Chronic Town

1985 I.R.S. Records blended-barcode reissue of R.E.M.’s Chronic Town, a 33 1/3 RPM black vinyl pressing produced by Mitch Easter and R.E.M. and originally published in 1982. The back cover lists the five-song program: “1,000,000,” “Stumble,” “Wolves, Lower,” “Gardening at Night,” and “Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars),” with manufacture and distribution credited to A&M Records.

The sleeve carries the stark turquoise-and-black Chronic Town artwork, with the gargoyle figure dominating the front and the band photographed in silhouette along the lower back panel. The rear also shows the printed barcode and small production credits, including recording at Drive-In Studio in Winston-Salem, N.C., and mastering at Sterling Sound. The record itself has cream I.R.S. center labels with red logo detail and standard stereo markings.

Condition is collectible but handled: the vinyl is graded Very Good Plus, while the outer sleeve is graded Good Plus, with visible shelf wear, scuffing, edge and corner rub, and creasing apparent in the photos. A strong copy of an early R.E.M. title from the band’s I.R.S. years, retaining the cool graphic severity and compact mystery of its original 1980s presentation.