Topic: REM Appreciation Thread

[ToneLa]

Shiny Happy muppets as above lol //
Ghetto recording this

What? Tell me I'm wrong.
😳

This one goes out to the one I love😕🍭

<a href="https://YouTube.com/v/VU3CNb8g3nc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://YouTube.com/v/VU3CNb8g3nc</a>

This thread also existed
https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=267127.0

Last post by me. A year ago

Happy to get it going again. It was dead then, I got replies tonight - I needed it by the way, maybe so did others

You
Fucking contribute music lad.

I don't know if you have to refer to previous times you needed REM but tonight I needed REM
Some of you fucks will mewl about anything but God I love you

[Black Bull Nova]

The Great Beyond

From when I was pushing an elephant up the stairs (...........I still am)


<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/k_JnCWT-_O8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/k_JnCWT-_O8</a>

[Black Bull Nova]

Orange Crush-Wiesbaden 2003

This is the live performance (the whole concert that is) that keeps dragging me back

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/2BvXBwtrs_k" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/2BvXBwtrs_k</a>

All The Way To Reno-Wiesbaden 2003

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/G-vP94xOgSw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/G-vP94xOgSw</a>

[Ray K]

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction concert, and they play Gardening at Night, a song from their debut EP.  Bill Berry back on the sticks.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/rl5TdBcAUts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/rl5TdBcAUts</a>

[jackh]

Nice one, ToneLa - going to spend some time with R.E.M. next week thanks to this prompt!

[Linudden]

Throwing my two cents in with some hidden gems:

The best R.E.M. solo. Amazing song that very few heard.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/j-DXNxIlU1I" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/j-DXNxIlU1I</a>

I also really love this demo from the Automatic for the People sessions.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/MjK8Si0t0ik" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/MjK8Si0t0ik</a>

This 1985 indie song is quite something too:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/IxNUOQh65ik" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/IxNUOQh65ik</a>

However, I just can't get tired of this song. Alongside Fall on Me it's probably my favourite song of theirs. From the Document golden era of the band:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/baq3K5fsER0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/baq3K5fsER0</a>

[Filler.]

They were THE band to listen to in 1988 when I was 17. I'm 50 and it's utterly nuts to me that 33 years have gone by since 88. 33 years previous to 88 is 1955. The fuck? It was REM and then Dinosaur Jr. Then it was the early 90's and let's face it... we were blessed to have all that in our 20's. Fuck Britpop.

[nuts100]

Find the River
One of the most underrated songs ever. Just brilliant

[ToneLa]

will recommend The Wrong Child, Let Me In, Chorus and the Ring and Camera as ones that make me cry.

See ya x

[ToneLa]

Divock Origi seems to leave the club,
Yes yeah yeah yeah
Guardiola claims we stole it all,
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
last day I hope Villa score four or more
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
I hope that Mo Salah scores four or five.
Yesh yeah, yeah yeah

Let's play football, let's plan this
Yeah, yeah yeah yeah
see you at Anfield if you make the list
Yeah yeah yeah

Jurgen did you hear about this one?
tell me are you locked in for the cups?
Jurgen are you our king like elvis baby
Will we do the lot?

IF YOU BELIEVE
we will win the league
IF YOU BELIEVE
We've got the champions league and that's cool

[Flaccido Dongingo]

I saw them at Slane Castle in '95, they were ace, also saw them on 2 nights during their residency in the Olympia in Dublin in around '07 (I think), probably in my top 3 bands ever, really surprised that Stipe hasn't released much solo stuff, or even went on tour as a solo act.

[Linudden]

I saw them at Slane Castle in '95, they were ace, also saw them on 2 nights during their residency in the Olympia in Dublin in around '07 (I think), probably in my top 3 bands ever, really surprised that Stipe hasn't released much solo stuff, or even went on tour as a solo act.

The Olympia is on Spotify in full.

Was definitely an epic setlist. I also really love their gigs in Athens (GA) 1992 on the Automatic 25th anniversary (also on Spotify) and their 1995 performance in Milton Keynes (on Spotify via the R.E.M. at the BBC album). Special ones.

[Red Raw]

They were THE band to listen to in 1988 when I was 17. I'm 50 and it's utterly nuts to me that 33 years have gone by since 88. 33 years previous to 88 is 1955. The fuck? It was REM and then Dinosaur Jr. Then it was the early 90's and let's face it... we were blessed to have all that in our 20's. Fuck Britpop.

Was just saying: "I saw these a few years back..." *checks setlist* "...fuck me, that was in 1989!"

Good times, but fuck getting old! 

[ToneLa]

Having a look at their gig stats


Most played songs

    The One I Love (534)
    Losing My Religion (529)
    Man on the Moon (485)
    It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) (475)
    So. Central Rain (435)

[KillieRed]

Just got the two rarities albums. Excellent stuff.

[cormorant]

Nice bump ToneLa. I believe we've both had a little discussion about Shack before...smiles.

Well, it's pretty much a what side of bed did I get up on kinda thing as who are my favourite ever band...them or REM.

Can't do REM justice in words in any way whatsoever but will give it a little go to get a feel of things. Tiny band who knew next to nothing when they started out. Made it all the way up to be one of the biggest on the planet in the nicest way possible. Went from writing ABC songs (in Peter Buck's words) to making some really accomplished stuff, with their only real initial advantage being that the band included talented musicians. Total democratic approach to royalties. Evolved their style constantly. All of the band came across as proper decent human beings. Politically, environmentally and socially aware and/or activists. Also, Michael Stipe giving the shrugged shoulder kinda attitude to coming out as bi was brilliant (really felt like a big fuck you who cares to those that it stupidity bothered).

Fantastic and outrageously large back catalogue. Again, sort of what mood you're in for favourites. Would probably say that if I had to choose, Country Feedback would be number one. That revolving chord guitar solo is a thing of indescribable beauty to me. Too many highlights to mention. Recently, Ignoreland has been a big one for me... still sounds so fresh today. Tongue, Let Me In, thought Reveal was criminally underrated, bootlegs from live shows early on in Athens...so, so many.

Had the privilege of seeing them live 3 times. First was in Huddersfield in '95 on the Monster tour (I was 15 and absolutely begged my parents to be allowed to travel with a mate from school on our own from Merseyside), second was the Up tour in Manchester when I was at uni ('99 I think) then the last was traveling specifically to Milan in 2008 just for the gig. The Milan one turned out to be a couple of days after my mum's funeral. Would have missed it but my dad insisted that I went as my mum was always one for saying that life is for enjoying and she knew how much I loved them. Dunno why, but felt weirdly at peace when they played Driver 8 that night.

Edit: just whacked on a YouTube compilation. Begin the Begin. A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe... massive grin 

[Speedy Molby]

A personal top 10 (chronological order, one song per album)

Gardening at Night
Perfect Circle
Feeling Gravity’s Pull
These Days
Oddfellow’s Local 151
World Leader Pretend
Half a World Away
Try Not to Breathe
Strange Currencies
Electrolite

[tubby]

There's a really good performance of Begin the Begin with Eddie Vedder knocking about on YouTube, but really shitty resolution.  Sound is fine, love that song live.

Anyone else own Tourfilm?  Think I pretty much wore that VHS out I played it so much.  Stipe's ponytail was... something.

[cormorant]

There's a really good performance of Begin the Begin with Eddie Vedder knocking about on YouTube, but really shitty resolution.  Sound is fine, love that song live.

Anyone else own Tourfilm?  Think I pretty much wore that VHS out I played it so much.  Stipe's ponytail was... something.

Yeah, got Tourfilm on dvd. To replace my worn out VHS copy when I think of it as well.

Favourite b-sides? (now I feel bloody old, ha!!). Can't remember what single it''s off (Automatic era?) but First We Take Manhattan is one that springs to mind.

[KillieRed]

There's a really good performance of Begin the Begin with Eddie Vedder knocking about on YouTube, but really shitty resolution.  Sound is fine, love that song live.

Anyone else own Tourfilm?  Think I pretty much wore that VHS out I played it so much.  Stipe's ponytail was... something.

I used to watch Tourfilm with my mates before going out at the weekend, it got later & later and eventually was after 11. I also wore out the vhs, lost a dvd, and bought another.

“That better not be styrofoam, pal”

[KillieRed]

Yeah, got Tourfilm on dvd. To replace my worn out VHS copy when I think of it as well.

Favourite b-sides? (now I feel bloody old, ha!!). Can't remember what single it''s off (Automatic era?) but First We Take Manhattan is one that springs to mind.

Wall of Death & Witchita Lineman are favourites of mine.

[cormorant]

“That better not be styrofoam, pal”

This song goes out to the Exxon corporation

[Filler.]

Was just saying: "I saw these a few years back..." *checks setlist* "...fuck me, that was in 1989!"

Good times, but fuck getting old! 

Speak for yourself! 

Had Murmur on yesterday. Loved it again.

[Johnny Aldridge]

When I don’t know what I’m in the mood to listen to, I always stick on an REM album. I lost my virginity with Automatic for the people playing on repeat for the night. Good times.


... They paved the way for so much that came in the 90s. They were one of the first to sign to a major, go mainstream and retain credibility. They released great music right up to the last record. I Caught them live 7-8 times, I was drunk as fuck and don’t remember a lot of the 95 gig, but I can remember the rest. I was at 2 of the nights recorded in Dublin for the live album, Festivals, indoors, small and big crowds. They were great every time and mixed up their setlists brilliantly, I heard them play so many tunes from the first few albums, they were great for that.

REM soundtracked some of the best times of my life....

[Sangria]

Just got the two rarities albums. Excellent stuff.

Does it contain their advert for whalemeat?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tq33sEQF6Q

[KillieRed]

That`s frighteningly authentic for the people.

[Flaccido Dongingo]

Always thought Around the Sun was an underrated album, didn't release to much critical appreciation at the time, but there are some great tracks on it, Boy in the well, Aftermath, Final Straw, Worst joke ever, and obviously Leaving New York.

[Linudden]

Always thought Around the Sun was an underrated album, didn't release to much critical appreciation at the time, but there are some great tracks on it, Boy in the well, Aftermath, Final Straw, Worst joke ever, and obviously Leaving New York.

For me, the beginning of that album is right up there with their best albums, up until Final Straw, which gives me chills when I hear it understanding the context of those lyrics. Then sadly for me the record drifts away into obscurity afterwards. I would say that a best of 1998-2004 disc would be one of R.E.M.'s best albums and a bit like a more electronic Automatic album, even though they weren't quite able to make more than 4-5 gems per record during those three records.

The Great Beyond
Bad Day
Imitation of Life
All The Way To Reno
Leaving New York
Electron Blue
Walk Unafraid
The Lifting
Daysleeper
I'll Take The Rain
Lotus
The Outsiders
The Final Straw
At My Most Beautiful

That 15-song list is up there with almost anything they did. Although, admittedly, for me nothing will beat the trio of Lifes Rich Pageant, Document and New Adventues in Hi-Fi. Those three were just pure magic

[thejbs]

I found NAIHifi not to have aged well. Still some cracking songs on it but it wasn’t up to my original opinion of it. Some of the later albums which I was less keen on have aged better.

[mattD]

I started this thread as I felt abused by someone in the Radiohead thread but I mean this thread

To me

REM are the utter progenitors of modern indie. I don't even know of a band I like who don't owe a debt to them


<a href="https://YouTube.com/v/6e-LF21yFWM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://YouTube.com/v/6e-LF21yFWM</a>

REM? They're only the band Radiohead could have been! But in all seriousness, they are so far superior to the self pitying middle class prep boys in Radiohead its a joke.

[Sheer Magnetism]

Radiohead were much more influenced by Zooropa-era U2 anyway, I don't think there's really a direct thread from any of REM's stuff to Radiohead. The closest is probably the early ballads like High and Dry or Fake Plastic Trees, though they're probably closer to Nirvana.

[cormorant]

I found NAIHifi not to have aged well. Still some cracking songs on it but it wasn’t up to my original opinion of it. Some of the later albums which I was less keen on have aged better.

Would sort of agree. As a concept, the album didn't work. It was meant to be filler/live album between Monster and the next studio album, recording new stuff on the road. Having said that, looking back and also listening to some of the tracks on it, I'd say it hasn't done too badly in terms of aging.

Undertow
E-Bow
Leave
Be Mine
So Fast, So Numb

Think of it here as a stepping stone between the commercial success that preceded, the kind of more creative prog rock of those songs and the later electronic stuff of Up and especially Reveal in particular..

[Sudden Death Draft Loser]

Murmur is by some distance their best, yet barely gets a mention, everything after that is just okay.

[Victor]

Murmur is by some distance their best, yet barely gets a mention, everything after that is just okay.

It's brilliant but if I had to pick a favourite it would probably be "lifes rich pageant" f

irst saw them on the Tube ... They did a thing on American bands and REM were bottom of the bill but their jangly weirdness stuck with me and marked them as A band to watch out for.  A good while later they showed up on OGWT.  Did "Pretty Persuasion" and "Old Man Kensey" and were awesome.   One of those bands were the sum of their parts were better than anything they'd do individually.  Stipes voice is instantly recognisable Bill Berrys drumming chopping and changing all over the place  was never going to be the same once one of them left ...

[Linudden]

E-Bow, Leave and the last three songs including Electrolite carry that album for me, those five are so good that I overlook some of the other deficiencies of that record.

While I'm as big of a fan of Chronic Town as the next guy, Murmur is not an album I've fully grasped. On one hand, it has the highest floor of probably all of their albums, there's not a single bad song on it, but it just doesn't reach  the dizzy heights of almost any other record of theirs. On every other R.E.M. album there's at least one song that even me as a huge fan would deem hardly listenable! That being said, I can't even name my favourite Murmur song because the album is all a blur to me! Of their early stuff my preference is for Fables of the Reconstruction, which is an insanely underrated record. It's being let down by a couple of songs that were just bad ideas but I could listen to Driver 8, Life And How To Live It, Green Grow The Rushes Grow and Kohoutek all day long when I'm in that mood. Reckoning was very peak and valley. It has a way higher ceiling (Harborcoat and So. Central Rain) but lower floor than Murmur.

For people who don't know about some of their not-so-well-publicised early gems, maybe this could help

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Tv4nuD7q2uQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Tv4nuD7q2uQ</a>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/xxsYg2X6MLs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/xxsYg2X6MLs</a>

Then we have this unique cover of Vigilante Man that Mike, Peter and Bill did with Warren Zevon in 1987. This would've been sick had they released it with Michael singing it on Document

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/6NlIbuRmL20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/6NlIbuRmL20</a>

[ToneLa]

Acoustic man I do love this sesh

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/sOAWeZXj20M" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/sOAWeZXj20M</a>