reckoning’, a selection of well-chosen REM ‘deep cuts, and a handful of covers (Wire, Pylon, Aerosmith).
One wouldn’t be technically mistaken to label this crew an ‘REM cover band’ but, if that is indeed what this talented group is, they’re a cover band with unimpeachable credentials, as REM band members Mike Mills, Peter Buck, Bill Berry have all performed with this ensemble and Michael Stipe has taken the stage during one of their performances to express his appreciation for their ongoing homage to the band’s spirit and catalog. In keeping with past participation on this project by REM members, guitarist Peter Buck (now a resident of Portland), joined the band Friday for the lion’s share of the second set. It was a thrill to hear these memorable and vital songs played live again, by a group of players worthy of the material and a core member of the original band along for the ride.
Narducy and Shannon have toured behind other REM albums in the past and mentioned during Friday’s show that they hope to present ‘Life’s Rich Pageant’ next year. Judging by the enthusiastic response to this year’s tour and Friday’s show specifically, there will be an appreciative audience for another trip to the REM well from this stellar group of musicians.
