R.E.M. Break Down “Man On The Moon” (HBO)

R.E.M. reissued Automatic for the People this month, 25 years after its release. Michael Stipe and Mike Mills break down “Man on the Moon,” in an episode of Mix Map.
Subscribe to VICE News here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News
Check out VICE News for more: vicenews.com
Follow VICE News here:
Facebook: / vicenews
Twitter: / vicenews
Tumblr: / vicenews
Instagram: / vicenews
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo

[@austinformedude]

One of the best albums of ALL TIME!

[@gablen23]

one of the albums of all time...come on,u dont have to exaggerate

[@jeffpesos420]

@@gablen23 oh nah check it out and try breaking it down, it absolutely has a beautiful theme and they nailed EVERY song they couldn’t have done it any better imo

[@deathkampdrone]

...and its not even a top 5 album in the R.E.M. discography. They are just above all other artists.

[@quinnnewman9538]

Would love to hear more of michael stipe talk about his lyrics

[@toolthoughts]

I'd love to hear them talk for 30 minutes on this!

[@WallyBrando]

check out their Song Exploder episode where they talk about Sweetness Follows! And the Automatic Unearthed doc!

[@sh230968]

I wanted to make the comment you have made. It is unfair that your comment appears on the top of comments (at least for me). So I am not making my comment on KZbin because it would seem to copy yours. But trust me I wanted Michael and Mike to go on and on with their talk.

[@veeho14]

Was about to say, “That just barely scratched the surface of that song.”

[@timprescott4634]

Would love to hear them (and Bill and Peter) talk about Murmur and Reckoning.

[@MrCmitche11]

how can you not love that background vocal?

[@garryleavy2028]

Right!! I always loved that melody!

[@Ned88Man]

@@garryleavy2028 same, “maaaaan on the moon”

[@STONESGAM]

Automatic for the People is probably R.E.M.'s best album and most musically accomplished. It is one of the best albums of all time IMO.

[@patrickcrady904]

Amen!!

[@Jackferrett6781]

No it’s definitely out of time. It’s the one everyone can name

[@STONESGAM]

@@Jackferrett6781 Out of Time is good but kind of uneven and all over the place. Losing My Religion and Country Feedback are amazing though. It was so huge because of the Losing My Religion video being played on MTV like 24/7. I prefer Automatic. To each their own.

[@ruthaderginsburg9506]

Listen to reckoning

[@ruthaderginsburg9506]

​@@Jackferrett6781popularity isn't quality, we talking bout the best or the most popular?

[@Picnicl]

REM should be on a rock and roll Mount Rushmore.

[@richalderson6069]

Two legends. I'd love to see the members of R.E.M. do a big interview talking about every album and certain tracks. We can dream....

[@kelvinscotttyson1128]

Hey there's a fun podcast called RU Listening REM RE:ME where two comedians go through every REM album. I personally love it.

[@mayflower2370]

@@kelvinscotttyson1128 A what?

[@timprescott4634]

I’d watch EVERY episode up to Automatic…

[@Mark-kenny]

One of those songs that can change your life when you first hear it

[@jeremysears4263]

It did most my friends...

[@TimBurVlogs]

Yep.

[@KissyCrissy]

No Joke

[@Fuzz_Ray]

the truth

[@dboykrank47]

Mr. Charles Darwin had the gall to ask...

[@mattheweastel129]

Possibly the best alt-rock band, when alt-rock meant something. This song still gives me goose -pimples, it's so effective at getting under your skin

[@benyoung4305]

These guys (+Bill and Pete) are legends. Surely missed and greatly appreciated. Michael was one of the greatest frontmen ever.

[@markstrain8989]

Absolutely 💯

[@gorgeouss79]

As a kid, I still remember listening to this song on repeat for hours at a time.

[@lavlo88]

I've been aware of this song for years as a 29 year old but recently I'm obsessed with it. I think it's genius 😎

[@rayfran06]

It's funny how you hear something when you are younger and it means nothing, then years later you hear that same song and it means more or you pay attention to it more. I think Temple of the Dog Hunger Strike I heard all the time, actually kind of hated the song. Watching We Bought a Zoo and if you have seen that movie you will know what scene I'm talking about. It just hit me more and that guitar riff just sounded great and I kind of heard it for the first time again after seeing that part in the movie.

[@patrickcrady904]

R.E M. , Just an incredible band. Love Lifes Rich Pageant, Reckoning!

[@SaintMartins]

My favorite REM albums... 1. Document (1987) 2. Automatic For The People (1992) 3. Green (1988) 4. Monster (1994)

[@duckbrew]

Funny those are my least fav rem albums. 'Cept for Auto which is great.

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

1- automatic for the people 2- reveal 3- out of time 4- monster My top 4 maybe. Dont dislike any of their albums but not bothered for accelerate at all really..

[@chrissvitreoushumour]

I think every REM fan has auto in their top 5 1. Murmur 2. Chronic Town 3. Automatic for the People 4. Reckoning

[@jespernrgaardlarsen6467]

Kinda looks like mine (guess there's smt about that particular period): 1. Green (1988) 2. Lifes Rich Pageant (1986) 3. Document (1987) 4. Monster (1994) 5. Automatic for the People (1992)

[@bluekitten1032]

Great memories. Loved the 90s

[@chaz32]

they really don't make 'em like this anymore. RIP

[@RumbleFish69]

Hardly a "break down." Sure, this was a nice interview and they did cover a few things, but I would love to hear what the real inspiration for this song was, what made them decide to write it and how it came together. I'd really like to know how Andy became such a centerpiece of this song. In my mind, this song is really about Andy Kaufman and I would just like to know how it came to be about him.

[@ciralouisebrown9370]

Mondo 357 search for Automatic Unearthed!

[@RumbleFish69]

Thank you very much! Awesome Documentary! I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot of things I just didn't know. Thanks again!

[@amerocker]

In the Peter Buck written liner notes for the record, 'In Time: The Best of REM', he said Michael was having a hard time writing lyrics for the then untitled musical track. They were running out of time to complete the record. Michael went on a road trip, bringing along the music to the yet untitled track. He listened to it repeatedly, then when he was ready, he walked into the studio and in one take recorded, "Man On the Moon", and then walked out of the studio. Peter was dumbfounded.

[@jasonkh3943]

I think it's something of a caution against simply believing wholeheartedly in what one sees or is told

[@micvili7527]

I remember when this song came out I think I was about 8 or 9 it was played on the radio like 3 or 4 times a day I never realised how much a song can invoke childhood memories I never realised how much I like this song

[@jordanforbes2557]

REM is so reminiscient of the 80s and 90s. It reminds me so much of my childhood, probably because my mum used to play their music when I was younger. Good memories. I love this song.

[@louismassey881]

It's surprising how softly spoken Michael is compared to when he sings

[@sandraedwards2813]

It can be difficult to understand him sometimes

[@integral]

Great song from an album full of magnificent music.

[@accorsistudios]

this is a band that I never stopped and said publicly how big of an impact they've had. It's big man, thanks guys for such lovely work.

[@troy8420]

This is an awesome idea for a series and this is an amazing song to start it with

[@dantecrosetto6358]

Here's a truck stop instead of Saint Peters.....

[@bigdawggkev]

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

[@pacolastra2374]

What do this quote means?

[@martinchobouchard]

Mister Andy Kaufman's gone wrestling.....

[@Picnicl]

Bill Berry came up with the initial melody, as he had for Everybody Hurts and as he would go on to do for Tongue.

[@madnurse100]

OMG How could you leave me REM???

[@markstrain8989]

damn... after all these years, so good to know. bass, riff, lyrics, so much synergy.

[@waddee30]

I remember my brother saying. "That's the yeah yeah song" after hearing me playing it a 100 times.

[@annt7384]

As much as I enjoy listening and reading an interview with a band, what I really want to know is stuff like, "what's that sound at X:XX and how did you decide to put it there?" and "what about that vocal counter melody? How did that start; as a vocal or another instrument part (keyboards, bass, etc.)" and "What's NOT on there that you almost came to blows over whether to include?" That's the stuff. SO THANK YOU!!!

[@maheshhr4657]

I have heard this song so many times that I never ever felt that chorus is weird, until they mentioned it here.

[@TexansForChrist]

I always have felt that much more went into their music composition and performance than the lyrics and this confirms that.

[@pts5217]

Could we get REM breaking down 50 of their songs please?

[@josbruls]

Great song with superb melodies!

[@kevindondrea144]

One of my favorite songs of all time. I think the most powerful line is just the mention of Andy Kaufman. It sends chills down my spine. That and the "Andy are you googin on Elvis". I grew up listening to Elvis. My mom is still the greatest Elvis fan of all time. I don't think "Googing on" is used enough today. I started bringing it back lately. 😊❤

[@MedalionDS9]

I think the line is 'goofin'... not googing. Meaning he was acting silly kind of playing on Elvis... because he used to impersonate Elvis in his acts.

[@Dhardy316]

​@@MedalionDS9tomato tomatoe

[@MedalionDS9]

But it's not... they don't mean the same thing, that was not a common term during when the song was written, never heard that word before I saw this. @@Dhardy316

[@yankees29]

“Goofing”

[@davidhuggan6315]

Goofin on Elvis

[@josephschmo9591]

More videos like this, please! Love to hear the artists discuss the song. Thank you!

[@jonjoe9232]

The bass was always my favourite on this track.

[@dereka3341]

So glad I had my major formative years, in the 1980s. What do kids do today? I have no idea. No distinct movies, music, clothes, cars, etc. Glad I'm an 80s child!

[@leesher1845]

I remember All the Young Dudes; great tune.

[@will88TFs4Life]

oh man, wish there was more!

[@jorgealan997]

Where is the whole episode of this??

[@skepticalrebekah]

“If you believe it.” Nope. “Space may be the final frontier, but it’s made in a Hollywood basement.” ~ RHCP #QuestionEVERYTHING #200ProofsEarthIsNotASpinningBall

[@davidrollins5594]

Yup and it looks like that even at that time Michael knew the moon landing was fake.

[@richvalois6405]

I could listen to them explain how each song came about all day. They could spend 30 minutes on each song and I would love it.

[@borboleta_pensante]

Existem canções que nos remetem a um estado pleno de felicidade, Man on the moon é uma dessas... quando eu morrer quero me transformar nessa música 🎶 ♥️

[@dominicaaaaa5547]

One of my all time favourite songs of all time

[@sahimmoamed2690]

I heard mike mills saying song one day ends? If that is..i guarantee ur songs will never ends.. Rem forever!!

[@Greasy__Bear]

How do you have a breakdown of a song without touching on the lyrics that made it into the title or say what they meant to you?

[@kathrinpost5731]

One of my all time favourite songs...

[@vincegedeon6583]

Amazing song it makes me warm inside lyrics so amazing song brings back memories🤘😍🤘

[@adilsongoncalves5857]

R.M.E SAUDADES DESSA BANDA TOP😔😔✌

[@frederick-nrunkkamara103]

Fun times!

[@markvaught672]

I saw REM in 1983. Was knocked out. A friend turned me on to them. Thanks Jeff. I love the live version with Bruce Springsteen. I have been trying to turn a dear friend of mine to old Mott the Hoople and he thought I was nuts or just showing my age. Then I showed him this clip. Ha!

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

'Mott the Hoople.' I'm old. Got to see them...

[@robchell9196]

Mitt the Hoople, my first concert at the Uris.

[@guerosensible]

Does anyone know the brand of Mike’s glasses?

[@NickAnastasia]

So funny, because that counter melody that Stipe did that the producers dulled down in the mix is one of my favorite moments of the song. Even as a kid, i remember loving that so much.

[@mrsunshine63755]

Mott The Hoople. The Golden Age of Rock ’n’ Roll.

[@lukeroberts3464]

R.e.m definitely know their song structure and song writing ✍️ very well.

[@debraseale6867]

I heard this song and wasn't a fan of Andy's I adore comedians but he wasn't my taste. The songs by R.E.M. got me to buy that movie. It broke my heart learning more about his life. I was babysitting my nephew 2 days a week and could learn the words to songs so quick. He was starting his first year of little league and I taught him " I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs, tossing out punchlines that were never there, a piano falls..... It was his song to sike him up before every ball game. He was like 4 years old and kicked butt on the field. Maybe the song helped or maybe he was just a natural but we had a blast listening to R.E.M.s music before his games.

[@Phil_Vernon]

We play this in our band, and the bass line just sings.

[@snakemanpete55]

What u talking about Mike everyone knows Mott the hoople they had a string of hits early to mid 70s I saw them live 5 or 6 times. .in 74 I saw them with queen supporting. .queen were unknown then just starting out

[@gregdahlen4375]

are you a Brit? Pete Jones sounds like a Brit name

[@werewolflover8636]

My favorite REM. God bless Andy Kaufman, gone but never forgotten!

[@val3nte]

Meus heróis dos anos 90. Estão velhinhos.. . Também estou😁

[@familydogg1234]

Thank you for starting the song with " Mott the Hoople",Letting us remember Andy Kaufman and recruiting John Paul Jones for the album! My favorite REM album.

[@synthhero1347]

Could listen to theee guys talk about their music all day

[@patrickfahey7159]

I like this interview, I wish it was longer.

[@MedalionDS9]

This has become one of my fave REM songs to listen to when the other songs have been so overplayed

[@tlacuachefromtejas]

Thank-you REM. My cousin Donnie passed away and this song follows his story perfectly. 😑😔😎

[@garysiddons2157]

I miss this band

[@ABDELHADINDIF]

The game of life is the wheel of reincarnation, he never decoded his songs in his interviews he let his audiences to figure it out and that's the way it is

[@yankees29]

Life is also a board game like Monopoly,Twister…

[@AnaLucia-wy2ii]

I got my wisdom teeth out in 92 and I only got nitrous oxide so it was like a twilight sleep. I could still hear. I remember this song coming on the radio and it was sooo peaceful and lovely. Somebody sang along to the chorus and somebody else said, “This is a hippy song.” Overall, it was a lovely experience thanks to this song. ❤ (Okay, the nitrous oxide helped too). The recovery process was a b*tch though.

[@machinimaaquinix3178]

The first 12 bars of this song still mesmerize me.

[@lynnepashley4281]

I love the bass too

[@chironOwlglass]

Probably my favorite REM song

[@glennoc8585]

Wow i thought 'all the young dudes' was written by Matt the hoople and Bowie covered it. Must be another song.

[@osc8984]

TEEN FROM THE 80S SHOUTOUT! MISS YOU R.E.M.!!!

[@bgierat]

I wish they would make some new music

[@NeutronDance]

Brilliant song

[@CommieKilla1977]

Because of this song I had Andy Kaufman tattooed in my arm as I once tried to conceive myself as mystical person but it turn out that I'm really not that lit.

[@danielnewman3210]

I love that vocal line.

[@gordonirvine726]

Love this!!!!!

[@vudusid8717]

So did the song come first or the film?

[@MinusEighty]

Based on the lyrics, I would tend to believe that Michael Stipe doubts the moon landings. Yet, no one ever asks him what he thinks about the moon landings. Very strange....

[@tofikshaikh9039]

Good

[@OttoByOgraffey]

I hate seeing Mike and Mike age. It reminds me that I'm aging. :(

[@ripelivejam]

They'll probably both outlive me at this rate.

[@mrmisfit635]

Ahh its okay bud, it just means we're not dead😃

[@dr.ligmahnutts2993]

Aging is the greatest indication you’re still living, take it, own it.

[@jasonpinson8755]

Good band.heard alot of in highschool .thanks guys.〽️🎗️🪘

[@mrogs12]

Listening to stems is always a treat

[@albertovazquez5795]

Soy feliz de verlos 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@icelee7375]

Did yall know? Andy Kauffman IS Adam shiff?? At the time of writing this song??

[@paulbedard3910]

GREAT MUSIC

[@marianabella5602]

I LOVE REM!! I LOVE MAN ON THE MOON!!!!

[@racingspoon]

Man On The Moon, Nightswimming and Find The River is the best album run out ever. Total flex ending the album like that.

[@gregdahlen4375]

pretty melody

[@davidhaskin88]

Reckoning FTW.

[@khalidmusadaq8988]

Hard to beat

[@roustabout4fun]

Free-flowing~

[@tonytoronto1401]

Stipe vs Ngannou! Can't wait!

[@justmadeit2]

Simply the best song they ever made

[@essboxxessboxx3993]

Gather Round PEOPLES theres nothing left to say. He said it all ✌

[@ryanjofre]

Have the Promo cd in impeccable condition.

[@wysiwyg2006]

more emotional after watching Man on the moon movie about Andy

[@TheMothernerd]

C'mon, we know Mott the Hoope. Give us some credit.

[@MrDeterioration]

Exactly.

[@JStarStar00]

R.E.M. now is like the Beatles were in the late Seventies. They've broken up, everybody understands that, the members are still around and doing other stuff from time to time, they've explained they have no plans to reunite, but as long as they're still alive fans keep thinking... "maybe someday...."

[@marka8947]

Masterpiece album!