Title: R.E.M. – Life’s Rich Pageant
Year/Genre: 1986, Grunge 
Matrix #: IRS-5783
Condition:  Near Mint 
Cultural Facts:

1. This was the band’s fourth studio album and the first to reach gold certification, signaling their break beyond college-rock status. 

2. Recorded in Indiana at Belmont Mall Studio with producer Don Gehman, the session marked a move toward harder, clearer production while retaining lyrical ambiguity. 

3. The ecology-themed track “Cuyahoga” references the infamous river-fire in Ohio and built on the band’s growing awareness of political and environmental issues. The U.S. LP on I.R.S. Records (catalog IRS-5783) is the original pressing; packaging variants and correct label identification make it a collector focus. 
   Price Suggestions:
   NM: $30–$45
   VG+: $18–$28
   VG: $10–$15
   G: $5–$9
   10/24/25sc sold 10/24/25