Jangle Pop

Though the Byrds created some of the most jangly Folk-Rock of the 1960s with songs like "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better," Jangle Pop was truly born in 1981 when R.E.M. recorded their first EP Chronic Town, and its follow-up single "Radio Free Europe." Peter Buck's Byrds-influenced guitar lines set the standard for a genre which reached its apogee in the middle of the decade. The movement was led by such Power Pop-influenced artists as cult legends the dB's, Let's Active (which was led by R.E.M.'s producer, Mitch Easter), and the much-loved Game Theory. Members of these groups continue to record similar music to this day. Featuring chiming guitar patterns, up-tempo rhythms and melodies aplenty, Jangle Pop has remained on the fringe of pop music, though early proponents like R.E.M. have enjoyed significant chart success.