@SKT - REM is one of my fav bands of all time. In 1987 my best friend’s older brother - who had a local band that was influenced by Husker Du, the Mats, REM, Guided by Voices, and others - turned me onto a mixed tape that included so many great tunes from that era - ie, Alex Chilton from Pleased to Meet Me; a few greats from Fables, Life’s Rich Pageant, and Document.
Several years later I discovered who Big Star was - and experienced the real Alex Chilton. Highly recommend that everyone with an interest in this genre to give a list to Big Star’s “#1 Record”. Classic.
This was around the time that I was also intrigued to the Dead Milkmen - a Philly treasure. Saw them a number of times. Of course they are a fun “punk” band, much different from those mentioned above, but worth a listen when you’re in the need of some smart, satirical, and often ridiculous lyrics from Rodney Anonymous and Joe Jack Talcum. Good times.