"Pretty Persuasion" is a song by R.E.M. that was first released on the band's 1984 album Reckoning. It was released as a promotional single and reached number 44 on Billboard's Rock Tracks chart.[2] According to R.E.M. biographer Tony Fletcher, it is often regarded as "the 'archetypal' R.E.M. anthem".[3]
Background
Although not released commercially until 1984, R.E.M. performed "Pretty Persuasion" live in concert as early as 1980 and 1981.[3][4] A live version of the song was recorded for the band's 1983 debut album Murmur but was not released on that album, although the recording was eventually included as a bonus track on a 1992 release of Reckoning.[5]ProducerMitch Easter wanted to record the song again for Reckoning but the band, particularly lead singer Michael Stipe who no longer liked the song, was initially reluctant.[4] They eventually agreed to a multi-track studio recording for Reckoning due to the popularity of the song live with fans.[5][6]
Content
Lyrical themes
Allmusic critic Bill Janovitz describes the lyrics as "an anti-consumerism take on advertising."[7] The song makes the point right away with the lines:
As with many R.E.M. songs, the refrain, "He's got pretty persuasion/She's got pretty persuasion/God damn your confusion" is, as described by Fletcher, concise and repetitive.[3] R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck has stated that the song was originally inspired by a dream Stipe had.[3][6] In the dream, Stipe was photographing the Rolling Stones for the cover of their last single, which in the dream was entitled "Pretty Persuasion".[3][6]
The song begins with a guitar riff based on descending arpeggios.[3] Easter has noted a musical similarity to Todd Rundgren's 1972 song "Couldn't I Just Tell You" and thinks the earlier song provided some inspiration for "Pretty Persuasion".[4][5] Janovitz notes similarities with songs by The Byrds.[7] These include the guitar riffs, which although played on two six-string guitars, produce an "electric-guitar jangle" similar to that achieved by The Byrds' Roger McGuinn on his 12-stringRickenbacker guitar.[7] They also include the multi-track vocals by Stipe and bassistMike Mills, which evoke The Byrds' vocal harmonies.[7] However, the vocals on "Pretty Persuasion" are not precisely enunciated, making the lyrics difficult to decipher at times.[3][7]Spin critics Eric Weisbard and Craig Marks described "Pretty Persuasion" as "a great rocker."[8]
This song, and others from the album, is part of a short film called "Left of Reckoning", directed by James Herbert. The four-minute clip has the band wandering around folk artist R.A. Miller's Whirligig Farm in Rabbittown, Georgia.
