Pretty Persuasion (song)

Although not released commercially until 1984, R.E.M. performed "Pretty Persuasion" live in concert as early as 1980 and 1981. 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. Producer Mitch 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. == Content ==

Lyrical themes Allmusic critic Bill Janovitz describes the lyrics as "an anti-consumerism take on advertising." The song makes the point right away with the lines: :''It's what I want'' :Hurry and buy :All has been tried :Follow reason and buy. Style and composition 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. == Performances ==

In addition to being played live in the early portion of R.E.M.'s career, "Pretty Persuasion" was included in the live set as late as 2007 and 2008. Stipe, alone, also joined Shannon and Narducy in a performance of the song on March 8, 2025 at Brooklyn Steel. ==Music video==

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. ==Personnel==

Sources: • Bill Berry – drums • Peter Buck – guitar • Mike Mills – bass, backing vocals • Michael Stipe – lead vocals ==References==