In this episode, we revisit Out of Time, the album that transformed R.E.M. from cult college rock heroes into global superstars. Released in 1991, it’s a record that blends jangly guitars, mandolins, and poetic introspection to create one of the defining sounds of the early ’90s. From the soaring melancholy of Losing My Religion to the bright optimism of Shiny Happy People, put an asterisk by that! Out of Time captures a band expanding its emotional and musical reach.

We’ll explore how R.E.M. balanced intimacy and accessibility, the creative risks that shaped the album’s sound, and how Out of Time paved the way for alternative music’s rise into the mainstream.

In this episode we step into the witty, cinematic world of Pulp and their breakthrough album His ’n’ Hers. Released in 1994, this record marked the band’s transition from cult outsiders to Britpop trailblazers. With Jarvis Cocker’s sharp eyed lyrics and the group’s lush, dramatic arrangements, His ’n’ Hers captured the humour, desire, and anxieties of everyday life in a way that felt both relatable and daring.

We explore the songs that set the stage for Pulp’s later fame, from the playful intensity of “Joyriders” and “Lipgloss” to the shimmering melancholy of “Do You Remember the First Time?” This episode uncovers how His ’n’ Hers became a blueprint for the wit and grit of Britpop, and why it remains one of the era’s most essential albums.

🎧 Featuring
Highlights from His ’n’ Hers
Stories behind the making of the album
Reflections on Pulp’s rise during the Britpop explosion

In this episode of The Listening Lens, I dive into The Pogues’ 1988 classic If I Should Fall From Grace with God. It’s a record that feels part riot, part requiem! Where wild folk energy crashes into sharp punk spirit. From the holiday heartache of Fairytale of New York to the restless bite of the title track, I explore how this album balances chaos and beauty, and why it still matters today.