pretty much anything from 1986 to 1998 is great music, but I like the early stuff like"Fall on Me"..."Out of Time " was probably their pinnacle, from 1991
I saw them in Philly on that tour. The crowd would go crazy every time he would get to the Elvis “hey baby” part (you would have thought it was Elvis by the crowd reaction). I was in the nose bleed section but it was still a fantastic show.
Mike Mills backing vocals are sooo key to so many R.E.M. songs. He adds a soaring, haunting layer here - the perfect complement to Micheal Stipe's voice
@@swami1 The "It's going to fall" part escaped me for many years because it's a bit buried in the mix. But once you know it exists, it's priceless. After Document, LRP is probably my favorite record. Toss up between that and the debut for 2nd place. Mills was vastly unheralded for his vocal contributions.
This is the song that truly catapulted them into the public spotlight. They had enjoyed a good bit of success before, but were still considered part of the underground/college circuit. I was in the crowd when they performed this song for the second time at Clemson University. Michael Stipe announced it as a new song they were about to release & that they had played it for the first time in Athens (GA) the night before, so we were the second crowd to hear it (Clemson is only about an hour & a half from Athens). They shared the stage with the band 10,000 Maniacs & Michael & Natalie Merchant (of 10,000 Maniacs) did a beautiful duet cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine". We all knew we were witnessing lightning in a bottle that night.
Same here. Natalie Merchant has plenty of great songs to choose from.She should be a Female Friday choice. Something from her Tiger Lily album, like Wonder or Carnival.
You almost can't go wrong with any of the great REM classics. This is certainly one of them. And, you guys are so right. Almost all their songs carry a super deep message. Such a vast selection in their catalog to choose from. I'm quite prone to the oldies "Driver 8", "So. Central Rain", "Radio Free Europe", "Talk about the Passion", and "Fall on Me", possibly my favorite, would be my suggestions.
Yup, this list is amazing. I really think the song you should do next is Fall On Me. (Though Driver 8 is one of my TOP fave REM songs its a bit more "simple") REM was my favorite band from the time I saw them in concert in 1989 for many years. (Note: both of those are moody, lol, as most REM song are :)) One more thing, I don't know if you've done The Indigo Girls yet (great for Female Friday!), they have a song that Michael Stipe makes an appearance on that is on my all-time list of favorite songs, called Kid Fears. The harmonies are ridiculous. Would love to see you react to that.
This song thrust REM into mainstream awareness and marked the end of Hair Metal as the dominant rock sound in the Top 40. It embodies the raw, personal expression that defined the 80s Alternative sound. The next song that went big is off the same album, Document, _It's The End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine)_ -- very worth a listen.
You guys really got this song on every level. But that is one of the things that makes your reactions so good....the appreciation for the vocals, the lyrics, the musicianship. And you just get it every time. And if you're not sure, you ask the such insightful questions....so thank you. And I love this song. Oddly enough, it helped me. That simple lyric hit home about a situation I was in and made me wake up. The bassist Mike Mills described being perplexed seeing couples holding each other dancing to this song in concert.....he said it is not a love song but is a brutal breakup song. And it is....the lyrics are simple but brutal. And thank you for mentioning Michael Stipes's amazing delivery...harmonizing with Mike Mills makes it even more satisfying. Then it has this great instrumentation that is both tough and oddly fun, even bouncy, and as you can see in the video, is actually fun to dance to.....and I remember doing just that. I apologize for going on. I'll get myself back to work now. Thank you!
They have an extensive, extensive catalog! So many amazing songs to choose from. "Sweetness Follows", "Find the River", "Fall On Me" and "You Are the Everything" are just pure beauty and "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" was a quirky song that is very catchy. Michael Stipe is the lead singer with a very distinctive voice, but the whole band was great together. Mike Mills, the bass player, was the one you heard harmonizing in this song, and he sings lead on "Superman."
You are the everything is my personal favorite along with Superman and Flowers of Guatamala, but you could pretty much throw a dart and hit a great REM song.
@@SaintPhoenixx Nightswimming is one of my favorites! I also forgot to mention the songs they did with Kate Pierson . Me In Honey is my absolute favorite of those.
This is one of my favorite REM songs. Please go back further into their catalog - Wolves Lower, Gardening at Night, Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Perfect Circle, Harbor Coat, Pretty Persuasion, So. Central Rain, Don’t Go Back to Rockville,Driver 8, Auctioneer, Begin the Begin, Fall On Me, Cuyahoga, I Believe,
Saw REM, when they were still playing frat parties in Athens, GA. I knew, that they were going somewhere, because they played original songs, not covers, & people still liked them. Normally, bands starting out, have to rely on mostly covers. Also, they had a film projector, so that they could have a sort of diy multimedia presentation going, while they played.
Wow, how cool to see them way back then. They started off college radio before they hit it big. Have all their albums. They were my favorite band for many years.
Two recommendations from REM… “Stand”, which has a completely different feel from the REM songs you have already done, and then “You are the everything”, which is so simple, and yet so hauntingly brilliant.
Great thoughts, I would add "At Your Most Beautiful" as (a) it's my favorite REM song and (b) I think it's a great complement to "You Are the Everything" - two fantastic love songs.
I love Michael Stipe's voice. So many of R.E.M.'s songs appeal to me... I think, most of all, I love "Shiny Happy People" which features supporting vocals from *Kate* *Pierson* from The B-52's. Many thanks to Amber & Jay! 💌 #RobSquadReactions #REM #TheOneILove
Great reaction. This one goes out to the one I love. The lyrics just hit so hard. I hope y’all do more REM maybe orange crush or Driver eight. You’re just scratching the surface of this band.❤️✌️🌼
If I'm not mistaken, this song was a hit in '87, and the following year "Never let me down again by Depeche Mode" was a hit. Together, they were a fresh sound, compared to other 80's tunes (sort of a prelude of what was coming in the 90's). Loved them both.
It was 1987, I remember seeing this for the first time on MTV when I was 10 years old and not fully understanding why I loved it so much. It was so different from what had been popular among my age group at the time but it definitely touched my little indie alternative heart 😊 This song, “Beds Are Burning,” and “Need You Tonight” were like a revelation to me back then
1987 was also the year The Cure released their album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me and the single Just Like Heaven. My introduction to many of the early Alternative bands came by watching MTV’s 120 Minutes every Sunday night during the late 1980’s. I was already familiar with REM and Depeche Mode, but 120 Minutes was where I first heard The Cure, The Smiths, Husker Du, Camper Van Beethoven, The Pixies, Siouxsie And The Banshees, They Might Be Giants, Violent Femmes and so many others.
Repetitive, relaxing, and haunting, this REM song is easy to learn, hard to master. Learning its complex tones and melody is challenging. My Mom is a massive REM fan, and when I learned this song fully, she was thrilled. Thanks for another great song!
When in junior high, early 90s, this was my favorite band. In an age of so many "one hit wonders" I vividly remember holding a R.E.M. CD and saying to my friend Cody, "I can't believe all these amazing songs are by one band."
The entire album that this song is from (Document) is just tremendous. It is dark and brooding and wonderful. Except for "It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)." In particular, Welcome to the Occupation is a criminally overlooked song!
I love this song. The guitar solo is basic but thrilling, there are 4 lyrics, everything is utilitarian and functional. Their aesthetic back then was best embodied in the title of their “Work” tour. No frills. Everything had a purpose. Their music on Document was like a rugged piece of industrial machinery. And this song is savage and subversive. Some people think it’s a love song, but it’s anything but that. So much going on in only a few notes.
Michael Stipe is a great lead singer, but the back up vocals with Mike Mills and Peter Buck really make a great sound. Bill Berry was an excellent drummer with such a distinctive sound.
More REM to check out: So Central Rain (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville Feeling Gravity’s Pull Driver 8 Crush With Eyeliner Wake-Up Bomb There are so many…
one of my all time favourite bands. And they have a wide range of styles. If you want something more upbeat, try Shiny Happy People, or (Don't Go Back To) Rockville, or Man on the Moon. For something similar to Everybody Hurts, you should try So. Central Rain.
Hey guys. As usual, another great reaction. I just need to say that you are without a doubt, the best at what you do. I was so glad to find out that your both teachers. You can tell that both of you have empathy when watching your reactions to both music and now movies. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like yourselves in it. I've been watching you guys for awhile now and I just had to say that. Don't ever change.😜
One of my all time fav bands. Musically and lyrically incredible. The harmonies of Stipe and Mills are fantastic. I regret not seeing them live before Berry left.
The bassist does a lot of back up singing. Not by any means an underrated band but they are quite the overlooked harmonizing duo. People think of Crosby, Stills and Nash or Simon and Garfunkel but I would put REM right up there with Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell.
Stand, Shiny Happy People, and Pop Song '89 are some more upbeat and pop R.E.M. songs. I also recommend Drive, Driver 8, Don't Go Back To Rockville, Fall on Me, Talk About the Passion, Strange Currencies, and So. Central Rain. There are so many great R.E.M. songs!
There are so many highlights from this wonderful band. My personal favorites are "Feeling Gravity's Pull" and "Fall on Me," but there are other greats like "Radio Free Europe," "Wolves, Lower," "Electrolite," "Begin the Begin," and "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville,"
REM has always been one of my favorite bands. You can't go wrong with most all of their tunes.. Recommend "South Central Rain", "Don't Go Back To Rockville", "Pretty Persuasion", "Can't Get There From Here", "Driver 8", and "Talk About the Passion"..
This group REM are possibly the best band the USA has produced , if I was going to discover more I would try Man in the moon or the end of world as I know it. They are simply America’s Rollings Stones , well loved in the UK
Their first breakout hit in the late 80's and to me remains at or near the top of their catalogue. It amazingly manages to keep you into it even with the repetitiveness of its entire production.
REM and my college years in the early 80s will always be synonymous for me. I started college in 1981, the same year I first heard REM on the college rock station in the town my school was located. That song was “Radio Free Europe” and I was hooked from that point on. Please don’t wait another year to react to more from the Athena Georgia band which were part of the soundtrack of my college life and beyond. Here are a few recommendations for future REM reactions. Beside the aforementioned “Radio Free Europe”, check out these as well “South Central Rain (I’m Sorry)”, “Rockville”, “Driver 8”, “Fall On Me”, “Gardening At Night”, “Talk About The Passion”.
Excellent band that dominated decades everywhere you went you heard R.E.M being played constantly on the radio Give me doctor whos tardis i want to go back in time
Amber & Jay, here are some other great R.E.M. songs to react to: "Radio Free Europe", "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)", "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville", "Driver 8", "Fall on Me", "Finest Worksong", "Pop Song 89", "Stand", "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", "Man on the Moon", and "Nightswimming".
I remember that michael stipe met arrested development back stage at one of thier gigs and was still amazed how this became a smash hit - it was the least in tems of lyrics (only about 40 words or so really) but the first real breakout hit. He was amazed it did so well so quick !! 😍😍😍 i still love it!!
Love you guys! REM is my favorite band after the Beatles. My favorite REM includes "Find the River", "Imitation of Life", and "What's the Frequency Kenneth?"
Nightswimming and Superman are two of my favorites for two very different reasons- one is super upbeat and catchy and the other is goosebump-inducing nostalgic. Just a super talented and diverse band out of Athens GA
Harborcoat. From their 2nd album, Reckoning, remains one of my favorite R.E.M. songs. Listened to their first 5 albums (The One I Love is from their 5th) hundreds of times. Love this band.
At the time many didn't get this was an anti love song about using someone. It frequently was dedicated by caller on the radio stations to their significant others with the intent of a simple I love you. So many songs to recommend. Literally most everything off their first eight albums helped define a generation. SO. Central Rain is a good start. It was one of their earlier successes after playing live on Late Night With David Letterman as an untitled song. Side note, the cinematography for this video was done by Alton Brown who went on to be star and host of several Food Network shows.
For a piano fan, Nightswimming is absolutely beautiful. Otherwise, Find the River is gorgeous and The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight is a great rocker. REM was the most important band of the 80's and 90's.
Amber, your ability to see deep into the lyrics of songs you are hearing for the first time and give profound interpretations so effortlessly is just astounding. Jordan, you are able do the same thing with lyrics, but more often you are drawn first to the musicality and instrumentation of a song and can perfectly deconstruct it. Both of you can then directly engage what the other has said and discuss it on equal footing. Together, you are truly an intellectual power couple. It's uncanny.
Great to see you getting back to R.E.M. One of my favorite bands, and so many songs to choose from - They've had many gems throughout their career. Some songs to consider: Man on the Moon, Fall on Me, Stand, Shiny Happy People, What's The Frequency Kenneth, Imitation of Life, and Leaving New York. And since you like Everybody Hurts, then give a listen to I'll Take the Rain - another somber and beautiful tune.
YESSSS to more R.E.M. Country Feedback! Half a World Away! They were so good it was ridiculous. Definitely worth watching some of their live stuff - like UNPLUGGED.
One of their first songs released was called Radio Free Europe, you can see where they started out. Also R.E.M. are from Athens GA, same home town at the B-52s.
If you want to hear an R.E.M. song that's not as moody you should try Shiny Happy People. I think you'll really enjoy it. The group is joined by Kate Pierson, one of the lead vocalists for the B-52's.
I love R.E.M. I am so glad you are getting back to them. Yes, two songs to get to next, Man on the Moon or Stand! You two are awesome by the way. I appreciate the joy of watching you're reactions to so many favorites this past year and a half!
Loved REM since the late 80’s. I remember going on holiday mid 90’s and there was 1 cd in the apartment we stayed in, thankfully it was ‘Out of Time’ what an album, love it to this day.
Listen to “Fall on Me” and “South Central Rain” from their earlier days. “What’s the Frequency Kenneth” and “Nightswimming”from their later stuff. Loads of goodness intertwined. One of my favorite bands. Fortunate to have seen them in the 40 Watt Club in Athens back in the 80’s and in large venues as well.
They are such a great band, so many different types of awesome songs. Hear them being very different, when they're cool and funky, listen to Radio Song to get a feelgood rhythm time!
So. Central Rain, Half a World Away, Radio Free Europe, Fall on Me, Me in Honey,You are the Everything, Find the River, Nightswimming ( must see video), What’s the Frequency Kenneth?. There are so many songs❣️ Michael Stipe’s voice is a life long crush for me. Great great songs with amazing lyrics and absolutely beautifully composed songs. And great musicians obviously!
Yes, REM is great. They were my favorite band for decades. They are primarily a progressive band with lots of amazing songs that weren't for the radio. They are deep. Michael Stipe is an amazing singer. The band is full of talented musicians. Their songs don't sound the same. In 1987 Rolling Stone magazine proclaimed them America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band. During the 80's and 90's the only band who outsold REM was U2. That's saying a lot. Yet, folks don't know them because they were album musicians. Not a lot of radio play. They are from Athens, GA and they truly are one of the best ever.
It's wild that he sings with such passion, since the lyrics say, you don't mean anything to me, now I've left you and moved on to someone else who doesn't mean anything to me.
Crazy I was listening to this song on the way to work this morning, and I was like REM has so many great songs and this one would be a great song for you to react to. 😮 Keep going they have so many great songs.
This has always been my favorite REM song, a lot of sentimental memories attached to it. I’d recommend Orange Crush next.
They already did that one.
Though if they want more harmonies, I would suggest Fall On Me.
My favorite REM song also. I recommend a deep cut off of their Out Of Time album called "Texarkana".
pretty much anything from 1986 to 1998 is great music, but I like the early stuff like"Fall on Me"..."Out of Time " was probably their pinnacle, from 1991
Yes! Orange Crush
Man on the Moon is another really great one by REM. It’s song about Andy Kaufman, an eccentric comedian from the 1970’s.
I saw them in Philly on that tour. The crowd would go crazy every time he would get to the Elvis “hey baby” part (you would have thought it was Elvis by the crowd reaction). I was in the nose bleed section but it was still a fantastic show.
Wow, I never knew that. Thanks
Great song! They should also check out "Shiny Happy People" for a totally different R.E.M. vibe.
Andy was on the sitcom Taxi. Such a great funny show. Danny Davito was in it. Great cast
Man on the Moon is my very Favorite REM song!❤
Mike Mills backing vocals are sooo key to so many R.E.M. songs. He adds a soaring, haunting layer here - the perfect complement to Micheal Stipe's voice
Especially on “Fall On Me.” His backup vocals make the song.
@@swami1 The "It's going to fall" part escaped me for many years because it's a bit buried in the mix. But once you know it exists, it's priceless. After Document, LRP is probably my favorite record. Toss up between that and the debut for 2nd place. Mills was vastly unheralded for his vocal contributions.
He is Superman.
@@swami1 This is probably my favorite REM song. The harmonies are so gorgeous.
Eddie Vedder when inducting them into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame called him their secret weapon, mentioning his background vocals
This is the song that truly catapulted them into the public spotlight. They had enjoyed a good bit of success before, but were still considered part of the underground/college circuit. I was in the crowd when they performed this song for the second time at Clemson University. Michael Stipe announced it as a new song they were about to release & that they had played it for the first time in Athens (GA) the night before, so we were the second crowd to hear it (Clemson is only about an hour & a half from Athens). They shared the stage with the band 10,000 Maniacs & Michael & Natalie Merchant (of 10,000 Maniacs) did a beautiful duet cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine". We all knew we were witnessing lightning in a bottle that night.
And by the way guys we are STILL waiting for you to react to Natalie Merchant and/or her band 10,000 Maniacs.
Yes! I’ve been suggesting 10,000 Maniacs or Natalie in her solo era for about 2 years. She/they are a perfect fit for Amber.
Same here. Natalie Merchant has plenty of great songs to choose from.She should be a Female Friday choice. Something from her Tiger Lily album, like Wonder or Carnival.
Jay would LOVE "Candy Everybody Wants"!
Sweet
Oh heck yes!! R.E.M. is one of my Top 10 favorite bands ever. This one goes out to the band I love!! R.E.M. has a HUGE catalog of great songs. ❤️ 🎵🎵
"It's the End of the World as I Know It", "South Central Rain", "What's the Frequency Kenneth?", "Fall on Me"...the list goes on and on and on.....
You almost can't go wrong with any of the great REM classics. This is certainly one of them. And, you guys are so right. Almost all their songs carry a super deep message. Such a vast selection in their catalog to choose from. I'm quite prone to the oldies "Driver 8", "So. Central Rain", "Radio Free Europe", "Talk about the Passion", and "Fall on Me", possibly my favorite, would be my suggestions.
This💯
Driver 8 for sure, others good as well
Yup, this list is amazing. I really think the song you should do next is Fall On Me. (Though Driver 8 is one of my TOP fave REM songs its a bit more "simple") REM was my favorite band from the time I saw them in concert in 1989 for many years. (Note: both of those are moody, lol, as most REM song are :)) One more thing, I don't know if you've done The Indigo Girls yet (great for Female Friday!), they have a song that Michael Stipe makes an appearance on that is on my all-time list of favorite songs, called Kid Fears. The harmonies are ridiculous. Would love to see you react to that.
I also list Fall On Me as a favorite. total classic
@alwaysengines, @rightoftheline6521, @michelleb9808, @feliciachaste, Big Thanks!!
Jay & Amber, you'll love their "Shiny Happy People" !!!! (it features Kate Pierson of the B-52s!!) Official video.
“Stand” is my favourite!
This song thrust REM into mainstream awareness and marked the end of Hair Metal as the dominant rock sound in the Top 40. It embodies the raw, personal expression that defined the 80s Alternative sound. The next song that went big is off the same album, Document, _It's The End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine)_ -- very worth a listen.
You guys really got this song on every level. But that is one of the things that makes your reactions so good....the appreciation for the vocals, the lyrics, the musicianship. And you just get it every time. And if you're not sure, you ask the such insightful questions....so thank you. And I love this song. Oddly enough, it helped me. That simple lyric hit home about a situation I was in and made me wake up. The bassist Mike Mills described being perplexed seeing couples holding each other dancing to this song in concert.....he said it is not a love song but is a brutal breakup song. And it is....the lyrics are simple but brutal. And thank you for mentioning Michael Stipes's amazing delivery...harmonizing with Mike Mills makes it even more satisfying. Then it has this great instrumentation that is both tough and oddly fun, even bouncy, and as you can see in the video, is actually fun to dance to.....and I remember doing just that. I apologize for going on. I'll get myself back to work now. Thank you!
They have an extensive, extensive catalog! So many amazing songs to choose from. "Sweetness Follows", "Find the River", "Fall On Me" and "You Are the Everything" are just pure beauty and "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" was a quirky song that is very catchy.
Michael Stipe is the lead singer with a very distinctive voice, but the whole band was great together. Mike Mills, the bass player, was the one you heard harmonizing in this song, and he sings lead on "Superman."
You are the everything is my personal favorite along with Superman and Flowers of Guatamala, but you could pretty much throw a dart and hit a great REM song.
I agree with "Find the River". It's probably my favorite, especially now that I've been to the ocean and back.
I almost forgot about "Fall On Me". Top tier right there!
Country Feedback, Nightswimming, Leaving New York, Half a World Away are also some of their more beautiful songs.
@@SaintPhoenixx Nightswimming is one of my favorites!
I also forgot to mention the songs they did with Kate Pierson . Me In Honey is my absolute favorite of those.
This is one of my favorite REM songs. Please go back further into their catalog - Wolves Lower, Gardening at Night, Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Perfect Circle, Harbor Coat, Pretty Persuasion, So. Central Rain, Don’t Go Back to Rockville,Driver 8, Auctioneer, Begin the Begin, Fall On Me, Cuyahoga, I Believe,
'A perfect circle,' is a beautiful REM tune.
Amazing R.E.M song ...my favorite song is "STAND" and "It's the end of the world"
"It's the end of the world" is right up Jay's alley
@@aleinstein3223 LEONARD BERNSTEIN!
Agree! Stand is such an empowering song with a powerful message to be kind and ethical and demonstrate integrity in all you do. It is a must!!
Saw REM, when they were still playing frat parties in Athens, GA. I knew, that they were going somewhere, because they played original songs, not covers, & people still liked them. Normally, bands starting out, have to rely on mostly covers. Also, they had a film projector, so that they could have a sort of diy multimedia presentation going, while they played.
That’s just before I was a fan. I saw them on their first tour of the U.K. and was blown away. Seen them many times. Fantastic live band
?? They were doing covers from the start, and even well into the first couple of albums....?
I didn't see them until they were touring for Reckoning. To this day, that's the most mesmerizing show I've ever witnessed.
Wow, how cool to see them way back then. They started off college radio before they hit it big. Have all their albums. They were my favorite band for many years.
@@elcorado83Not when I saw them in 1981.
Two recommendations from REM… “Stand”, which has a completely different feel from the REM songs you have already done, and then “You are the everything”, which is so simple, and yet so hauntingly brilliant.
Stand is a fun song, also with a meaning if you look for it.
Great thoughts, I would add "At Your Most Beautiful" as (a) it's my favorite REM song and (b) I think it's a great complement to "You Are the Everything" - two fantastic love songs.
I love Michael Stipe's voice. So many of R.E.M.'s songs appeal to me... I think, most of all, I love "Shiny Happy People" which features supporting vocals from *Kate* *Pierson* from The B-52's. Many thanks to Amber & Jay! 💌 #RobSquadReactions #REM #TheOneILove
Also, Fall on Me, Driver 8, and So. Central Rain are great songs to react to.
All great choices.
Great reaction. "What's the frequency Kenneth?" is another great song from REM
Great reaction. This one goes out to the one I love. The lyrics just hit so hard. I hope y’all do more REM maybe orange crush or Driver eight. You’re just scratching the surface of this band.❤️✌️🌼
Moody is the perfect word for this song. I used to walk in the rain blasting this on my Walkman. Jay’s face when hits that note was the best
Talk about a group truly having fun & loving what they're doing,, General Public "Never You Done That"...R.I.P. Roger 🙏❤️
If I'm not mistaken, this song was a hit in '87, and the following year "Never let me down again by Depeche Mode" was a hit. Together, they were a fresh sound, compared to other 80's tunes (sort of a prelude of what was coming in the 90's). Loved them both.
It was 1987, I remember seeing this for the first time on MTV when I was 10 years old and not fully understanding why I loved it so much. It was so different from what had been popular among my age group at the time but it definitely touched my little indie alternative heart 😊 This song, “Beds Are Burning,” and “Need You Tonight” were like a revelation to me back then
1987 was also the year The Cure released their album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me and the single Just Like Heaven.
My introduction to many of the early Alternative bands came by watching MTV’s 120 Minutes every Sunday night during the late 1980’s. I was already familiar with REM and Depeche Mode, but 120 Minutes was where I first heard The Cure, The Smiths, Husker Du, Camper Van Beethoven, The Pixies, Siouxsie And The Banshees, They Might Be Giants, Violent Femmes and so many others.
Repetitive, relaxing, and haunting, this REM song is easy to learn, hard to master. Learning its complex tones and melody is challenging. My Mom is a massive REM fan, and when I learned this song fully, she was thrilled. Thanks for another great song!
Document is my favorite REM album! Highly recommend listening to the rest of the album!
Document is kick ass..my favorite album by theirs...not that there there's a bad one
I think of Document as a Part 2 to Fables. Both very dark and underrated albums.
Document is my favorite as well....was just listening to it...
When in junior high, early 90s, this was my favorite band. In an age of so many "one hit wonders" I vividly remember holding a R.E.M. CD and saying to my friend Cody, "I can't believe all these amazing songs are by one band."
The entire album that this song is from (Document) is just tremendous. It is dark and brooding and wonderful. Except for "It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)." In particular, Welcome to the Occupation is a criminally overlooked song!
I love this song. The guitar solo is basic but thrilling, there are 4 lyrics, everything is utilitarian and functional. Their aesthetic back then was best embodied in the title of their “Work” tour. No frills. Everything had a purpose. Their music on Document was like a rugged piece of industrial machinery. And this song is savage and subversive. Some people think it’s a love song, but it’s anything but that. So much going on in only a few notes.
Michael Stipe is a great lead singer, but the back up vocals with Mike Mills and Peter Buck really make a great sound. Bill Berry was an excellent drummer with such a distinctive sound.
Peter didn't sing. It was Mike doing backing vocals, with Bill (occasionally).
This song is their best, IMO. It’s perfect in every way….full of memories, some painful and not so painful. 🖤🖤
More REM to check out:
So Central Rain
(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville
Feeling Gravity’s Pull
Driver 8
Crush With Eyeliner
Wake-Up Bomb
There are so many…
Yes, the older tunes!
@@leefertwayne8163 Yeah, I think Jay and Amber need to explore the Michael Stipe mumble!
Driver 8 was always my favorite,,,, I miss REM on college radio
Soo good!!! I am very thankful for you guys doing THIS song!!!! 😊❤😊
one of my all time favourite bands. And they have a wide range of styles. If you want something more upbeat, try Shiny Happy People, or (Don't Go Back To) Rockville, or Man on the Moon. For something similar to Everybody Hurts, you should try So. Central Rain.
Fall On Me would be a great follow up to this!!
I was never really an R.E.M. fan until I got the album recently and i cant believe how strong the nostagia is now, truly great songs!
Which album was it?
@@Cruithneach In Time..best of R.E.M. Great compilation!
@@uniquemum73 Nice! 👍😉
Reactions to R.E.M.'s music are always welcome. They are a great band, and this is one of my most favorite songs from a huge catalog of great songs.
Hey guys. As usual, another great reaction. I just need to say that you are without a doubt, the best at what you do. I was so glad to find out that your both teachers. You can tell that both of you have empathy when watching your reactions to both music and now movies. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like yourselves in it. I've been watching you guys for awhile now and I just had to say that. Don't ever change.😜
One of my all time fav bands. Musically and lyrically incredible. The harmonies of Stipe and Mills are fantastic. I regret not seeing them live before Berry left.
You should check out some of their earlier stuff like So. Central Rain or Radio Free Europe. Fall on Me is a bit later but is also amazing.
REM are fire!!! They have such a deep, deep catalog. It's my favorite band of all time. ❤ Michael is a brilliant artist😊
"E-Bow The Letter, What's The Frequency Kenneth, Leave," They have so many great songs.
Always loved loved loved that song!!! You can resist screaming 'Fire' each time he goes into it???
"What's the frequency Kenneth" is my all time favorite
First REM song I heard and got hooked straight away and have been a fan ever since!!!!
Fantastic Group & Song! Have Always Loved This One! Really SOARS! :) Thanks for the Reaction, You Guys!
The 80's were a great time for me to grow up in music wise. There were so many different types of genres to listen too.
Same as the 90’s
@@jasonkara7281 NAH ! Jordan always says he doesn't like the 90's
Great song! Love REM!
The bassist does a lot of back up singing. Not by any means an underrated band but they are quite the overlooked harmonizing duo. People think of Crosby, Stills and Nash or Simon and Garfunkel but I would put REM right up there with Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell.
And I add the duo of Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme also.
Stand, Shiny Happy People, and Pop Song '89 are some more upbeat and pop R.E.M. songs. I also recommend Drive, Driver 8, Don't Go Back To Rockville, Fall on Me, Talk About the Passion, Strange Currencies, and So. Central Rain. There are so many great R.E.M. songs!
This has ALWAYS been my favorite R.E.M. song. Can’t believe it came out back in the 80’s.
Yes! My favourite REM song! Mike Mills' superior backing vocals always gives me goose bumps.
R.EM: for those who love to something really different,and exquisite. Always. Amazing.
There are so many highlights from this wonderful band.
My personal favorites are "Feeling Gravity's Pull" and "Fall on Me,"
but there are other greats like "Radio Free Europe," "Wolves, Lower," "Electrolite," "Begin the Begin," and "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville,"
A MUST HEAR legendary music icon,,
Elvis Costello "Everyday I Write The Book"
Drive is another great song by them
"Man on the Moon" is another fun R.E.M. song
REM has always been one of my favorite bands. You can't go wrong with most all of their tunes.. Recommend "South Central Rain", "Don't Go Back To Rockville", "Pretty Persuasion", "Can't Get There From Here", "Driver 8", and "Talk About the Passion"..
This group REM are possibly the best band the USA has produced , if I was going to discover more I would try Man in the moon or the end of world as I know it. They are simply America’s Rollings Stones , well loved in the UK
Their first breakout hit in the late 80's and to me remains at or near the top of their catalogue. It amazingly manages to keep you into it even with the repetitiveness of its entire production.
REM and my college years in the early 80s will always be synonymous for me. I started college in 1981, the same year I first heard REM on the college rock station in the town my school was located. That song was “Radio Free Europe” and I was hooked from that point on. Please don’t wait another year to react to more from the Athena Georgia band which were part of the soundtrack of my college life and beyond. Here are a few recommendations for future REM reactions. Beside the aforementioned “Radio Free Europe”, check out these as well “South Central Rain (I’m Sorry)”, “Rockville”, “Driver 8”, “Fall On Me”, “Gardening At Night”, “Talk About The Passion”.
Great back story, equally great list! 😊👍
Hiya Jerry, Bang and Blame and Man On The Moon are good songs also
Excellent band that dominated decades everywhere you went you heard R.E.M being played constantly on the radio
Give me doctor whos tardis i want to go back in time
Amber & Jay, here are some other great R.E.M. songs to react to: "Radio Free Europe", "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)", "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville", "Driver 8", "Fall on Me", "Finest Worksong", "Pop Song 89", "Stand", "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", "Man on the Moon", and "Nightswimming".
I remember that michael stipe met arrested development back stage at one of thier gigs and was still amazed how this became a smash hit - it was the least in tems of lyrics (only about 40 words or so really) but the first real breakout hit. He was amazed it did so well so quick !! 😍😍😍 i still love it!!
Love you guys! REM is my favorite band after the Beatles. My favorite REM includes "Find the River", "Imitation of Life", and "What's the Frequency Kenneth?"
Nightswimming and Superman are two of my favorites for two very different reasons- one is super upbeat and catchy and the other is goosebump-inducing nostalgic. Just a super talented and diverse band out of Athens GA
I love your reactions, guys, simply because you are genuine music lovers with open minds to all genres of music.
So many R.E.M. songs to choose from, hundreds of them in fact. Stand, Electrolite, Disturbance at the Heron House, Daysleeper...the list is endless...
Harborcoat. From their 2nd album, Reckoning, remains one of my favorite R.E.M. songs. Listened to their first 5 albums (The One I Love is from their 5th) hundreds of times. Love this band.
Mike Mills, the bassist, has great bass grooves, and those wonderful backing vocals. definitely the band's secret sauce.
At the time many didn't get this was an anti love song about using someone. It frequently was dedicated by caller on the radio stations to their significant others with the intent of a simple I love you.
So many songs to recommend. Literally most everything off their first eight albums helped define a generation. SO. Central Rain is a good start. It was one of their earlier successes after playing live on Late Night With David Letterman as an untitled song.
Side note, the cinematography for this video was done by Alton Brown who went on to be star and host of several Food Network shows.
Another great "thoughtful" one is "Night Swimming." Great tune! Love your reactions.
Crush with Eyeliner, What’s the Frequency Kenneth, Stand, & Orange Crush are 4 other great hits from REM.
For a piano fan, Nightswimming is absolutely beautiful. Otherwise, Find the River is gorgeous and The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight is a great rocker. REM was the most important band of the 80's and 90's.
Great choice! Love R.E.M. -- so many layers of goodness -- and always, always a great hook!
Amber, your ability to see deep into the lyrics of songs you are hearing for the first time and give profound interpretations so effortlessly is just astounding. Jordan, you are able do the same thing with lyrics, but more often you are drawn first to the musicality and instrumentation of a song and can perfectly deconstruct it. Both of you can then directly engage what the other has said and discuss it on equal footing. Together, you are truly an intellectual power couple. It's uncanny.
Great to see you getting back to R.E.M. One of my favorite bands, and so many songs to choose from - They've had many gems throughout their career. Some songs to consider: Man on the Moon, Fall on Me, Stand, Shiny Happy People, What's The Frequency Kenneth, Imitation of Life, and Leaving New York. And since you like Everybody Hurts, then give a listen to I'll Take the Rain - another somber and beautiful tune.
YESSSS to more R.E.M. Country Feedback! Half a World Away! They were so good it was ridiculous. Definitely worth watching some of their live stuff - like UNPLUGGED.
REM was in my top 5 when my Daughter sang "Fall On Me" a great song
One of their first songs released was called Radio Free Europe, you can see where they started out. Also R.E.M. are from Athens GA, same home town at the B-52s.
If you want to hear an R.E.M. song that's not as moody you should try Shiny Happy People. I think you'll really enjoy it. The group is joined by Kate Pierson, one of the lead vocalists for the B-52's.
I love R.E.M., particularly their early catalog, Murmur (1983) thru Document (1987). More reactions please!
I love R.E.M. I am so glad you are getting back to them. Yes, two songs to get to next, Man on the Moon or Stand! You two are awesome by the way. I appreciate the joy of watching you're reactions to so many favorites this past year and a half!
Loved REM since the late 80’s. I remember going on holiday mid 90’s and there was 1 cd in the apartment we stayed in, thankfully it was ‘Out of Time’ what an album, love it to this day.
“E-Bow the Letter,” REM with Patti Smith. Great song
This is the first REM song I ever heard, and remains one of my favorites. It definitely has a haunting feel to it
80s REM is my favorite era of the legendary band
This song, "SOUTH CENTRAL RAIN (I'M SORRY)" and "BANG AND BLAME" are my favorite songs from REM.
Listen to “Fall on Me” and “South Central Rain” from their earlier days. “What’s the Frequency Kenneth” and “Nightswimming”from their later stuff. Loads of goodness intertwined. One of my favorite bands. Fortunate to have seen them in the 40 Watt Club in Athens back in the 80’s and in large venues as well.
They are such a great band, so many different types of awesome songs. Hear them being very different, when they're cool and funky, listen to Radio Song to get a feelgood rhythm time!
So. Central Rain, Half a World Away, Radio Free Europe, Fall on Me, Me in Honey,You are the Everything, Find the River, Nightswimming ( must see video), What’s the Frequency Kenneth?. There are so many songs❣️ Michael Stipe’s voice is a life long crush for me. Great great songs with amazing lyrics and absolutely beautifully composed songs. And great musicians obviously!
This is one of the best R.E.M. songs ever
80s REM is outstanding! Any song on Fables of the Reconstruction is great but I strongly recommend "Feeling Gravity's Pull"
Great choice what a song.
Forgot how much I love this song. Adding it to my tunes tonight~
My personal favourite REM song, some really fond memories associated with it.
Yes, REM is great. They were my favorite band for decades. They are primarily a progressive band with lots of amazing songs that weren't for the radio. They are deep. Michael Stipe is an amazing singer. The band is full of talented musicians. Their songs don't sound the same. In 1987 Rolling Stone magazine proclaimed them America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band. During the 80's and 90's the only band who outsold REM was U2. That's saying a lot. Yet, folks don't know them because they were album musicians. Not a lot of radio play. They are from Athens, GA and they truly are one of the best ever.
It's wild that he sings with such passion, since the lyrics say, you don't mean anything to me, now I've left you and moved on to someone else who doesn't mean anything to me.
First time I heard this was riding in a friends 1968 Ford Mustang in California red on the way to soccer practice. Fell in love instantly.
Crazy I was listening to this song on the way to work this morning, and I was like REM has so many great songs and this one would be a great song for you to react to. 😮
Keep going they have so many great songs.
"Nightswimming" is probably my favorite REM tune....from probably my favorite REM album.