Glenn Mercer of The Feelies: A Journey Through Collaboration with Peter Buck of R.E.M.
“Our 1986 album, The Good Earth, marked a notable milestone for us,” reflects Glenn Mercer, the frontman and guitarist of the iconic New Jersey indie rock band, The Feelies. “Following the success of our debut, Crazy Rhythms, which received a wave of positive reviews, we were uncertain if our next project would resonate in the same way. We took our time between albums, exploring side projects, and honestly, we didn’t have a clear vision for the future.”
While The Feelies may not have been the most strategic planners-known for their lengthy breaks between albums-they undeniably influenced a generation of post-punk and “college rock” artists, including R.E.M. and Yo La Tengo.Their unique blend of minimalist, edgy rhythms and the captivating guitar interplay between Mercer and his bandmate bill Million left a lasting mark on the music scene.
Crafting a Unique Sound
Mercer often took the lead on guitar, but he and Million frequently created intricate, interwoven parts reminiscent of The Rolling stones and The Velvet Underground. Mercer’s soft, almost whispered vocals, often layered within the mix, echoed the style of lou Reed.
“We never really dissected our sound,” Mercer admits.”Much of it is instinctual. The tightness of the bass and drums on Crazy Rhythms contrasts with the looseness of Bill and me, creating a unique friction that makes our music feel alive.”
A New Chapter with fresh Faces
When it came time to record their sophomore album, The Feelies had undergone a lineup change, welcoming drummer Stan Demenski and bassist Brenda sauter to the fold. By this point, their reputation among indie rock enthusiasts had reached legendary status.
One notable fan, Peter buck, crossed paths with Mercer at a gathering and offered his assistance. “He was incredibly gracious,” Mercer recalls. ”He expressed his admiration for Crazy Rhythms and mentioned that if we needed any help with our upcoming record, he was there for us.”
Collaborative Production
As a co-producer alongside Mercer and Million for The Good Earth, Buck adopted a philosophy of “if its not broken, don’t fix it.”
“Peter didn’t attend rehearsals or engage in pre-production,” Mercer explains. “His goal was to capture an authentic sound. Aside from a few suggestions, he mostly provided encouragement rather than direction.”
even though Buck is not typically known for his love of lead guitar, he was particularly supportive of the solos crafted by Mercer and Million.
Exploring Musical Depth
On the expansive track Slipping (into Something), the two guitarists engage in a mesmerizing, raga-like improvisation that draws parallels to the early work of Robby Krieger. Mercer shines with his emotive leads on tracks like On the Roof and The High Road.
“Peter appreciated how our solos felt like mini compositions within the larger songs,” Mercer shares. “Typically, we had half of the solos planned out, while the rest were spontaneous.I wanted to maintain our momentum in the studio without wasting time.”
From Clubs to Larger Stages
Before 1986, The Feelies performed only a handful of shows each year. However, following the release of The Good Earth, they embarked on their most extensive tour to date, playing 31 shows, including a series of East coast performances as the opening act for R.E.M., who were transitioning to larger venues like New York’s Felt Forum and Philadelphia’s Spectrum.
“I’ve always felt a certain level of discomfort on stage, regardless of the venue,” Mercer admits. “Even playing at a club like Maxwell’s in Hoboken was nerve-wracking. Performing in larger spaces with R.E.M. felt no different. I frequently enough found myself focusing on my pedals or the monitors, occasionally glancing at the front rows, but I rarely looked beyond that.”
