AMG REVIEW: Especially after moving up to New Jersey from Nashville in 1978, but even as early as 1977's Piano Lessons, R. Stevie Moore was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the burgeoning punk and new wave scenes. After several releases detailing this new interest, culminating in the late-1978 release of his second vinyl LP, Delicate Tension, Moore retreated a bit with 1979's R, which combines his new wave leanings with the kind of lengthy progressive rock explorations that had informed earlier albums like 1974's Apologies to Mr. Gottlieb and 1976's Instrumentality. The resulting blend of influences sort of resembles contemporaneous work by the likes of Robert Fripp and Bill Nelson, with lengthy, largely instrumental songs (the only lyrics of the Can-like prog-dance "Never Ever" is a chanted incantation of the title) built on synthesizers and drum machines but including more traditional instruments as well. Highlights include the three-part ambient synth epic "Music for Bed" (two parts of which are punningly titled "Music for Oed" in honor of Boston radio legend Oedipus, who was among the first to play Moore's music on the air) and the disc's one true pop song, "I Hope That You Remember." The two-disc CD version, available through www.rsteviemoore.com, includes a charming collection of radio recordings from the era, including not only Moore's early appearances on the New Jersey college radio scene (where he would remain a fixture into the '90s), but other local DJs playing selections from the then-new Delicate Tension LP.
–Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
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