R.E.M. - Orange Crush (REACTION!)

[@tchoupitoulos]

REM started way back when "Alternative Rock" was still generally just called "College Music."

[@MikeStarr1000]

college radio -- WRAS 88.5 out of Atlanta was where we first heard REM and the like (Album 88 as it was affectionately known)

[@coopsnz1]

1980 they started , one I love sounds like 90s but recorded in 1983

[@steverok67]

@@coopsnz1 Incorrect. Recorded in 1987.

[@Blasserman]

Pre Grunge as in not grunge at all. The difference is how tight REM is with all of their music. REM is more 90's style than 80's, this is true.

[@charliezamarripa]

REM’s sound was totally 80’s, and adapted and drove the same sound into the 90’s. That’s why they were relevant throughout their career. But it was established in the 80’s. Listen to some bands of the 90’s (even grunge!) emulated this sound. And vice versa. As MONSTER was made soon after Buck had moved to Seattle. No sooner had he moved in , that Kurt and Courtney bought the house next door. And Bucks house was getting visited by MOOKIE BLAYLOCK, Nirvana , mothe Love Bone, Soundgarden and many more. And when you listen to MONSTER, it is their most sonic album ever. Not a coincidence!

[@0okamino]

Here is my REM suggestion: I strongly suggest that you continue to listen to REM.

[@lindseeziegler90]

Lmbo. Agree

[@nzgkilla]

🤣🤣🤣

[@brezz6759]

Sadly it takes them years to get back to a band But I understand there is so much music to get to

[@EgbertWilliams]

"I've had my fun, now it's time to serve your conscience overseas." and "We are 'agents' of the free." The whole song is about Vietnam, Agent Orange, militarism and the young men who get broken on the rack of somebody else's agenda.

[@semaj_5022]

Sounding happy and upbeat for the pure irony of it as the point, I'd imagine?

[@TheWaterboy818]

@@semaj_5022 I wouldnt really say its a happy mood. A little upbeat maybe, but the lyrics and all the faux screaming doesnt really say happy to me

[@thinkmirror8507]

Agent orange 🍊 destroyed my family! Government is crap!

[@swrennie]

It was ever so.

[@lawrenceschuman5354]

High on the roof. Thin the blood.

[@evanraymondmusicandmindset2603]

It's really amazing to watch the moment when two people "get it" about a band. It happens to everybody with music. but its amazing to see it on a video. So glad to see two dudes "get it" about REM. shiny happy people rules and so does Kate Pierson.

[@jackkelly2620]

"It's the end of the world as we know it" is the quintessential R.E.M. song but I really like "What's the frequency, Kenneth?".

[@rmidthun]

@@fozzietaylor1111 It's from a strange attack against Dan Rather. He claims that a man punched and kicked him while asking that question.

[@fozzietaylor1111]

Huh. That’s interesting lol. I just read up on it.

[@sefous9550]

@@fozzietaylor1111 Its about a schizophrenic that interrupted a live CBS news broadcast insisting he know the frequency of the voices in his head. I watched it live. It was the most bizzare and funny things ive seen

[@Ervinabrahamian]

All the way to Reno is another badass song

[@camdenharper7244]

I would put them in the other order and add everybody hurts

[@yeahboiii6640]

REM ruled the airwaves. Crossed many genre boundaries. Lots of humans liked it. I am a metal head at heart (Megadeth) but loved REM! - Alternative Rock.

[@semaj_5022]

More of a modern metal head (like Gojira and Mastodon) but I've always adored REM too

[@hampyonce]

Same here. They got me all jangly.

[@mizzwinter28]

Bang And Blame (1994) has a similar guitar tone to Orange Crush, but it's like a sorrowful, quiet rage sound. I love that song, too; it is 🔥🔥🔥. Love you guys!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@REMstar11]

I second this a thousand times!

[@chrono050]

GOD LOVE that song Monster was a GREAT album

[@steventhompson6903]

Im 58 and have never listened to R.E.M until this channel but yes i have heard different songs on the radio. I am hooked to Monster Whats the Frequency Kenneth and Night Swimming off another one of their albums. Im so happy you all turned me on to their music thank you! If you get a chance please please please react to Whats the frequency Kenneth! Great song!

[@ИванСамарин-ю4о]

More R.E.M. for god's sake! They're, like, the Pixies of early 80's, super influential and original in terms of sound, melodies and song structure

[@mt-zf6xp]

I want a Pixies or Sonic Youth reaction, but I'd be perfectly happy with more R.E.M.

[@brianezell5790]

They are far better and far more influential than the Pixies could ever have been.

[@MikeBrainzooming]

I love that you made me love an R.E.M. song that I had lower on my list simply through your enthusiasm and fresh perspective in listening to it. So happy to find your show. It's great!

[@eureekasprings]

Thank you guys so much for giving R.E.M. a listen! ❤ If you do have an R.E.M. marathon, might I suggest Radio Song? There are several other great hits of theirs I could recommend, but you'll probably already know them, whereas Radio Song may be one that you have not heard before.

[@onehouse_crowley4597]

"College Radio" was the term used back then before Alternative or Grunge were a thing.

[@frogmanwade]

Yes...the pioneers

[@AutumnPheonix]

It's important to realize that before there was Grunge there was R.E.M... REM came into popularity almost 15 years before the 'Grunge movement' came into popularity. Bands like REM and The B-52's came out of Athens, GA, and were more considered 'alternative' bands.

[@NunYaO]

When Georgia was the cool...

[@chaost4544]

Michael Stipe will never reach the highest notes but he's so damn good in the middle range. His voice is always haunting.

[@paolocoletti1574]

He doesn't need those high notes, they wouldn't express who he is, and nobody needs to hear high singing full of nothing behind it, if you know what I mean.

[@lindseeziegler90]

Exactly

[@AndrewMiff162]

Said 👍

[@robertpautsch8087]

Also, REM is not and has never been a grunge band... They influenced many though.

[@jholm295]

Yep, Grunge is a subgenre of Alternative Rock. But there is is a lot of Alternative Rock that isn't Grunge.

[@chrisstory563]

they were part of a music scene that is dead nowadays called collage radio.

[@spiderling88]

I think REM was an influence to many grunge bands but they were doing their thing long before grunge hit.

[@dontfeedthemilkshake]

Monster got pretty close. It may be closer to Glam Rock, but the grunge influence is definitely prevalent on tracks like I Took Your Name and Circus Envy.

[@philliptoole6439]

Their frequent producer Scott Litt also produced "Heart Shaped Box" and "All Apologies."

[@yordanstefanov5570]

I'm glad you guys did R.E.M. It seems like almost nobody is reacting to R.E.M. these days. So respect.

[@kvs305]

The One I Love has always been my favorite song of theirs. Great reaction as always, guys.

[@ravynkat]

This song is fkn phenomenal. 🤍 "Driver 8" is another one of my favorites. Get into their beginnings- college radio and pivotal in alternative music!

[@paullagasse5504]

We've been on the shift to long

[@brianezell5790]

Driver 8 ROCKS!!!

[@JohnMacRae23]

It's a anti-war song... "orange crush" is the slang term for Agnet Orange. The opening drum fill (and after the bridge) is meant to mimic machine gun fire. MIcheal Stipe's father had served in the helicopter corps in vietnam (you can hear the helicopters in the breakdown section). REM had a knack of disguising the meaning of their songs (you guys picked out the more upbeat nature of the music). For another song, check out the One I Love which people thought was a love song, but it's actually the opposite when you study the lyrics.

[@macsfe9828]

I had no idea! Love the comments section!

[@johannesbridges1341]

There's a long history of popular songs being grossly misinterpreted by the masses. My favorite is Sting telling of how people totally mistook "Every Breath You Take", thinking it's a love song when it's actually about a stalker. He actually encountered people who had used it in their wedding. "Um ... okay .... Well, good luck".

[@freudsigmund72]

Although the execution by REM is better, when hearing Orange Crush back in 1988 or 1989 the use of the drums to mimic machinegun fire immedeately reminded me to the song S.Fr. Nomenklatura part 1 by Front 242 from 1984 where they did use the drums the same way.

[@neilmartin99]

10CC is also very good at misdirection as well. I love music that makes you have to think.

[@silverseto1158]

@Luke As well as fans of Hendrix's Machine Gun.

[@ModernDayWarrior2112]

I think Bill Berry is such an underrated drummer and should get name checked more in the pantheon of great drummers. Just a solid in the pocket drummer. Mike Mills is phenomenal bass player who’s melodic bass lines were almost the lead instrument in the band. And Peter Buck could sound like 2 or 3 guitarists playing at once with his use of appregios to fill out the space. I love the early REM stuff. Great band.

[@hollyroxy25]

R.E.M are one of my all time favorite bands. They were master's of making incredibly catchy melodies with easily singable hooks while at the same time having really smart lyrical content. They're truly legendary.

[@bellaBdaughterofYAHAWAH7]

[@StratsRUs]

Loved that description.

[@espowari]

The arpeggiated chords are just chords that are picked separately instead of strumming the notes at once. Classic REM. Check The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr.

[@Araye]

this

[@williamcorkery5461]

Great shout

[@CricketStyleJ]

Also: Siouxsie and the Banshees, and A Perfect Circle.

[@jason5388]

More REM songs worth a listen are The One I Love, Radio Free Europe, and Man on the Moon

[@fozzietaylor1111]

And what’s the frequency, Kenneth 😲

[@thinkmirror8507]

One of my favorite reviews!

[@devenscience8894]

Man, I forgot about "The One I Love," that was my favorite of theirs way back when.

[@jasonh4853]

Crush with eyeliner

[@Blackmjc]

Man on the Moon was about comedian Andy Kauffman and the movie of the same name starring Jim Carrey as Andy came a time after the song.

[@Jadamhodges]

"I've got my spine, I've got my orange crush..." They are referring in the lyrics to the nature of Agent orange... the chemical caused spina bifida in the children borne to the people exposed. Many people developed cancer and many had children with deformities and other genetic diseases. It is most definitely a serious song in the guise of a uplifting song. "I've had my fun..." is an ironic statement in that the person who is singing is the narrator and he is having a most terrible time.

[@theeponym]

Spine refers to courage, not spina bifida. Like, when you call somebody spineless. "I've got my courage, and I have my agent orange (to go to war)." And "I've had my fun" is not an ironic statement. The song is about youth, particularly high school graduates, leaving their care-free lifestyle as teenagers to go fight in Vietnam. Orange Crush is doing double duty here because it's both a nickname for Agent Orange AND it evokes a child's beverage.

[@Jadamhodges]

As with many songs the lyrics have multiple meanings.

[@aryehbarson]

Peter Buck's signature guitar tone is considered "jangle-y" or "chime-y", and defined a genre that was decidedly not grunge. Michael Stipe's lyrics are more poetry in that it demands a lot of listener interpretation to understand.

[@bellaBdaughterofYAHAWAH7]

[@galetinm]

Peter Buck and Johnny Marr have similar guitar sound. Two of my favourites.

[@irvinstafford7780]

I've heard their genre described as "jangle-core", as well as "college rock". Also, Chris Funk of The Decemberists got Peter Buck to teach him the Jangle thing for their album "The King is Dead" - beautiful jangly-folky-indy rock!

[@frankmarsh1159]

The cymbal work is by Bill Berry. Berry was known for his great hi-hat grooves. Lots of R.E.M. songs have that driving soulful hi-hat groove. Bill Berry and Mike Mills are one of the best rhythm sections ever.

[@paolocoletti1574]

They're all disciples of The Byrds for the chiming jangling guitars

[@MD12134MD]

"I wanna play this" "we are playing it?" lmfao

[@tincleveland9133]

"The One I Love" is one of the all time great guitar riffs, imo. That song just rocks. Definitely check that one out.

[@matthewmclaughlin7000]

REM pioneered the success of college rock and the rise of young, unique bands on independent labels throughout the 80s. They also led the way for those bands to sign to major labels while maintaining their sound and integrity. They have a massive and lasting influence on American music. They are quite arguably the greatest band in American history.

[@michaelakkerman407]

CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE-R.E.M. IS an absolute must, earlier work that gets overlooked, but is superior music!!!

[@mondegreen9709]

My favourite song from my favourite REM album. A perfect reflection of my state of mind: life is hard but you make the most of it.

[@michaelakkerman407]

@@mondegreen9709 heres the thing, they are going to overlook this gem because it's not going to get the votes. This song is head and shoulders better than The one I love, which will probably win. Don't get me wrong, I like the song, but c'mon. Can't get there from should be a radio classic and got lost under Driver 8, another great song.

[@amberfrances]

REM’s sound changed so much over 30 years, and yet they remained 100% original. I’ve been a fan since 1988 and here are a few REM suggestions that span the decades. Have fun with discovering more from REM! ❤️ I’m Gonna DJ (2008) Until the Day is Done Walk Unafraid (1998) You’re In the Air King of Comedy (1994) Circus Envy Ignoreland (1992) Finest Worksong (1988) Lightnin’ Hopkins Begin the Begin (1986) These Days Just A Touch 9 - 9 (1983) Perfect Circle Radio Free Europe

[@dewyduster]

Do some older REM like Driver 8 or (Don't Go Back To) Rockville. A much more Rockabilly feel.

[@jefmay3053]

THE EP THEN MURMER ....... IN MY BLOOD

[@NunYaO]

I love that REM has separate GENERATIONS of fans!

[@ravynkat]

DRIVER 8

[@painunbound]

Gotta go back and listen to the early stuff when they were young and still finding that sound. I recommend "Gardening at Night" but honestly there isn't a bad record.

[@hollyroxy25]

The really funny thing about "Shiny happy people" is that it was meant to be ironic & sang in a mocking way. The label told them they needed a happy pop song on their album so they gave them one lol. Thing is, they can't make a bad song even if they try.

[@craigros5]

And they may have played once or twice afterwards by refused to play it ever again

[@hollyroxy25]

@@craigros5 must've been after they played it on Sesame Street lol

[@craigros5]

@@hollyroxy25 now you mention it. Sesame St may have been the only time they agreed to play it.

[@hollyroxy25]

@@craigros5 the video is hilarious because you can tell they really don't want to be there, especially Michael Stipe. It's like Michael's just thinking "What tf has my life come to" 😂😂

[@craigros5]

@@hollyroxy25 🤣

[@jameshotchkin8438]

Nightswimming is their best song IMO. Top ballad.

[@agentbagreviews]

Yep!!!

[@cagneykrutz]

my fav too

[@mistabook]

Nightswimming is absolutely beautiful.

[@MariaMartinStudio]

omg I'm so late to the party on this but I remember walking into a RECORD STORE in the MALL and this song started playing and got my attention so fast. Of course I bought the CD. ha ha "I'm not sure all these people understand..." SIGH

[@NealStidham]

R.E.M. are great and their catalog is extremely varied. For a wide sampling, avoiding the songs you've already mentioned in the video, try "Radio Free Europe," (their first single), "Driver 8," "Monty Got a Raw Deal," "Crush with Eyeliner", and "Überlin."

[@df3575]

Props for the MONTY GOT A RAW DEAL recommend. Automatic for the People is one of the greatest albums I've ever heard. SWEETNESS FOLLOWS, right before it is an incredible back to back. Begin the Begin, Texarkana, Bang and Blame, Circus Envy, I Don't Sleep, I Dream, So. Central Rain, and the epic, LEAVE. all great choices

[@tristramcoffin926]

I would add Oddfellows Local 151, I Believe, Swan Swan Hummingbird, Perfect Circle and Old Man Kensey from the IRS years.

[@videodavideo]

REM marathon! Do it! In a chronological order, to appreciate the growth and refining their sound over the years. As far as catalogs, theirs is vast.. incredible, so much to discover!

[@robertpautsch8087]

This is REM after they became huge and a bit formulaic... Their earlier albums like Murmur, Fables and The Reconstruction, Lifes Rich Pageant were all unbelievably good, and totally original... Give South Central Rain, Driver 8 or Can't Get There From Here a spin...

[@ysalimirii]

Murmur is one of the best albums of all time.

[@jgarcia4721]

All of those are fantastic. Especially South Central Rain.

[@pandorafox3944]

We played so much REM at our College radio Station, we had to ban certain songs because they were overplayed.

[@JohnMacRae23]

Formulaic? Gotta disagree there.

[@WayneE42]

I know very little about R.E.M. But, I will take a deep dive now. Thanks for the recommendations.

[@lauraparkinson331]

R.E.M. is my favorite band it was such a pleasure watching this video I even got a little teary eyed. Thank you.

[@unclejasper]

I'd love to see you guys do "The One I Love" next.

[@ericbennett5663]

First R.E.M. song I ever heard.

[@jgarcia4721]

I think they'll hate it

[@p4fizzle]

@@jgarcia4721 hate is a strong word

[@Bluewaters34]

“Turn you inside out” is another song on that album you should do next. He’ll, do the whole album, it’s fire.

[@APAL880]

Hüsker Dü is another band considered to be pioneers of alternative rock. They were a Hardcore Punk band in the early 80's who expanded and changed their sound a lot in just the few short years they were together. They'd be a badass band for you guys to do (along with other Hardcore legends like Black Flag, Minor Threat, more Bad Brains, Misfits, etc.). Here's some suggestions for songs by them: Something I Learned Today The Girl Who Lives On Heaven Hill Chartered Trips Celebrated Summer Green Eyes Divide and Conquer Don't Want to Know If You Are Lonely

[@harrythompson9315]

I've noticed they're very impressed by complicated melodic metal bands whereas hardcore and punk bands they seem to the snuff at. I don't think they understand the nuances and styles regarding that kind of music

[@ThatOddGarage]

The Hold Steady, and Soul Asylum, are majorly influenced by Hüsker Dü.

[@kyndread71]

Black Flag influenced Metallica.

[@GasparLewis]

The band mellowed out a little over time, and the lead singer (Bob Mould) eventually formed a band called Sugar that might be a better starting point; I'd at least suggest starting the bottom of that (very good) list and going up. A great band with a lot going on, but early on they used all their speed and anger as a shield, so working backwards in time might help bring it into perspective. That and any excuse to big-up Copper Blue as an album and get a one-in-a-million shot at a reaction to "A Good Idea" which just rips.

[@billyoliver4000]

Need to throw the Replacements and The Minutemen in with Husker Du 👍

[@steveratcliffe2181]

The album that made me realize that metal wasn't the only music in the world. To this day, You are the Everything is my favourite song ever.

[@JohnMacRae23]

You guys should really do "The One I Love" by REM.

[@RiverNihil]

This is my vote

[@rebeccalorman9227]

Agreed!

[@ravynkat]

YES YES YES

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Great song

[@rocketqueen9456]

Yeap!!

[@MarkTitus420]

This song always brings me back - this is the last song I heard before I went into boot camp - it was just released that day for me; had to wait until I finished boot camp to listen to the whole thing - I listened to it thereafter for days on end, and still listen to Green to this day.

[@robbob5302]

Mine was Page/Plant Travelling Riverside Blues. Now every time I hear that song, my mind goes back to that bus ride.

[@SackMachine_83]

Need to check out Rain and She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult for more of that guitar sound

[@bogus1st]

and love off the same album

[@darksword4726]

Fire woman, Edie, love removal machine, so many to choose from

[@scotthandler3314]

Wild Flower and Little Devil. So many good Cult songs. Also Big Neon Glitter

[@gabrielfarnesi8790]

One of my favorite bands, too often overlooked. Great idea!

[@davidferguson3452]

Two perfect tracks by the Cult. She Sells Sanctuary is the perfect introduction to them.

[@lukeafterluke]

this was the first REM song I heard when it first came out.. the overall sound of this song drew me right in.. one of my favourite bands ever since.

[@vonbass1300]

Arpeggio just means to pick the individual notes of a chord one at a time instead of strumming them all together at the same time. Most of the time the lyrics from REM are impossible to know what the hell they are talking about. I used to think he didn't want you to follow him while he drank his Orange Crush soda. Haha

[@Zigarius1123]

Yngwie would blow their mind xD

[@jimmymac4559]

Tina S. Playing Moonlight Sonata would melt their faces🤘

[@zachleggott9316]

Same here.

[@stevenschembri1288]

R.E.M. was the greatest "Alternative/Rock" band of all time.....PERIOD! Next, profile the song "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" for another treat.

[@britishrocklovingyank3491]

R.E.M. is my youth. Everyone after Green carried their influence.

[@anthonycohutt3414]

Other REM songs that have the Orange Crush groove: Begin the Begin These Days Finest Worksong Turn You Inside-out

[@GregorySovine-bt9hj]

I absolutely love that you guys mentioned it reminds you of Nirvana and the Chil Peppers, because both of those bands recognize them as influences... how great is music?

[@QuinnKeitel]

Definitely request you listen to Nightswimming. One of the most elegant and beautiful songs I know.

[@dezhar]

Great song. Whole album is awesome!

[@hossein_rafiei]

Listen amir tataloo he is legend✌❤✅✅please reaction music "jahanam" please👑✋👾sultan "amir tataloo"

[@paulb808]

Hell yeah, throw in Country Feedback.

[@yourshadowself]

This song for me will always be the last song playing on the radio as I left university - the first time I met people from diverse and varied backgrounds and at last felt I might be accepted as a person. Thanks REM!!

[@SkeletonModel91]

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night. AND a reaction from Lost in Vegas.

[@nik2957]

One of my favourite bands. Wish I saw them live when I had the chance. Feel like its been years watching this channel waiting for REM. I am happy!

[@naushadkabir6745]

Some folks love them, some hate them. They're so prolific... so many hit songs over their career. They were able to stay consistent and interesting despite changing times and scenes. They have a hit for every mood. Recognizable.

[@jmoreno44]

Aside from Peter Buck's guitar tone on this song, which is amazing as you guys noted, I am equally impressed with his restraint throughout the song. There is a temptation to go all out with that groove but his guitar lines with that groove is just magical. Amazing song!!

[@rhoward9302]

REM is my favorite band. You touched on how the lyrics and serious themes are juxtaposed with this happy, poppy sound. Somehow, it all works. Glad you guys enjoyed it so much. Other songs I would consider must-listens for new fans: "Fall on Me" "Man on the Moon" "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" and "Nightswimming".

[@sonofrobert]

I saw REM in 1986 when they played on a tiny stage at the University of Oregon. It was strange to watch them play such a small venue. They were getting famous from the Life's Rich Pagent album. Guess they liked small shows sometimes.

[@KlaraTavakoliGoesche]

One of my favorite songs! Such a great song opening. That’s it, I’m going to play this on guitar, as well. Love Orange Crush, Love REM. Don’t Go Back To Rockville is a great one, too. And yes! Check out PAVEMENT, for sure.

[@amyelizabeth529]

I love the way music can turn grown-ass men into little boys playing in an air band. 😊🎶✌❤

[@MyMooseIsLoose1]

Give Talking Heads a try! Think you'll really like them.

[@RobertJWaco]

Oh hell yea

[@scotthandler3314]

We're on a road to nowhere!

[@burmajones803]

The Great Curve off Remain in Light would be my first choice. That song is fierce!

[@jazzhands79]

Crosseyed & Painless 💚 Or Found a Job. The bassline on either of those...*swoon*

[@josephregester7780]

Burning Down the House

[@StratsRUs]

Honestly, listening to REM makes me realize how much they were streets ahead of the rest.They took a crap on everyone else. I saw them on this tour in 1989. Look up Agent Orange.It is heartbreaking

[@timjames3636]

As Beavis and Butthead would say " Ugh I think this is college music"

[@dancewalkertarot]

I wish so much we could still access the old B and B music video recordings. They only show the cartoon parts now because of copy write issues or something. That was the best part of the show!

[@NunYaO]

Granted, you're quoting BVS&BTHD to make a statement...JS

[@timjames3636]

@@NunYaO I said it basically because REM is not grunge it’s basically intellectual rock. I am not crapping on REM at all. I just remember the Beavis and Butthead quote because it was funny and true

[@NunYaO]

@@timjames3636 alright, that's cool. I get it.

[@arongamman9360]

College rock was the precursor to Alternative rock because early bands like R.E.M were played mostly on independent college radio stations In the 80's They were big influences on alternative who were more influenced by punk and new wave...especially by Velvet Undergrounund as was Grunge.

[@brianezell5790]

These Days, Flowers of Guatemala, Radio Free Europe (Hib Tone version), Romance (Night Garden), Fall on Me, What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? and Star Me Kitten are all songs I request that you react to.

[@mizzwinter28]

Ooo, I have been waiting for someone to react to this song. My fave REM song! ❤️❤️

[@collinmagnus4223]

REM - What's the Frequency, Kenneth? its their best song, and has that signature guitar sound and drum/cymbal play. you guys will love it.

[@davidmatheny1993]

In terms of the song itself, Orange Crush is a reference to the use of Agent Orange during Vietnam. It was created to kill a lot of the thick brush in the jungle, but many kids, families and soldiers became sick from exposure.

[@washworks7630]

my dad died very young due to that crap.

[@NunYaO]

One could argue, that's how this country got to where we are today...100's of 1000's of AO GI's

[@thinkmirror8507]

My cousin had a life of tragedy from Agent Orange, her husband served came home and she thought she was pregnant well it was agent orange in his sperm that mimicked her having a baby but it was cancer growing in her spread up to her brain, a life of hardship and despair paralyzed on her left side and yes her husband left her. Tragic.

[@ponchatoulamike]

REM's "Superman". Great example of their harmonies as well as everything you liked about "Orange Crush". Definitely a song turned up in the car

[@katzablot599]

It’s my favorite.

[@Onomastique]

I love that this song is about agent orange, probably the most crushing and long lasting assault Americans unleashed on Vietnam. It is important to think about other people’s plight, and to realize being selfish is what makes this world a shitshow.

[@purplebeard1526]

Damn, never knew it was about agent orange. That said, this is of my favorite songs from them.

[@camelcase9225]

Civilians in North America are struggling with the affects of agent orange too as it was used for decades as an herbicide.

[@blablablugh]

Thank You! My father was exposed to Agent Orange in Nam, obviously unbeknownst to him. It has absolutely had an impact on his life. He has never used it an an excuse or crutch, even though we in the family know better. Any joke of a human who sat out of Nam because of bone spurs and family money (drumph) and still has the nerve to talk sh#t on troops deserves a beating. My dad was drafted and gladly went to defend our freedom. He is my all-time hero! Respect to ALL VETS!!!!

[@psukebariah3435]

It's about the vets unknowingly exposed.to Agent Orange and the horrendous impact it had on their health when they returned. Which the military flatly denied for years, btw. It's always "support the troops" to go to war, but when they come back and need actual support, the war mongers are nowhere to be found. You might also want to react to some earlier 80's music, such as Cure's Caterpillar Girl, or B52's, or Gary Numan (Cars, which is practically an 80's anthem). The early 80's postpunk/new wave is a very different sound. There's also early 80's U2, which is way different from mid-80's, which is different from late 80's U2.

[@ididthisonpulpous6526]

My uncle would tell stories of cooking food in the barrels used to transport the Agent Orange. The government, namely the VA, worked for years to deny that there was any correlation to health issues due to the use of the defoliant... Fun note the US is the only country to still sell commercial defoliants with ingredients similar to Agent Orange with the related health damage! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

[@vincentkrisiak6337]

South Central Rain is one of their very best early songs. Radio Free Europe and The One I Love are damn fine songs as well. You probably do need to do like a 2 hour REM reaction. They have a LOT of bangers.

[@jamesvwest2511]

"Try Not to Breathe" is a great REM song.

[@lisas5211]

Omg that song ❤

[@freudsigmund72]

The lyrics are open to several interpretations which make the song so interesting

[@tedrusted]

One of my favorites!!

[@bethshadid2087]

As is Everybody Hurts 😓

[@Csal92]

I'm gonna give this song a shot after this video.

[@silencekit]

"What's the Frequency Kenneth?", "The One I Love", and "Driver 8" would all be good options for your marathon.

[@ancientruinsofficial]

Never heard this before, Thank you!!!🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍🔥👍🔥🔥👍🔥🔥🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥🔥🔥👍🔥

[@Katy-sh3ru]

Ooo, I've loved this since I was 8 😅 I wish I could hear it for the first time again

[@ancientruinsofficial]

​@@Katy-sh3ru I feel the same way about my favorite bands. Mushrooms 🍄 plus a classic album or song Gives you that feeling of hearing it for the 1st time again. That's a ultimate life hack😏.

[@Katy-sh3ru]

@@ancientruinsofficial haha, yeah, good shout. There are some it wouldn't work for, though, because I've already enjoyed them that way 😅 sometimes on multiple occasions

[@hankamania]

"it sounds like a California surf song..." Charlie don't surf.

[@frogmanwade]

Lol

[@jimidelapaix]

I thought that was super interesting for him to say, considering Peter Buck is actually originally from California I understand. I never thought of that, but great observation that can only come from someone objective as they were able to be, listening with fresh ears. Very cool.

[@PatTheBatmanFan]

Fun fact: Michael Stipe sang the background vocals on the bridge- and the dialogue in the breakdown- through a megaphone.

[@otisdylan9532]

Since you might not know their early songs, I'll suggest some of them: "Radio Free Europe" [1983 version], "Pilgrimage", "Pretty Persuasion", "Fall on Me", and "Superman". I'd probably start with either "Radio Free Europe" or "Fall on Me". And yes, Pavement is good too. I suggest "Trigger Cut" as a first song for them.

[@barrymiller6289]

Pilgrimage might be their most underrated song.

[@Johonnac]

Totally forgot about Pretty Persuasion ❤️

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

We around Denver, and Colorado at large, liked this tune a lot - because......... our Broncos defense was referred to as the Orange Crush for a long time. This tune got a LOT of radio play around here.

[@e_r_i_k_w]

I had forgotten about that!

[@robertshulenberger]

United in Orange

[@jaimelopez3101]

Near Wild Heaven. Simple. Beautiful. Reminds me of times with friends I won't be able to see again.

[@DuhQuanNigstix]

I was living in Athens during the REM, Pylon, B-52's, Guadalcanal Diary etc., etc. heyday. I got to see them play this album live from the Fox Theatre - yes I'm a lucky man. That sound you guys are reacting to is a signature Athens vibe rooted in old school rockabilly, that made a comeback during that late 70's / 80's period. Flat Duo Jets was another two piece band that had that signature sound.

[@donaldglaser7686]

I grew up in Memphis and they were huge. I wasn't in Athens at that time, but having worked there for some time, I can honestly hear that Athens sound. From what I heard, they LIVED in my friend's house on Central (Memphis) when this album was recorded.

[@daledubose3032]

A lot of great music in Athens back then.

[@kevinm4138]

Pylon doesn’t get enough recognition!

[@DuhQuanNigstix]

@@kevinm4138 I agree and Pylon was really the genesis of the late 70's (1979) and 80's music and art scene in Athens. I was going to art school at the time and can't tell you how many times I saw guys from various bands making concert fliers at the downtown Kinkos. Another great band was Wide Spread Panic. It was a magical time.

[@frankmarsh1159]

The cymbal work is by Bill Berry. Berry was known for his great hi-hat grooves Lots of R.E.M. songs have that driving soulful hi-hat groove. Bill Berry and Mike Mills are one of the best rhythm sections ever.

[@farfromperfek]

Arpeggio is the notes of a chord played in succession, either ascending or descending. Think House of the Rising Sun or Color My World or Beethovens Moonlight Sonata.

[@MD12134MD]

You know what's really wild to think about? This album came out just a few months after Metallica's ...And Justice for All. To consider the massive range of amazing music that was coming out all at the same time. Seventh Son, South of Heaven, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Leprosy, Kings of Metal, Battalions of fear--all came out in 88. Crazy year for metal.

[@ami3627]

Jane's Addiction. Primus?, Beastie Boys had only been going for a couple years, so that means probably Public Enemy. Also The Joshua Tree came out in '87.

[@oldcat7]

This song always reminds me of a question my buddy asked me a long time ago. Him: "What is this song about?" Me: "Soda."

[@HazelEyedAndWild]

LOL!

[@consuelaluna1414]

😂

[@boognishrisen8544]

Alright, having thought about it some more, I removed my original post and have come up with a better series of R.E.M. songs for you to react to based on what you guys like. Now since George brought up the whole California vibe thing, off the same album that "Orange Crush" is on there's another song called "I Remember California" which is hot as hell. But if you want a real sonic charge, an in your face rock song, start with "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" You briefly mentioned "Man On The Moon" and you can't go wrong with that. Also I'd recommend "Begin The Begin", "Cuyahoga", "Drive" and "Try Not To Breathe". I think you guys will like them.

[@generoberts9151]

Go back to their roots. "Driver 8" is a REM signature song.

[@ravynkat]

One of my favorites!!!!!!

[@willrichardson519]

Don't go back to Rockville!

[@susannewitt6112]

But what about "Radio Free Europe"?

[@waynedurning8717]

Lol. These guys with there “maybe marathons”.

[@waynedurning8717]

All three of these songs - man I forgot how great and original these guys were.

[@adamventress7559]

Great reaction guys, some fantastic older REM songs to check out :Fall on Me, Talk About the Passion and So.Central Rain.

[@matthewr7593]

Love this band love this song! Mike Mills nerdy backing vocals are so awesome and so 80s alternative. Also this band is very much not a guitar solo band. Very jangly and decorative but super subtle and never trying to take over.

[@gregscupholm254]

One of the greatest American bands ever. You guys would dig "The One I Love". They have so many early songs that were college-rock/alternative standouts in the 80's that are just solid, enjoyable songs like "Don't Go Back To Rockville" and "South Central Rain". Such nice listens. Guaranteed A-rated musical experiences.

[@kev25811]

Personally, I think a really fun REM track to check out is their first performance on Letterman when they play So. Central Rain. They had just written it and decided to just play it on their first national TV appearance. And they CRUSH it. Another great slightly deeper cut would be Leave. That's a song that you either love or despise but it's definitely an interesting sound.

[@samuelnation5300]

“Leave” Micheal performed with Radiohead is awesome! Very cool

[@kev25811]

@@samuelnation5300 I cannot find this recording. Link please?

[@samuelnation5300]

@@kev25811 I think I was duped. I'm pretty sure I had bootleg version that actually said it was Radiohead Feat Michael Stipe. I THINK it actually appeared on the A life less ordinary soundtrack but it isn't with Radiohead. It just sounds like radiohead-ish. Trying to find it by googling it I just keep running into dead ends. I pretty sure its on the In Time Rarities Side B bonus disc. Below is the actual version. I bummed myself out with this research to think I was fooled for so long. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHO5epqEgLV0l7M

[@WALDO1000]

@@samuelnation5300 That performance is so good. I'd kill for Mike Mills' Bass tone.

[@jasonsargeant6483]

Great video, I have every REM album, Green is a favourite but the less popular "Up" is a 10/10 and the only one where I never skip a track. Would love to hear your thoughts on "Up".

[@insulani]

Great reaction. My favourite R.E.M. song is The One I Love. Guitar work is sublime in that song.

[@dajmasta94]

Honestly the 80’s and 90’s are full of slept on bands.

[@frankc149]

So glad you guys enjoyed this. I worry that given the heaviness of a lot of stuff covered in the channel, that more alternative and indie music would be considered bland or too poppy. Excited to see what's next! Keep it up fellas 🤟🏻

[@randyr1952]

Thank You! REM is my college band!

[@gregschwarz9336]

Mother Love Bone - Chloe Dancer/Crown Of Thorns off the Singles soundtrack!

[@kenhall6525]

Mother Love Bone !!! ♥️♥️🔥🔥

[@alessandravalentini7866]

Love that!!!!!!

[@kben036]

Definitely in my top 50 of REM songs! 😆Seriously this band started the whole college indie trend in the 80s and took it from there. Radio Free Europe would be a nice place to start.

[@peytonbrezski]

Can I just say y’all the best reactors on KZbin and it ain’t close

[@damianzacar8110]

"Man on the Moon", "Everybody Hurts", "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" , "Bang and Blame", "The One I Love", "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)".

[@garyfleming8963]

For old R.E.M. (the early stuff) check out Cuyahoga or Talk About The Passion. Both have that signature jangly guitar sound. For newer R.E.M. Man In The Moon or Half a World Away or Country Feedback (so haunting). So many great songs, it's hard to pick a favorite

[@steverok67]

Great one, guys. Made me smile. May I suggest an earlier one like "Radio Free Europe", "Pretty Persuasion", or "Driver 8" ?

[@dennischary1197]

Talk about "Perfect Circle." What a beautiful tune.

[@ericoberlies7537]

The album Life’s Rich Pageant.