Fables of the Reconstruction (or Reconstruction of the Fables) is the third studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M. It was released on June 10, 1985, through I.R.S. Records. It was the band's first album recorded outside of the U.S., with sessions taking place at Livingston Studios in London with producer Joe Boyd. The record displays a darker, murkier sound than its predecessors, with lyrics drawing from Southern Gothic themes and characters. The album also utilizes more varied instrumentation, including string and brass arrangements and banjo.

Released

June 10, 1985

Recorded

February–April 1985[1][a]

Studio

Livingston (London)

Genre

Jangle pop folk rock alternative country psychedelic folk Southern rock

Length

39:44

Label

I.R.S.