FIRST TIME HEARING R.E.M - It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I'm Feelin Fine) REACTION

[@Shrykespeare]

Can't believe you've only done one REM song ("Everybody Hurts") way back in July. Too long! Michael Stipe's is one of the defining voices of the 90s. "Losing My Religion" is widely regarded as their biggest hit, and deservedly so. Some of my other favorites of theirs are "Radio Free Europe", "Drive", "Man on the Moon", "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?", "Bang and Blame", and "Bittersweet Me". You really can't go wrong with REM!

[@jonathanlocke6404]

"Fall On Me", "The One I Love", "Driver 8"...

[@jco207]

"Superman" and basically anything from the Murmur and Reckoning albums are my recommendations to add.

[@spectreharlequin]

I want to add Crush with Eyeliner. It's not as popular but I really like it.

[@subwaygoddess1]

@@spectreharlequin I love Crush With Eyeliner!

[@katkonces5651]

Don’t forget South Central Rain!

[@user-eo1vi2nt1o]

I love REM sooooooooooooo much.

[@NOLAgenX]

This is one of the fastest REM songs but is MUCH more representative of their indie rock style. Glad you liked it! Try What’s the Frequency, Kenneth; Man on The Moon; The One I Love; Orange Crush; Stand; and Shiny, Happy People. Just too many to list!

[@mikaelmikaelsson5136]

R.E.M. is easily in the very top-tiers of all time rock bands and certainly deserve more attention moving forward. "Losing my Religion", "Night swimming", "Find the River" and "Uberlin" are among the many no-brainers that should be featured on your show, although all true R.E.M. fans would agree that "Country Feedback" is perhaps one of their greatest and most beautiful tracks (certainly most underrated) and without a doubt would tick your box on depth.

[@elizabethchristian727]

Night Swimming is incredible !

[@rickwelch8464]

Rock bands? No. Pop band. Good, but to call them rock is disingenuous.

[@mikaelmikaelsson5136]

@@rickwelch8464 ​ I have no interest in entering an online argument, so please don't get me wrong as I do understand somewhat where you are coming from. Perhaps needless to say, I wouldn't file R.E.M. in the same "rock" category as I would in regards to Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Blonde Redhead and Pearl Jam. However, given that main stream and pop-culture music discourse considers the likes of the Beatles, Queen, U2 and the Beach Boys as "rock bands", I would argue my comments above are vindicated. Moreover, I would say that through their "Monster" and "Accelerate" albums, R.E.M. can be passed off as a rock band even if they don't always release "rock" albums. Respectfully

[@rickwelch8464]

@@mikaelmikaelsson5136 I hear that, and respectfully disagree. No worries, in my mind they have always been poppy.

[@Fakeaorta]

@@rickwelch8464 Does that mean that the artists who started Rock N Roll are no longer rock? Chuck Berry, Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard and many others in the 50's are relegated to what genre now? Allen Freed made the name popular in 1951. Thought it was around in blues music for over 20 years prior.

[@diananatal928]

REM is my go to rock music. "Orange Crush", "Losing My Religion" and "Everybody Hurts", Shiny Happy People" great reaction 😁

[@audracrawford8836]

100% agree!!!

[@leisastalnaker3790]

I recently found a slower version of Happy Shiny People by Ruben and the Dark AG. I finally hear the lyrics clearly. It’s is beautifully done and it shows how talented R.E.M. truly is.

[@diananatal928]

@@leisastalnaker3790 Nice 😁 Did you know that the song have guest vocal of b52s. They sing "Love Shack" 😁

[@marcmarc1967]

It fascinates me that most fans never mention their first 5 albums. Their early stuff is so beautiful. It's almost like REM started in 1987 to them.

[@daveygivens735]

I always liked Driver 8

[@marcmarc1967]

Nobody ever reacts to, or seems to even recognize the existence of, their first 5 albums, which is their best work. Chronic Town, Murmur, Reckoning, Fables, and Life's Rich Pageant. To most people, REM started in 1987 with this song and The One I Love. Then came Stand, Losing My Religion, Everybody Hurts, etc. People are missing out on so many great songs from the early days. Gardening at Night, Radio Free Europe, Perfect Circle, Sitting Still, Harborcoat, South Central Rain, Rockville, Camera, Driver 8, Wendell Gee, Fall on Me, Cuyahoga.

[@sallyh5413]

💯

[@mikeharris3733]

Big fan of early REM. I own all those early albums.

[@joebeaulieu1511]

My favorites are the first 2. I like all their stuff more it’s just different

[@squiddah]

So. Central rain. One of the best songs ever.

[@RobertDobos]

Those are all college rock albums, like the Replacements, Meat Puppets, Violent Femmes (except for Blister in the Sun) and others. The RSR cats have time to get to the cool rock!

[@cinaedpv]

This was the song that was played during the first scene of the original “Independence Day” at the very start of the movie.

[@richarddefortuna2252]

I think the key, lyrically, is the line: "Time I had some time alone," the high counterpoint vocal in the chorus from the second chorus on. I don't think that he's speaking of growing older so much as he's expressing how much the fast paced, information overload of the digital/electronic age was just overwhelming our senses and our being to the point that he literally saw the end of the world looming. But he was okay with that, if only sarcastically, because the post-apocalyptic "time alone" would be a relief - the barrage of images and information would finally end and he could find some peace. Was a time, when Stipe and the other members of REM (and myself) were younger, before mobile phones, 24 hour cable programs, and the internet, when one could find some peace and quiet practically each and every day, byt those days are long gone, unfortunately.

[@tedcole9936]

Right on. Great analysis.

[@jorel80]

Yeah man you nailed it!

[@shelq3814]

You're right, Michael Stipe said it was about watching television.

[@bertal.rahmey457]

WOW. I Agree !!

[@michelehankins2889]

Another great R.E.M. song is The One I Love. R.E.M. has so many great songs.

[@simontemplar3359]

that whole album (Document) is amazing!

[@michelehankins2889]

I agree with you Simon!!

[@chadlockhart397]

I was at UGA from mid to late 80’s and witnessed their explosion first hand. Early tracks “Radio Free Europe”, “Driver 8”, and “South Central Rain” are must listen. My personal favorite is “Fall on Me”, but there are so many. “Don’t go back to Rockville”, “What’s the Frequency Kenneth?”, and the beautiful “Nightswimming”. You deserve listening to more REM.

[@kellifranklin4432]

I saw them at the University of Alabama when I was just 16 . There were about 200 people in the audience. That was my first REM concert. All these decades later I treasure that memory!

[@bonkyb8587]

First few albums were best.

[@tammym8966]

This is my hometown band and I have loved them since I was a teenager growing up in Athens (late 80s-early 90s). Man I miss those days. What a great time and place to live.

[@aliaelle322]

My parents saw them before they were big while in college. I’m jealous because I grew up listening to R.E.M and love them too but will probably never get a chance to see them.

[@marktroup2978]

I can’t listen to this song without hearing an entire house full of 200 drunks all screaming every lyric without missing a word. LEONARD BERNSTEIN!

[@vishalramcharan587]

GREAT times❤

[@guillermoperis1673]

REM is a treasure chest. Their level of talent, commitment to good, honest song making, inspiration, poetry, and experimentation PER the amount of time they pulled all of this off is off the charts (literally: they couldn't care less about charts, but got to be immensely popular).

[@paulmargett9360]

So glad you've got back to REM. Try "Losing my Religion" or "Man in the Moon" or "Nightswimming" all amazing tracks from a great band. It's about time you got back to some Queen or even Freddie Mercury solo. Try "We are the Champions" or "The Show must go on" by Queen or "Time" or "Barcelona" by Freddie. Much love from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@mamatay7]

Omg, Nightswimming is one of my all-time favorite songs!!!

[@jimrosser7494]

Life's Rich Pagent is their best album.

[@raquelpinheiro9287]

I have suggested "Barcelona" so many times... Such an amazing performance by Freddie!

[@icepick1514]

Not an REM fan but nightswimming is a beautiful song.

[@bethmiller1840]

How about "Don't Stop Me Now?"

[@citizensforpauladdis3456]

So many good songs in their catalog.

[@coachtomas]

I believe that Michael Stipe has gone on to say that the lyrics while they do have a meaning, are also at the same time randomised words/phrases... that was something he enjoyed doing at the time. But I don't think you are far wrong in your interpretation of the song. Its melancholy at how times are changing, while having that happy-go-lucky carefree rock n roll attitude of "I feel fine".

[@taperk1299]

I remember that he required a lyrics sheet to sing it on MTV unplugged.

[@RonRezendes]

Where's the ❤ button when you need it?!

[@sallysharp3845]

The chorus of this song ran through my head non-stop on 9/11/2001. "Losing My Religion", is a must listen.

[@joecooper7692]

This song ran through my head when covid basically shut down our city.

[@mikechmielewski386]

I love the 4 part harmonies in this song. Probably the most underrated part.

[@swami1]

REMs layering of lyrics was exquisite.

[@evillyn7895]

You two are so sweet that I need to brush my teeth after watching your videos.

[@sparky6086]

I saw REM at a UGA frat party in Athens, GA, before they got big. It was in 1981 or '82. They had a multi-media thing going with a projector, and a they played originals. I was an equipment nerd and remember speaking to the guitarist and bass player about their instruments & amplifiers. I thought, that they might be going places, since Athens had spawned and The B-52's as well, but I had no idea, that they would become so huge! ...Good thing, that I encouraged them instead of being a smartass and saying something like "Don't quit your day jobs"! ...Thank me! Btw: Speaking if The B-52's, do "Rock Lobster" and ""Private Idaho".

[@alshotrodsandratrods8780]

I love rock lobster and planet Clair

[@heather9857]

Roooooooock LOBSTER!

[@surfpsych]

I met these guys at The Uptown Lounge in Athens in '86 --- and then crossed paths a few more times in 86-87. For a band that was suddenly enormously successful, they still knew how to act like your best friends -- if you had quirky best friends. As for the music, was addicted to the Murmur album, "Radio Free Europe," "Pilgrimage," "Talk About The Passion," etc. but there were no weak spots in the whole catalog over years + years.

[@walterbennett8032]

Sparky, I think I was at that same frat party, can't remember which frat but it was over on Prince Ave if I remember correctly and another band called IBM(?) was playing as well. I had a great time and I can believe how huge REM git and to think we saw them way back when! Cheer to ya and cheers to Athens!

[@nanawalks]

Rock Lobster is a must but Private Idaho is my favorite B-52 song.

[@judydalton3812]

happy shiny people! Man on the moon! AND losing my Religion!!! All masterpieces!!

[@surlechapeau]

J/Amber, you'll love their "Shiny Happy People" and "The One I Love"!!

[@carnivoroussoupspoon]

Driver 8 was always my favorite REM song. would be great to see you listen to it. I remember a time when REM was college radio..what a great time it was (this was before the internet and you tube, college radio launched many a great band)

[@rhphotocdn]

Of course with whats gone on in the world these last 3 1/2 years, this song hits home big time!

[@katec8796]

R.E.M. - Nightswimming is sublime ;)

[@nicolerizzo1314]

Mike Mills' backing vocals are always super top notch, he adds so much to their music 🎶 💜

[@richardnanian2446]

Eddie Vedder said Mike Mills is R.E.M.’s secret weapon, and he’s right. I also love songs on which Mills takes the lead vocal. “Texarkana” and “Near Wild Heaven” are both gorgeous, and Stipe’s voice wouldn’t be right for them. Stipe has more grit in his voice, which is perfect when pain or snark is what the song calls for. Mills’s voice is cleaner, almost angelic.

[@nicolerizzo1314]

@Richard Nanian absolutely agree with you on all of that, his voice suits those songs much better than MS's would.

[@SharmanSomerset]

Came here to say exactly this! Love him x

[@labrat311]

Best band ever . A musicians band.

[@ceebee9711]

The lead singer, Michael Stipe, got a mention in the lyrics of Hootie And The Blowfish' "Let Her Cry" song.

[@subwaygoddess1]

Amber, the line you wanted to know about is "Time I had some time alone." R.E.M. is my favorite band. The lead singer, Michael Stipe, said we should all interpret the lyrics however we like, whatever we think they mean is what they mean. R.E.M. always strived to make each album and song different than the one before it. I believe all their live performances are better than the studio versions of their songs. I got to see them in concert 3 times in the '80's. If you want to go back to their early music, listen to the Chronic Town EP (that's 5 songs) next. Most of their music was not commercially known. This was a very special band, they were, and still are, like brothers, very special relationship among the members of the band. All of it was magnificent!

[@ncthom88]

Nice profile pic. You are, indeed a fan. I saw them several times when I was a student at UGA back in the 1980s.

[@NeutronDance]

Mike Mills sings that line, I think. His backing vocals are a big part of what makes them great.

[@roberthofmann8403]

@@NeutronDance Agreed. Although they're not underrated as a band, overall, I believe they are often overlooked as one of the best harmonizing duos.

[@subwaygoddess1]

@@ncthom88 I saw them at Nassau Coliseum 1982, then Radio City Music Hall in 1985 and 1987. I loved being at the smaller venues with them. You got to see them in GA as a student at UGA. That’s awesome! Did you also get to see Pylon and B-52s there too?

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

@@ncthom88 My sister-in-law is frome Rome GA. She got to see all of the "Athens" bands when they were first starting out. The Black Crowes, R.E.M., the B-52s, Indigo Girls...

[@tjhunger5656]

Lyrics: That's great, it starts with an earthquake Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes And Lenny Bruce is not afraid Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn World serves its own needs Don't mis-serve your own needs Speed it up a notch, speed, grunt, no, strength The ladder starts to clatter With a fear of height, down, height Wire in a fire, represent the seven games And a government for hire and a combat site Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry With the Furies breathing down your neck Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped Look at that low plane, fine, then Uh oh, overflow, population, common group But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed Tell me with the Rapture and the reverent in the right, right You vitriolic, patriotic, slam fight, bright light Feeling pretty psyched It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine Six o'clock, T.V. hour, don't get caught in foreign tower Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn Lock him in uniform, book burning, bloodletting Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate Light a candle, light a motive, step down, step down Watch your heel crush, crush, uh oh This means no fear, cavalier, renegade and steering clear A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline It's the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) I feel fine (I feel fine) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) The other night I drifted nice continental drift divide Mountains sit in a line, Leonard Bernstein Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester Bangs Birthday party, cheesecake, jellybean, boom You symbiotic, patriotic, slam but neck, right, right It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)

[@lisakaz35]

I love Mike Mills' backup vocals.

[@tedcole9936]

@T J Hunger: Thanks for the lyrics- I was just laughing at the guy (above) who said he tried this at a Karaoke Bar. Insanity!

[@lisakaz35]

@@tedcole9936 That's funny, unless he's a rapper.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Love you guys finally getting back REM

[@revaflowers3115]

You should give "Bare naked Ladies" a listen to.They have some very fast singing/talking songs under their belt,and a great band too.

[@dark_neverland]

2nding!!!

[@muzikman4399]

After hearing this by R.E.M. I always feel like listening to “Pinch Me” by Bare Naked Ladies.

[@dark_neverland]

@@muzikman4399 that's such a good song too. It's a little bit slower song than one week which is ridiculously fast and I still don't know the damn lyrics decades later. When I say that like I know what the words are but I can't sing them even if I'm reading them off of paper because they're just too damn fast for my mouth

[@roryowens9703]

@@muzikman4399 That and If I Had £1000000 are so much fun.

[@Cyssane]

Yes! So many great songs from that band, especially One Week!

[@dats3]

Way back in the mid-90's I was in a band with some of my college friends. We played this song, but the only way I could sing the verses and keep up was with my bass player singing alternate lines. I'd sing four lines and then he'd sing four and so on. Our guitar lead would do the backup vocal (It's time I had some time alone). I've heard REM do this song live and Micheal Stipe never sings it like the studio version. It's a super easy song to play but terribly hard to sing on your own. It's still one of my favs.

[@CPny65]

On my way home from a my best friends funeral this song came on. When i first met my him he found i made and sold Cheesecakes and got all my future friends to start calling me Cheesecake. Now I had heard this song hundreds if not thousands of times but I never heard them say the word Cheesecake until that night, and knew he was reaching out to me saying it's all good. I always think of him when ever I hear it. Another great reaction. Missing you every day Mikey.

[@loristone9242]

Awwwww. Hugs.

[@Sportsref13]

REM has so many sounds.. very deep rabbit hole to explore

[@amyk9175]

I saw your face when the rounds of the chorus kicked in. That is exactly the way I react when I hear that Stipe/Mills harmony. That is one of the many things I love about REM. If you like that layering, you must check out “Fall On Me.” The three part harmony with Stipe, Mills, and Berry is beautiful and you can just get lost in it.

[@suzieredfoxfur6982]

"Fall on Me" is probably my favorite REM song. That and "Driver 8"....And "Radio Free Europe"....lol...I love OLDER R.E.M. so much..

[@amyk9175]

@@suzieredfoxfur6982 oh, me too! Green Grow the Rushes, Gardening at Night, Exhuming McCarthy, Flowers of Guatemala, Superman, Perfect Circle… I know their talent became more refined later but their early work is near and dear to my heart.

[@nanawalks]

Fall On Me is my favorite IRS-era song

[@CdnTrader1]

The early days of REM were just fantastic. Anything before Losing My Religion is a real time machine.

[@jasonremy1627]

"Losing My Religion" is a must! Probably their best song.

[@dark_neverland]

One of my favorite songs generally

[@smartalec8855]

Losing my religion is not even close to their best song. Sorry

[@jasonremy1627]

@@smartalec8855 you don't need to apologize. Everyone likes different things. It's okay.

[@smartalec8855]

@@jasonremy1627 Yeah, very true. R.E.M are great. We can all agree on that.

[@Wine-N-Steak]

I remember watching the "Losing My Religion" video on a huge screen with my girlfriend at her high school prom. Everyone started screaming because that video came on. I remember thinking at the time, "This must be the biggest song of this genre that's out right now." Great band 🎶🔥🔥🔥

[@duanechapman5810]

Here's the thing.... when we were going to the college bars and clubs in 1988 about 1 in the morning after multiple beers and drinks we would be dancing and the song would come on .. we would be screaming the lyrics to the song and dancing are butts offs.we knew the lyrics by heart and it was awesome,!

[@haps4273]

This is one of the best songs to just listen to the vocals. Try REM's "Man On The Moon" which is also a movie with Jim Carrey about actor Andy Kaufman. That is also a must see.

[@MaikKellerhals]

'Time I had some time alone' - My favourite line in this song.

[@LauPulstar]

yes!!! more REM!!! one of my favorite bands, im glad you are exploring more of the band. I think you would love some of their songs like "losing my religion", "shiny happy people", "man on the moon"

[@bakilacat1]

“The one I love” is a must from them.

[@grannysgonerabid7425]

Always like Mike Mill's backing vocals, particularly on this track, but he's always been quite good in his own right supporting Stipe on lead.

[@nanawalks]

Mike is more than rhinestones, he doesn’t get enough credit. And his piano on Nightswimming and Electrolite is beyond amazing.

[@dougman23]

Mike is the musical soul of REM. The best pure musician, and his backing vocals are to REM's sound like Edge to U2 or Michael Anthony to Vam Halen.

[@richardnanian2446]

Eddie Vedder said Mike Mills is R.E.M.’s secret weapon, and he’s right. I also love songs on which Mills takes the lead vocal. “Texarkana” and “Near Wild Heaven” are both gorgeous, and Stipe’s voice wouldn’t be right for them. Stipe has more grit in his voice, which is perfect when pain or snark is what the song calls for. Mills’s voice is cleaner, almost angelic.

[@bengilbert7655]

Automatic For The People is one of my all time favorite albums.

[@mamatay7]

Defintiely Losing My Religion, and definitely make sure you do the official video-- a work of art!

[@jscho8674]

Truly one of the best music videos EVER.

[@drdr76]

I have 5 or 6 of their cds. I will never forget discovering them as I walked past a Wherehouse music store at the mall in Hampton Roads Virginia. I think it was 1986 and they were blaring the cd "Life's Rich Pagent" I liked the sounds I heard so much that I immediately bought two of their cds.

[@chfphoto]

" Time I had some time alone" Great lyric. REM's secret weapon is the bass player Mike Mills! Such great harmonies!

[@michelehankins2889]

I agree!

[@SuperWhofan1]

The One I Love is a great REM song along with Fall on Me

[@laneynorth8253]

I love them. It was a vibe. Saw them twice. Incredible shows. 💕

[@mylesturvey7593]

Great reaction once again guys. Actually I was just going through the comments, and realised they were playing ORANGE CRUSH on my radio. So I agree with everyone that’s recommended that you react to it, so please do.

[@tedcole9936]

The counter-melody vocal in the chorus is (something close to) "time I found some time alone" Y'all correct me if I'm wrong! And... Jay & Amber: mark me down as another vote for "Losing My Religion" as the next R.E.M. request. Thanks!

[@mikemiller3069]

My band in the 90s covered this. The dance floor was always packed for it.

[@kevinsmith4429]

This band made a great career being differant. You hear a song of theirs on the radio you know immediately who it is. Brilliant songwriting.

[@mattpotter8725]

The thing with great bands is that they have their own style, their sound, and REM is definitely a great bend. If only music today had bands like this, although that's impossible, they are unique.

[@philrichards9232]

This was a song used perfectly on the movie Independent day

[@mikecaetano]

When you're ready for more of their hits from the 80's, check out "Radio Free Europe", "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)", "The One I Love", "Driver 8", and "Fall on Me". And for a few deeper cuts also check out "Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars)", "Gardening At Night", "7 Chinese Brothers", and "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville" along with many others.

[@subwaygoddess1]

@Mike Caetano I'd add "Wolves, Lower" and "Stumble" to the '80s

[@lisakaz35]

Luv your choices. Also would add "Can't Get There From Here." My fave if some think overdone is "Losing My Religion." Maybe it's the mandolin.

[@dotwarner3609]

A radio station here in Minnesota changed from it's previous format to a new format. 93X. The week before they changed over they planed this song on repeat for a week straight! CRAZY.

[@JStarStar00]

This song is played in the very first moments of the movie "Independence Day." Just as the Aliens approach the earth.

[@chrisellis3797]

Aagghhh just posted same before I found your comment.

[@nickblood7080]

You guys have so much rem you need to listen to!

[@sometimesboy]

REM - LOSING MY RELIGION...that's the song that took REM from an independent college rock band to world wide rock stars. Also check out their song WHAT'S THE FREQUENCY KENNETH. They literally have dozens of fabulous songs.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

R.E.M. "Fall On Me",, "The One I Love",, "Radio Song",, "Near Wild Heaven" & "Cuyahoga"

[@daricetaylor737]

One of the bands that we used to play in the car while heading up into the hills on our fishing trips! LOVE R.E.M! Your smile all the way through the song says it all!

[@michelleh2079]

I'm not sure what age gap is tuning in but I love to see how Jay Jay and Amber discover music from the 80s and the music my family listened to I am 53yrs.old and I love love love the 2 of you ❤ I have watched others but you guys are amazing thanks for making my day everyday Michelle H.

[@JStarStar00]

Yes, REM is a very very deep group. Michael Stipe the lead singer is an art student and visual artist and works with many concepts.

[@improperbostonian6722]

It was a great lead in song for the 1996 movie Independence Day.

[@jkbezo1]

Early REM was post-punk, college rock, alternative rock. New wave. This is early REM.

[@chuckmurray1825]

LOVE this song and LOVE REM!!!! You should listen to all their music. You would fall in love too.

[@levpoplow7354]

I'm so glad you got back to REM!!! Michael Stipe was absolutely one of the defining voices of the '90s. This songs' cadence matches the time it was written in with all of its cultural references. Surprisingly, the world today is even faster than it was back then. They had so many great songs and I hope you listen to more REM. Losing My Religion, Man on the Moon, Radio Free Europe, Orange Crush, What's the Frequency, Kenneth? are some of their best work.

[@wadsworthaaron]

Before the 90s, REM grew from the darlings of the Athens, Georgia music scene to one of the best known indie/college radio bands in America. They were rock heroes long before their "Green" album made them a 90s staple band.

[@FrankAyresUK]

I think you would love What's the Frequency, Kenneth? which is a great track by them!

[@brian52763]

Yes! Check out, LOSING MY RELIGION!

[@mcm8737]

Definitely gotta do LOSING MY RELIGION!! GREAT SONG!👍

[@bwilliams463]

A similar song is Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start the Fire,' which rapid-fires a Boomer's perspective on history. I love Neil Diamond's 'Done Too Soon,' with its fantastic orchestration (studio version) and its listing of famous names from world history and a reflection on the one thing they all had in common.

[@robertmills8640]

My favs are Pretty Persuasions, and Radio Free Europe. Brings back my college daze😋

[@otisdylan9532]

Those are 2 of my favorites too.

[@jonathanlocke6404]

It was a lot of fun to learn all the lyrics to this song and sing it along with them in concert...

[@walterrutherford8321]

I can’t imagine them doing this over and over in concerts without screwing up the lyrics occasionally.

[@atmslotsjfreezevlogs5877]

That song 🎵 brings back memories 😊It came out when I was one years old

[@walterrutherford8321]

I thought I’d heard this song but quickly realized I’d only heard the chorus. The speed reminded me of One Week by Barenaked Ladies. It played all over when it came out so I’ll be surprised if you haven’t heard it.

[@leeannrorex1509]

South Central Rain (I'm Sorry) is a must for you guys. Early REM. County-tinged, gorgeous melody and emotion.

[@MikeWilliams-kh6lv]

Losing my Religion is another one of their songs you should add to your to do list!

[@andyo5543]

Yes! Absolutely.

[@caseyhazelman2390]

Absolutely

[@rozequinn1519]

This song was requested to be played at a friend's funeral. He loved the song & thought he'd give his mourners a chuckle.

[@Mcbuzz37]

Give REM's anti Vietnam War anthem "Orange Crush" a try. You will not be disappointed.

[@itsmedino]

Yepper

[@otisdylan9532]

Yes, that's a great one.

[@lawrenceschuman5354]

High on the roof. Thin the blood.

[@pilesovinyl]

Great band, very diverse music and I really like them.

[@Leifdk1]

Uh, also. The duet Michael Stipe did with Kristin Hersh called “Your ghost” is pretty amazing. Haunting, moody and very emotive. It’s something else. Other than that… “Losing my religion”, “Shiny happy people”, “Nightswimming” and “Drive”.

[@willfromyadkinville]

great song!

[@astonsfan]

REM has a ton of great songs, some make you happy and some make you question the world.

[@scottpiepho9736]

This is the closing song of "Document" my favorite REM album. "Fall on Me" is also a great song, especially if you like the multipart vocals between Michael Stipe and Mike Mills.

[@richmcelmeel5430]

Closing song, side 1....closing song is Oddfellows Local 151... 1st disc I owned....King of Birds best tune on this album

[@dangerkeith3000]

@@richmcelmeel5430 King of Birds is wonderful. I think Document was the REM album that was "perfect" along with Murmur. Life Rich Pageant is ALMOST perfect.

[@JStarStar00]

REM was neck and neck with U2 for the biggest band in the world in the early 90s.

[@Russ-gy7tx]

R.E.M 'Orange Crush'

[@hanklutcavich2468]

I hear this I think of Peter (Family Guy) trying to Sing it in car. I found R.E.M. when they covered Aerosmith's Toys In The Attic. Man On The Moon is another great OV. Awesome reaction guys.

[@bethmiller1840]

I think you guys would like "Shining Happy People" because of its positive message. In the song REM collaborates with Kate Pierson of the B52s (I remember you listened to "Love Shack" a while ago). Also, "Talk About the Passion" is hauntingly beautiful.. It's a song about world hunger.

[@mokumboi19]

The overlying line on the chorus is "It's time I had some time alone", sung by the bass player Mike Mills.

[@mattpotter8725]

You definitely have to delve deeper into REM and do more reactions. The whole Automatic For The People album is genius, even if not reacting to it all you should definitely give it a listen sometime. It's not one of their hit singles, but I love Find The River, it just speaks to me. From this album are Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite and Man On The Moon are the best known songs, but my favourite is Find The River. All their songs have meaning, that's just who they were, not just amazing musicians but good people who cared about their community and I don't think ever got too big for their boots.

[@mikaelmikaelsson5136]

I whole-heartedly agree with you on "Find the River". That is one beautiful song.

[@Dan-C-71]

Their secret weapon is Mike Mills’ backing vocals!

[@shapeach]

Went to more than a few Frat parties with REM playing on the lawn somewhere on the campus of UGA!! They were just down-to-earth good ole Southern boys, who came out of nowhere and took the world by storm..I will never forget a 5 yr reunion, It was 1987 having a great time dancing with my boyfriend, when all of a sudden this couple approaches us, she starts talking to my guy and I'm hanging out with he husband....and he is complimenting me on my crazy iridescent blond hair when mid-dance it hits me, I'm dancing with Michael Stipe, lead singer of REM!! This is right about the time they are hitting the big time!! On the inside, I am dying cause I'm a huge fan but on the outside, I just kept telling myself It's just some guy married to that chick! HAHAHA! Anyway, the rest of the band was there and we all decided to head to their room and ended up partying all night long in a beautiful hotel in downtown Atlanta!! So much Fun!! This was before he came out! But all of them not effected by fame or money at all! ..

[@davewildermuth7519]

Next Stops: "The One I Love" "Radio Free Europe" "Fall on Me"

[@trjbrew]

They are on my Mt. Rushmore of favorite bands. A wide variety of sounds, and quite the rabbit hole to go down. A fee suggestions. True southerners would like "Can't get there from here", a tear jersey is "Sweetness Follows", and an all around classic "Man on the Moon", and if you want to rock out a bit "Bang and Blame".

[@Actorclown]

One of my favorite bands of all time!! 80s kid here and to watch their style grow with the decades is amazing. Lucky to have met Mike Mills a coup of times. Great guy! Do “Losing My Religion” next. You will not regret it.

[@Jessica_Roth]

I met Mike, too! I had nothing to do for my birthday, but a friend knew somebody else who shared my birthday, so we went to her party which was in a restaurant, and Mike was there! Not for her birthday, just hanging out. Icing on the cake. :)

[@Actorclown]

@@Jessica_Roth that is soooo cool!! I worked at a bookstore here in LA and he came in a couple of times when he was in town on business. Got to help him & chat. Very cool dude.

[@simontemplar3359]

SO GOOD!! This was on the radio when I was in high school and college- just a great period when you couldn't classify a band or really label it. What I think is super cool here is that I know you guys like the Bob Dylan song Subterranean Homesick Blues, and REM has said this song was inspired by that one. I still have no idea what the song means, if anything, but it's a glorious piece of raw energy. PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE check out the full album this song is from. It's called Document and it is BRILLIANT. I suggest listening all the way through it, but if you can only grab a song or two, make sure you check out Welcome to the Occupation, and The One I love. unbelievably good!

[@ptournas]

Interesting, I always thought there might be a connection to Subterranean Homesick Blues in the style of the verses. Thanks for the info!

[@michaelhornstein1504]

Great reaction. That pause near the end is supposed to sound like an air raid siren. Keep saying every day you wake up is a blessing because thats the God honest truth.

[@kathyedleman633]

Try "The One I Love " or "Orange Crush" both bangers!

[@keithboyd9582]

This is the type of song that if your in a really bad mood and you play this song, it will make you smile and laugh.

[@raquelpinheiro9287]

REM are great! My favourites are "The one I love" and "Drive", but agree with all the others regarding "Losing my religion". It was a major hit for them and the video is a masterpiece!

[@marcmarc1967]

It fascinates me that most fans never mention their first 5 albums. Their early stuff is so beautiful. It's almost like REM started in 1987 to them. Gardening at Night? Radio Free Europe? Perfect Circle? Sitting Still? South Central Rain? Camera? Driver 8? Fall on Me? Cuyahoga? Give it a try.

[@furiogiunta7886]

REM is one of the greatest bands of the 90's. So many great songs from them.