 Several major labels came courting with talk of production by Steve Lillywhite (U2, XTC), but problems with their work permits did not allow the band to make scheduled appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and other British TV that would have pushed them over the top and into the arms of a waiting major, unlike other Paisley Underground bands.After a successful tour of the European continent, the band returned to the U.S. to write and prepare to record their third album.However, as soon as they were home, R.E.M.