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The lyrics are in this case more important than the light and happy feel of the music. I can tell you a true story, how some years ago at summertime, when I was visting my mother, two little girls were singing a song happily, although those lyrics had a bit nasty and sexual double meaning that every adult would know immidiately... but for sure those girs who sang it and were really happy:)
R.E.M. and the B-52's both came up through Athens, Georgia at the same time. In an interview, Kate Pierson said: "When the B-52’s started, there was no scene in Athens. There were no places to play, so we just played at house parties. A good mutual friend told me that I should go see R.E.M. The guys were so cute, so that’s the reason to go see them. [Laughs.] I lived five miles outside of town in a little house - a little love shack - so I rode my bike to a party and saw them perform. I was captivated. Even though we don’t have the same aesthetic or groove, R.E.M. is such an Athens band to me. We have such a similar and entwined history."
I was 7 years old when I first saw Kate and I developed an instant crush on her. 47 years later nothing has changed. At 75 she is still a fantastic singer and still just as beautiful.
His backing vocals make a huge difference on a slew of songs, but three I absolutely appreciate are on Find the River, Fall on Me and Near Wild Heaven.
@@davidmatheny1993 Yes! Esp on Find a River. I think Mills has a pop quality to his voice, but on FaR, his backing vocals are so melancholy and yearning
I know Michael Stipe said “If there was one song that was sent into outer space to represent R.E.M. for the rest of time, I would not want it to be ‘Shiny Happy People’.” but I love the song... especially Kate's voice :)
Like Stipe, Peter Buck more obviously wasn't vibing even during the video shoot lol. He makes some playful gestures with the guitar but I notice on every shot of him there is nary a smile!
This song literally save my life. I saw this video from bottom depression and bounce back into the brightness . Can't explain how it happen, but it does 👌 Tx REM, tx for the react 🖐️
No one will ever convince me that this isn't the saddest f'ing song on the album. Stipe's desperation to convince himself he's happy never ceases to affect me.
"According to some reports, the phrase "shiny happy people" was taken from Chinese propaganda posters used after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. However, no statements from the band members have been found to support this. Pierson said the song was "supposed to be shiny and happy ... So I can’t imagine that R.E.M. was thinking at the time, 'Oh, we want this song to be about Chinese government propaganda.'" "Speaking in 2011, Stipe said he was "always at peace" with it, but that it was "embarrassing" that it had become a hit. He said: "Many people's idea of R.E.M, and me in particular, is very serious, with me being a very serious kind of poet. But I'm also actually quite funny - hey, my bandmates think so, my family thinks so, my boyfriend thinks so, so I must be - but that doesn't always come through in the music.... (But) I'm in 'Shiny Happy People', 'Stand', 'Pop Song 89', 'Get Up', too. Our fruitloop songs!"" - Wikipedia
I love this song particularly BECAUSE its so dark. One thing about 90s music is that artists were very keen to be ironic with their lyrics. Even Barbie Girl has a fairly dark irony behind it.
The Chinese propaganda story is likely an urban legend. Stipe said that the song was "written for kids" in a 2016 interview with Willie Geist on TODAY, and Pierson was quoted as saying the song was "supposed to be shiny and happy ... So I can’t imagine that R.E.M. was thinking at the time, 'Oh, we want this song to be about Chinese government propaganda" in 2021 for VULTURE magazine.
I've heard it was in response to critics who said their songs are too dark & depressing. So they deliberately set out to make the sappiest song ever out of spite. There is a clip floating around where they performed it on Sesame street with new lyrics as "Fury happy monsters" and you can tell they're hating every moment of singing it.
The part of "there's no time to cry, happy....happy" gets me everytime, because in this world today we're always showing on social medias how happy, successful, beautiful we are, when deep inside most people are not feeling this way at all, and sometimes we really want to cry, but we need to be strong and show that we are "shiny happy people"!
I love the way Michael Stipe's voice works in conjunction with female vocalists, whether it's Kate Pierson (Me In Honey), the Indigo Girls (Kid Fears), Kirsten Hirsch (Your Ghost), Patti Smith (E-Bow the Letter), or Natalie Merchant (Photograph)... there's just something in his timbre, maybe the nasality, that just makes him so good at duets.
I've met pretty much everyone in this video... lived in Athens Ga in my late teens/early 20's in the 80's, I can attest pretty much everyone from REM and the B52's are cool normal very down to earth people.
I got to see them play in a small venue in my hometown when they were just first starting to tour and I got to hang out with them for a bit and I was there for soundcheck and whatnot also. So fun. I had heard them on College radio and bought their first EP and then their second album and I was just obsessed with them. Actually helped them carry some band equipment in. I was in a band myself and played at that venue a fair amount and so it all just made sense. They had a van with a trailer behind it for their gear and like any other band they just went across the country hoping their van didn't break down, and they came tumbling out of the van and looked pretty bedraggled, laugh.
Had no idea about that dark element and been listening to it on and off for decades. Still see it on its face value of being happy and loving people in our hearts.
I feel like you could hear that distinct timbe of Kate in a choir of a thousand people. So colourful. By the way, buy Beth’s album y’all! Buy it twice! I did. It was worth it!
I don't know how anyone could watch the video in particular and not realize it's satirical 😂 I didn't know about the propaganda part, I always figured it was about depression and having to fake being happy (which I guess isn't too far off).
I'd always assumed it was about cults or *something,* it's so bizarre - there's almost nothing to the lyrics beyond "putting it in the ground" "no time to cry" and the endless shiny happy peopleing - that it's genuinely surprised me that there doesn't seem to be anything confirmed. Oh well!
This is exactly my take, too. The song feels sarcastic to me. It’s so over-the-top that it feels like someone exaggerating happiness to mask depression.
Loved seeing the B's, REM and more when I was at UGA in early 80's. Herschel and the sugarbowls. They hung out at a lot of parties. So glad when they went national.
Mike Mills has a great voice too. He did leading vocals on a couple R.E.M. songs, but mostly did harmonizing vocals with Stipe. First heard him singing here, and it's why I like the song so much. Enjoy his vocals.
It is fun song. Kate is absolutely brilliant as always. I always dig the transition from the bright jangly riff in to the chord sequence for the verses where it goes to that minor F#, then A then E minor(well thats how i play it). Great video as always!!!
I've actually always viewed this song as being incredibly sad and lonely, about not being seen because you're not like everyone else, and just wanting to be noticed and loved. I always find it interesting when people describe it as happy, of course... we all have our own biases.
I didnt know the story, but i've always sorta heard the irony dripping from the song, so it always felt cathartic in a way, which ironically made it go full circle back to happy
Kate has an amazing and instantly recognizable voice , if i just heard it without the video i would know it was her and in fact if i did ot know R.E.M recoede it i would have sworn it was the B52's.
michael stipe is genius, thank you for the explanation of the dark background, then you can go to Orange Crush, is even "worst". Love R.E.M. forever, like your YT channel also :)
Adore this chord progression for the verse... (as a guitarist - so many minors!) Always have! Im glad they did this song even if they didnt want to be remembered for it! I think it lead them to and incredible song in 1994: 'whats the frequency, Kenneth' after this from what I remember and I was OBSESSED with that as well. It has a similar upbeat feel with the drum beat and guitars but probably a more REM in lyrical tone. Theres always a slight variation though each time the song seems repetitive... if you listen closely to 'whats the frequency' - the bass line evolves each verse... the melody of "you wore a shirt of violent green" in the chorus - Stipe goes into his higher range in an escalating way - the highest is the time they sing it after the guitar solo and its a great way to build dynamics/tension in the song based on the lyric content. Then in the final refrain they change "I never understood the frequency " to "I couldnt understand!" repeatedly In a more desperate way to finally (possibly) reveal the meaning that perhaps the song is not about a problem with Kenneth being on an inaccessible frequency/wavelength... the frustration is really with the person who isnt able to tune into that wavelength instead. There is a change of tenses as well from " I never understood" past tense like given up trying to... to "I couldnt understand" - seems more active and ongoing present tense like the person is still describing their past and current effort to try. TLDR: I recommend 'whats the frequency, Kenneth?" as a follow up to this song as it has a similar "happy" vibe and i think 'Shiny Happy People' helped them realise they couldnt write that kind of instrumental and have it be a hit.
Great reaction. As much as REM kind of disown this song, I absolutely love it. Yes, it's very different from a lot of their other stuff, but the groove, vocals, everything is infectious, and one can't help but feel shiny & happy hearing it (despite the origins). Kate's voice is such a perfect addition to this! Cheers.
Never thought the song has such a sad story behind it. Thank you, Beth. Now I see and hear more. I've put away the pink glasses (as we say in german). "There's more to the picture, than meets the eye... “ (so talks Mister Young 😜)
Micheal Moore used this song in one of his movies, sorry I didn’t know which one but in a mashup of various rich Arab Emirates and American Politicians and the song just plays dark to me, but that’s the only reason why I know it. Thought you would want to know! Bye!
I know all the REM fans and the band hate this song but i love it. I listen to prog rock a lot and metal and shit and love the rest of REMs catalogue byt this song is just so fine.
I was working with a friend laying this song back in to more of a cafe-jazz style and we were having all of fun with iy,. I really should get back to that project.
I know this is unpopular, but I think Michael Stipe's voice and emotional depth, the band's ability to be both creative but always working for the good of the song, and also the band's composition, hard work and commitment was their secret weapon.
Great back story. The song is really divisive among fans. Some think it's really cheesy and inauthentic, but it's clearly misunderstood by many. In that sense it reminds me of Born In The USA, although Shiny Happy People is much more subtle.
Both bands are from the same little town of Athens Georgia and came up together. REM has many upbeat songs, often with dark meanings, but their poppiest hits are really dark.
I didn't know the actual origin of this song till now, but even back in the day I thought it referred to those 'shiny happy people' with constantly pasted-on smiles. I think they call it 'toxic positivity' now.
Kate Pierson... what can I say. Such a counterfoil to male voices, with great harmonising, and soaring power with that Texan yodel to change notes. This is probably better than her duet with gravel-voiced Iggy Pop on Candy.
The way I look at it, works take on their own life as soon as they're released to the public, and they're not always the life the creator wanted or intended. I understand, of course, why R.E.M gets frustrated at people's reactions to this song, but when I hear it, I always think back to when I FIRST heard it, and had no idea about the context. I was in high school; it was right before lunch break, and I remember going out afterwards and walking down the hill from the school into town, on a beautiful day with the sun shining off the ocean, and this song was still in my head, and I remember just filling up with joyous optimism for the world and the future in the way that only a naive kid in his mid-teens really can. So it will ALWAYS make me feel good, and sorry, R.E.M, but there's not a damn thing you or anyone else can do about that.
Just had to pause it, as I don't usually dance, but had to join in with you... Nothing gets me up to dance, even though I used to be a gigging guitarist, some many moons ago... But being as you, and this track, broke my non dancing ways, I have just purchased your album... I love the tracks you have released thus far. Back to the reaction...
The other story I've heard was, their record company didn't want an other 'dark or depressing song. Which the record company felt most if not all their songs were. So told them the next song needed to be cheerful. And this was the result. Anyone know if this is true??
Beth, for years I've watched him in interviews just dismiss this song, he hated playing it and really didn't like doing it live to the point it's quite rare and youve just explained why this is the case. I had absolutely no idea and now, completely changed the outlook on this record. I was one of those who was like "what a happy and upbeat song" - you ruined it! hahah wow. You truly do learn something new each day XD
I guess I didn’t see this video very often but I listened to this cassette/CD commuting to university. Quite a lot lol. This is what happened pre-Internet. Pre-widespread Internet. Sometimes we had no idea.
Hmm, I think I'd bought a lot of their earlier LP's before this, and this one was the first one I got on CD. I know I played through all of the record, and I'd seen the video ad nauseam in the decades since. But that horrible orange cap I can't remember at all! It might have to do with me understanding just how gorgeous redheaded women look/are every time I see this video, but if so, I shall never admit to it! For some weird reason I think she looked wonderful in their BC 52 video for the Flintstones, as well! I'm glad you are a blonde, or brunette, so I can just enjoy the reactions! 🤔
🎵 Book a Lesson with Beth email beth@bethroars.com
📖 Get your signed copy of my album Fable here: www.bethroars.com/shop
☀ Find me on Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1W0He1MTuQoG0Yt2ccmhyL?si=b5qm82DmSRip8L4abe2-nw
🥁 Become a Patreon Supporter: www.patreon.com/bethroars
Hi Beth! I knew this was all but happy song from the first time I heard it back in the days, but didn't know it was about this particular tragedy.
The lyrics are in this case more important than the light and happy feel of the music. I can tell you a true story, how some years ago at summertime, when I was visting my mother, two little girls were singing a song happily, although those lyrics had a bit nasty and sexual double meaning that every adult would know immidiately... but for sure those girs who sang it and were really happy:)
I didnt know she was b52 untill you said it and now its obvious
If you ask Chinese people today, they’ll tell you, Mao was the greatest leader of all time
No point me booking a lesson with you Beth. I’m tone deaf and have the singing ability of a drowning goldfish!
No song with Kate Pierson is a bad song. She's got such a distinctive tone that just boosts your mood. She's a natural anti-depressant.
R.E.M. and the B-52's both came up through Athens, Georgia at the same time. In an interview, Kate Pierson said:
"When the B-52’s started, there was no scene in Athens. There were no places to play, so we just played at house parties. A good mutual friend told me that I should go see R.E.M. The guys were so cute, so that’s the reason to go see them. [Laughs.] I lived five miles outside of town in a little house - a little love shack - so I rode my bike to a party and saw them perform. I was captivated. Even though we don’t have the same aesthetic or groove, R.E.M. is such an Athens band to me. We have such a similar and entwined history."
I was 7 years old when I first saw Kate and I developed an instant crush on her. 47 years later nothing has changed. At 75 she is still a fantastic singer and still just as beautiful.
Same, and in this very video! 😆
I'm 41.
I had a bit of a crush on her as well when this came out 33 years ago. 🥰
And I'm almost 49 now. 😄
She’s 75 now? Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed. Love her.
@@Sir_OsisShe was in her early 40's when this video was recorded. It's pretty amazing when you see just how energetic she is.
@@Krendall2 Equally as amazing was being that this was from over 30 years ago, it was likely I was a 17 year old crushing on a 40+ year old woman. 😬
Love Katie’s voice but honourable shout out to Mike Mills- his vocals really make so much difference to their songs, love him x
His backing vocals make a huge difference on a slew of songs, but three I absolutely appreciate are on Find the River, Fall on Me and Near Wild Heaven.
@@davidmatheny1993 Absolutely and Texarkana is immense thanks to Mike x
I've always thought that Mike Mills' harmonies were REM's secret weapon.
@@davidmatheny1993 Yes! Esp on Find a River. I think Mills has a pop quality to his voice, but on FaR, his backing vocals are so melancholy and yearning
Mike is REM’s not so secret weapon.
I know Michael Stipe said “If there was one song that was sent into outer space to represent R.E.M. for the rest of time, I would not want it to be ‘Shiny Happy People’.” but I love the song... especially Kate's voice :)
He's definitely on to something. It's sophomoric cheer sheet pop
I remember in an interview decades ago the journalist asked “Do you have many regrets?” And Stipe said, “Ahh… Shiny Happy People.”
@@DonnyOsmosis Shiny Happy People or Chinese Happy People, not much difference .
@@revpgesqredux a good song is a good song
Like Stipe, Peter Buck more obviously wasn't vibing even during the video shoot lol. He makes some playful gestures with the guitar but I notice on every shot of him there is nary a smile!
This song literally save my life. I saw this video from bottom depression and bounce back into the brightness . Can't explain how it happen, but it does 👌 Tx REM, tx for the react 🖐️
Knowing REM, I knew better than to take it at face value. But a fun song's a fun song.
I feel like R.E.M's secret was always Mike Mills - he is such a great bass guitarist, and an awesome singer too, love him
No one will ever convince me that this isn't the saddest f'ing song on the album. Stipe's desperation to convince himself he's happy never ceases to affect me.
Agreed. I’m surprised so many find this song joyful. It doesn’t come off that way to me.
"According to some reports, the phrase "shiny happy people" was taken from Chinese propaganda posters used after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. However, no statements from the band members have been found to support this. Pierson said the song was "supposed to be shiny and happy ... So I can’t imagine that R.E.M. was thinking at the time, 'Oh, we want this song to be about Chinese government propaganda.'"
"Speaking in 2011, Stipe said he was "always at peace" with it, but that it was "embarrassing" that it had become a hit. He said: "Many people's idea of R.E.M, and me in particular, is very serious, with me being a very serious kind of poet. But I'm also actually quite funny - hey, my bandmates think so, my family thinks so, my boyfriend thinks so, so I must be - but that doesn't always come through in the music.... (But) I'm in 'Shiny Happy People', 'Stand', 'Pop Song 89', 'Get Up', too. Our fruitloop songs!"" - Wikipedia
I love this song particularly BECAUSE its so dark. One thing about 90s music is that artists were very keen to be ironic with their lyrics. Even Barbie Girl has a fairly dark irony behind it.
The Chinese propaganda story is likely an urban legend. Stipe said that the song was "written for kids" in a 2016 interview with Willie Geist on TODAY, and Pierson was quoted as saying the song was "supposed to be shiny and happy ... So I can’t imagine that R.E.M. was thinking at the time, 'Oh, we want this song to be about Chinese government propaganda" in 2021 for VULTURE magazine.
I've heard it was in response to critics who said their songs are too dark & depressing. So they deliberately set out to make the sappiest song ever out of spite.
There is a clip floating around where they performed it on Sesame street with new lyrics as "Fury happy monsters" and you can tell they're hating every moment of singing it.
I didn't know you could make so many minor chords sound so joyful. Joyful with a slightly unhinged vibe. It's clever.
The part of "there's no time to cry, happy....happy" gets me everytime, because in this world today we're always showing on social medias how happy, successful, beautiful we are, when deep inside most people are not feeling this way at all, and sometimes we really want to cry, but we need to be strong and show that we are "shiny happy people"!
I love the way Michael Stipe's voice works in conjunction with female vocalists, whether it's Kate Pierson (Me In Honey), the Indigo Girls (Kid Fears), Kirsten Hirsch (Your Ghost), Patti Smith (E-Bow the Letter), or Natalie Merchant (Photograph)... there's just something in his timbre, maybe the nasality, that just makes him so good at duets.
I've met pretty much everyone in this video... lived in Athens Ga in my late teens/early 20's in the 80's, I can attest pretty much everyone from REM and the B52's are cool normal very down to earth people.
I remember this being played in MTV, when MTV used to play good music.
I got to see them play in a small venue in my hometown when they were just first starting to tour and I got to hang out with them for a bit and I was there for soundcheck and whatnot also. So fun. I had heard them on College radio and bought their first EP and then their second album and I was just obsessed with them. Actually helped them carry some band equipment in. I was in a band myself and played at that venue a fair amount and so it all just made sense.
They had a van with a trailer behind it for their gear and like any other band they just went across the country hoping their van didn't break down, and they came tumbling out of the van and looked pretty bedraggled, laugh.
I always felt a dark undertone in this song. Thanks for the context Beth.
I absolutely adore REM's harmonies, especially the couple songs with Kate Pierson, and any songs Mike Mills does lead on
R.E.M. and the B-52's both came out of Athens Georgia.
Had no idea about that dark element and been listening to it on and off for decades. Still see it on its face value of being happy and loving people in our hearts.
Both of these bands are from Athens GA.
I thought there was only one Athens. In Greece.
You done it again Beth your infectious smile and life lifted this old Australian rocker day thank you ❤
I feel like you could hear that distinct timbe of Kate in a choir of a thousand people. So colourful.
By the way, buy Beth’s album y’all! Buy it twice! I did. It was worth it!
Thank you!!
I met Kate a few times in NY/ NYC back in the 90s. She was as beautiful in real life. Always love her voice- and, of course, her hair.
I don't know how anyone could watch the video in particular and not realize it's satirical 😂 I didn't know about the propaganda part, I always figured it was about depression and having to fake being happy (which I guess isn't too far off).
Nobody from thee band has ever stated that it was taken from that - it appears to be a myth.
I'd always assumed it was about cults or *something,* it's so bizarre - there's almost nothing to the lyrics beyond "putting it in the ground" "no time to cry" and the endless shiny happy peopleing - that it's genuinely surprised me that there doesn't seem to be anything confirmed. Oh well!
This is exactly my take, too. The song feels sarcastic to me. It’s so over-the-top that it feels like someone exaggerating happiness to mask depression.
Loved seeing the B's, REM and more when I was at UGA in early 80's. Herschel and the sugarbowls. They hung out at a lot of parties. So glad when they went national.
I had a daydream the other day me and an old female friend I had were singing this song in front of everyone. Good Times.
Mike Mills has a great voice too. He did leading vocals on a couple R.E.M. songs, but mostly did harmonizing vocals with Stipe. First heard him singing here, and it's why I like the song so much. Enjoy his vocals.
From memory, I think "Near Wild Heaven" would be an example, right?
I'd check but it's on a cassette buried in my basement storage...
@@mfree80286 Yeah, that and "Don't Go Back to Rockville'...think that's the song name.
It is fun song. Kate is absolutely brilliant as always. I always dig the transition from the bright jangly riff in to the chord sequence for the verses where it goes to that minor F#, then A then E minor(well thats how i play it). Great video as always!!!
I've actually always viewed this song as being incredibly sad and lonely, about not being seen because you're not like everyone else, and just wanting to be noticed and loved.
I always find it interesting when people describe it as happy, of course... we all have our own biases.
I agree. This song very much feels to me like someone putting on an over the top “happy face” to hide their depression.
I didnt know the story, but i've always sorta heard the irony dripping from the song, so it always felt cathartic in a way, which ironically made it go full circle back to happy
Kate has an amazing and instantly recognizable voice , if i just heard it without the video i would know it was her and in fact if i did ot know R.E.M recoede it i would have sworn it was the B52's.
michael stipe is genius, thank you for the explanation of the dark background, then you can go to Orange Crush, is even "worst". Love R.E.M. forever, like your YT channel also :)
Chair dancing together with Beth 🕺💃❤
I've always heard a satirical edge to it, never realized it was so specific.
I get that the lyrics are ironic, but when I hear that ascending scale on the guitar, I can't help but bop and smile.
Adore this chord progression for the verse... (as a guitarist - so many minors!) Always have! Im glad they did this song even if they didnt want to be remembered for it! I think it lead them to and incredible song in 1994: 'whats the frequency, Kenneth' after this from what I remember and I was OBSESSED with that as well.
It has a similar upbeat feel with the drum beat and guitars but probably a more REM in lyrical tone. Theres always a slight variation though each time the song seems repetitive... if you listen closely to 'whats the frequency' - the bass line evolves each verse... the melody of "you wore a shirt of violent green" in the chorus - Stipe goes into his higher range in an escalating way - the highest is the time they sing it after the guitar solo and its a great way to build dynamics/tension in the song based on the lyric content.
Then in the final refrain they change "I never understood the frequency " to "I couldnt understand!" repeatedly In a more desperate way to finally (possibly) reveal the meaning that perhaps the song is not about a problem with Kenneth being on an inaccessible frequency/wavelength... the frustration is really with the person who isnt able to tune into that wavelength instead. There is a change of tenses as well from " I never understood" past tense like given up trying to... to "I couldnt understand" - seems more active and ongoing present tense like the person is still describing their past and current effort to try.
TLDR: I recommend 'whats the frequency, Kenneth?" as a follow up to this song as it has a similar "happy" vibe and i think 'Shiny Happy People' helped them realise they couldnt write that kind of instrumental and have it be a hit.
All that glitters (or shines) is not gold. The heavy and dark introduction of the song gives you its real tone and meaning.
Kate in her prime is a beautiful thing! 😎
Thank you for the explanation this makes the song even better.
You should do Everybody Hurts or Losing My Religion next
Your shininess makes me happy!
Great reaction. As much as REM kind of disown this song, I absolutely love it. Yes, it's very different from a lot of their other stuff, but the groove, vocals, everything is infectious, and one can't help but feel shiny & happy hearing it (despite the origins).
Kate's voice is such a perfect addition to this! Cheers.
This song just makes me so happy.
i love this old r e m music video. 👍👍
Holiday in Cambodia by the Dead Kennedys is another good one seeming like a fun time but based on some real tragic events. Cheers.
Never thought the song has such a sad story behind it. Thank you, Beth. Now I see and hear more. I've put away the pink glasses (as we say in german).
"There's more to the picture, than meets the eye... “ (so talks Mister Young 😜)
Thanks Beth for becoming another background dancer. That brightened my day 😄
Love this song!
I love your insights, Beth. Thank you!
B52s and REM both hail from Athens, GA
Micheal Moore used this song in one of his movies, sorry I didn’t know which one but in a mashup of various rich Arab Emirates and American Politicians and the song just plays dark to me, but that’s the only reason why I know it. Thought you would want to know! Bye!
REM and B52s are fellow artists from Athens Georgia and friends
I know all the REM fans and the band hate this song but i love it. I listen to prog rock a lot and metal and shit and love the rest of REMs catalogue byt this song is just so fine.
Starting at 4:40 or so, it looks like the person dancing in the middle of the back row is “Future Peter Buck” - 😂
And now for "Man in the Moon".
Athens, GA has produced some great music. B52’s, REM, Widespread Panic, Bloodkin and many many more.
Michael Stipe said he was embarrassed that the song became a hit
React Teté Espíndola - Escrito nas Estrelas Brasil
I was working with a friend laying this song back in to more of a cafe-jazz style and we were having all of fun with iy,. I really should get back to that project.
I know this is unpopular, but I think Michael Stipe's voice and emotional depth, the band's ability to be both creative but always working for the good of the song, and also the band's composition, hard work and commitment was their secret weapon.
Great back story. The song is really divisive among fans. Some think it's really cheesy and inauthentic, but it's clearly misunderstood by many. In that sense it reminds me of Born In The USA, although Shiny Happy People is much more subtle.
Please do The Beachland Ballroom by IDLES from their from the basement session!
When the world ends this song will play in the end credits
It might have a dark origin but it's always made me happy and want to be a better person. My husband calls me a Hippie every time I play this lol.
Did not know that. You learn me
Both of them are from Athens Georgia!
Both bands are from the same little town of Athens Georgia and came up together. REM has many upbeat songs, often with dark meanings, but their poppiest hits are really dark.
beth you are so l❤vely
I didn't know the actual origin of this song till now, but even back in the day I thought it referred to those 'shiny happy people' with constantly pasted-on smiles. I think they call it 'toxic positivity' now.
yeah i always felt that there is a kind of quiet desperation behind the happy facade.... but could also be just me projecting
They wrote this very joyful songs like this, and few years laters their greatest sad hit "Everybody hurts"😮
Kate Pierson... what can I say.
Such a counterfoil to male voices, with great harmonising, and soaring power with that Texan yodel to change notes.
This is probably better than her duet with gravel-voiced Iggy Pop on Candy.
And I always thought it was pure joy.
The way I look at it, works take on their own life as soon as they're released to the public, and they're not always the life the creator wanted or intended. I understand, of course, why R.E.M gets frustrated at people's reactions to this song, but when I hear it, I always think back to when I FIRST heard it, and had no idea about the context. I was in high school; it was right before lunch break, and I remember going out afterwards and walking down the hill from the school into town, on a beautiful day with the sun shining off the ocean, and this song was still in my head, and I remember just filling up with joyous optimism for the world and the future in the way that only a naive kid in his mid-teens really can.
So it will ALWAYS make me feel good, and sorry, R.E.M, but there's not a damn thing you or anyone else can do about that.
Kate Pearson's (sp?) voice is just wonderful. Her duet with Iggy pop is one of my fave songs to just get me into a good mood
Kate Pearson did a song with Iggy Pop?! I'm looking that up as we speak because that sounds amazing
Since you put a '?' - it's Pierson, and yes, her voice is amazing! The duet with Iggy is awesome too.
😢 I didn't know that about the origin story. It always felt a bit ironic but ...
Ironic simulations of happiness are very danceable - see also Happy House by Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Thank You
Just had to pause it, as I don't usually dance, but had to join in with you... Nothing gets me up to dance, even though I used to be a gigging guitarist, some many moons ago... But being as you, and this track, broke my non dancing ways, I have just purchased your album... I love the tracks you have released thus far. Back to the reaction...
I had such a crush on Kate Pearson in this video. And generally around this time.
The other story I've heard was, their record company didn't want an other 'dark or depressing song. Which the record company felt most if not all their songs were. So told them the next song needed to be cheerful. And this was the result. Anyone know if this is true??
Personally, I still prefer the version they did on Sesame Street, "Furry Happy Monsters".
Beth, for years I've watched him in interviews just dismiss this song, he hated playing it and really didn't like doing it live to the point it's quite rare and youve just explained why this is the case. I had absolutely no idea and now, completely changed the outlook on this record. I was one of those who was like "what a happy and upbeat song" - you ruined it! hahah wow. You truly do learn something new each day XD
SHP is a phantastic song matter how many people think it's a cheesy one... they're wrong!
LOVE IT
Kate Pierson sounds so amazing in this song!
There s also not so subtle references to the movie "Soylent Green"
Just in case it hasn't come yet, the Sesame Street version, "Shiny Happy Monsters" is a necessary view too.
This was the first REM track I heard, way back in the day. Fir years I wondered why 'the chick from shiny happy people had gone'
I guess I didn’t see this video very often but I listened to this cassette/CD commuting to university. Quite a lot lol.
This is what happened pre-Internet. Pre-widespread Internet. Sometimes we had no idea.
REM and B-52s originated in North Georgia and share a regional accent.
I also love the Sesame St version - Shiny Happy Monsters!
A R.E.M classic
Sesame Street has Michael with muppets singing shiny happy monsters
Love Kate.
Let's not forget the version of this song REM did for Sesame Street, Furry Happy Monsters.
Hmm, I think I'd bought a lot of their earlier LP's before this, and this one was the first one I got on CD. I know I played through all of the record, and I'd seen the video ad nauseam in the decades since. But that horrible orange cap I can't remember at all! It might have to do with me understanding just how gorgeous redheaded women look/are every time I see this video, but if so, I shall never admit to it! For some weird reason I think she looked wonderful in their BC 52 video for the Flintstones, as well!
I'm glad you are a blonde, or brunette, so I can just enjoy the reactions! 🤔