I honestly think this is one of the most important songs of the 20th century. Also, the phrase, “loosing my/his religion” was old-timey slang for going crazy, throwing a tantrum, yelling shouting etc. So, it’s not *quite* as esoteric, or existential as it first seems.
From Wikipedia: “Stipe has repeatedly stated that the song's lyrics are not about religion. The phrase "losing my religion" is an expression from the southern region of the United States that means "losing one's temper or civility" or "feeling frustrated and desperate." Stipe told The New York Times the song was about romantic expression. He told Q that "Losing My Religion" is about "someone who pines for someone else. It's unrequited love, what have you." Stipe compared the song's theme to "Every Breath You Take" (1983) by The Police, saying, "It's just a classic obsession pop song. I've always felt the best kinds of songs are the ones where anybody can listen to it, put themselves in it and say, 'Yeah, that's me.'"
Absolutely accurate re: the phrase “losing my religion.” Here in the south we say it pretty regularly. It could be about traffic, football, the weather, you name it.
These boys need to listen to the song again with the understanding that you posted. I think They will give it a better ranking and think the lyrics are less esoteric.
I feel you… know this song for 25 years but now I got it: being treated no good at all, trying everything but never been good enough, trying to excuse all the hurts and blamings. I am so glad that I was losing my religion 💪
I'm in the school of REM fans that says you HAVE to try their old stuff. You've heard two of their 90s pop hits, but you need to check out the 80s songs that literally inspired college rock and alt rock. The REM song in this week's poll is a ballad, and it's a great song, but it doesn't represent that sound that influenced everyone after them. I would suggest Radio Free Europe, Can't Get There From Here or Driver 8. For deep cuts try their first EP, Chronic Town. I would go with Stumble or Wolves, Lower.
The first REM I was aware of is "Fables of Reconstruction" album which I recall being much heavier than anything they became popular with. I didn't take note again till a bit later I'm afraid.
Absolutely - great choices for a first dive into their earlier stuff. To me that's all absolutely foundational to alternative rock. Can't Get there from Here is still one of my all time favorites.
My personal favorite by them. Fun fact: The guitarist, Peter Buck, actually played one of Kurt Cobain's guitars for the video. Cobain died earlier that year, and Courtney Love gave Buck his Jag-Stang as a gift.
LOVE this song! I distance run and my long runs are early before the sun comes up. I’m safe and don’t put in headphones while I run, but I do play it on my phone and it makes my run feel like I’m floating. Why are they so damn good?!?!❤
The whole album, Automatic for the People, is an absolute masterpiece. My two favorite songs on the album are Try Not to Breathe and Sweetness Follows. They both make me cry.
@Dan L. LOL it’s all in your head I’m 62 yo my brain tells me I’m 20 my body tells me I’m 120 n my dad always tells me I’m not 18 anymore. I compromise n say I’m perpetually 29 at least that’s what I tell the g/kids!!! 😅
Dan...seriously though, Andy & Alex have SO MUCH MORE music and artists to listen to,it's not even funny.... bands, male and female artists. unbelievable.
Honestly I feel like there’s no way that they been listening some songs for the first time, like it’s ridiculous. They’re not 10 or 15 years so to me it seems a little bit impossible that they never came across some of the songs that they state hearing for the first time. Maybe it’s clickbait? Idk.. but I’ve been doubting a lot of RUclipsrs who claims to hear a song for the first time when they’re clearly old enough to have listened for a couple of times
I’m old enough to remember Peter Buck being interviewed on MTV when this album was released - he said “This will probably be the only major release this year with a mandolin”
You have to hear "Radio Free Europe" to understand their sound from the beginning. It's excellent. "Begin the Begin" is one of my favorite songs of the 80s.
I was driving through rural Indiana the other week and I stopped at a Walmart. "Begin the Begin" was playing in the store and I thought for certain I was having auditory hallucinations.
Yep,. I'm 36 but I heard this on the radio all the time when I was a kid but I see college kids and even adults my age who somehow haven't heard it before I'm like just like what? How is that possible. :P
"Can't get there from here", "Driver 8", "Fall On Me", "(Don't go back to) Rockville", So. Central Rain", "Radio Free Europe", "Pretty Persuasion", really good songs!
A good place to start for 80s REM is "Radio Free Europe" from the album Murmur. I believe this album was influential for Grunge bands mainly in showing that a mumbling vocal style could be an effective musical choice in singing. REM is a national treasure.
This was such a monumental song. I understand that the phrase "losing my religion" is a southern phrase (the band was from Georgia) that didn't necessarily have anything to do with religion; rather, it refers to losing one's faith in anything. Perhaps you guys can confirm this?
It means someone or something is causing you to lose your patience. As in: “Girlfriend, if you keep doing that, you are going to cause me to lose my religion.”
My favorite REM song. Michael Stipe the lead singer for the band wrote the lyrics for this. He said he wanted to write a song about obsession and unrequited love, a very dangerous combination. Throughout the song, he is baring his soul, searching for hidden meaning and hopeful signs, but driving himself mad in the process. Okay little know fact, which you knew was coming. This song has its origins in guitarist Peter Buck's efforts to try learn to play the mandolin. When he played back recordings of his first attempts, he heard the riff and thought it might make a good basis for a song. Every bit of mandolin on the record was recorded live, he didn't do any overdubbing. If you listen closely, on one of the verses there's a place where he messed up and decided to just leave it since it was recorded live. As always fantastic reaction guys. stay safe and peeace outtt
I saw The Police play Shea Stadium in NYC on their Synchronicity tour. That show was opened by an, as yet, unsigned band named REM. I was familiar with them via their first release but what an amazing opportunity for them and me. Joan Jett played between them. What a show!
So many great 80s R.E.M. songs: Begin The Begin, Orange Crush, Fall on Me, Gardening at Night, Radio Free Europe, Finest Worksong, Nightswimming, So. Central Rain, Driver 8, Pretty Persuasion
Andy you are absolutely correct about the impact and the influence they've had not only on artists who followed but also on multiple genres. So far you've heard late '80s and early '90s R.E.M. Your next listen should be something from their earlier catalog. "Radio Free Europe" from '83, "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)" from '84, and "Fall on Me" from '86 are all worthy and are great examples of how they were way ahead of their time.
You need to hit Everybody Hurts or The full Automatic for the People album. REM are such a great and influental band. Murmur is also a great album by them which you should check out, one of the best albums ever!! Drive, Radio Free Europe, So Central Rain, Driver 8, Fall On Me, The One I love, Orange Crush, Stand, Shiny Happy People, YOU GOTTA HIT THEM ALL! You guys would really like R.E.M.
Yeah, Everybody Hurts is one of those songs that feels like surely somebody had already written it - instant classic. People will still be listening to that one in a hundred years.
I don’t think they’ll like REM. I think you just have to an epiphany moment when it comes to alternative, college and new wave stuff and I think theses guys are more classic rock. Nothing wrong with that but the songs in this era especially in the 80s aren’t big guitar solos and drum fills.
REM is one of those bands you feel or don’t. While I love them I know they aren’t everyone’s cup tea. Document is my favorite album of theirs but their early stuff is fantastic and much different. To each their own because music is personal.
This entire album by R.E.M., Out of Time, is really good. "Low", "Texarkana" & "Near Wild Heaven" are my particular favorites but there's really not a weak song where you're feeling like your just want to skip to the next one.
There are several distinct phases of this band's career. The first three albums comprise their influential early work, where they were helping to create the blueprint for college rock, indie music, alternative. The next three are sort of their step up towards a more outward approach: bigger sonically, lyrically more direct, generally heavier, though they always did the more pastoral acoustic songs along the way. This song is from the album that launched them into the mainstream, and the album that followed that one is even bigger. There are a couple of outliers after that, and their work after the original drummer left is generally more experimental, though I would say their final two albums were sort of a return to classic late 80's form. One of those bands that always had something you liked on every album, even if you didn't really care for the album as a whole.
This song reminds me of "Sunny Came Home" from Shawn Colvin, because their both mid-tempo pop songs with acoustic guitars underpinning them, but also because they are both from relatively "fringe" artists that I loved for years that absolutely blew up into the mainstream around the same time with these two songs.
Shawn Colvin is a great singer & "Sunny Came Home" was really catchy. The first time I saw her was when she did a terrific duet with Bruce Hornsby, back in 1990, called "Lost Soul".
R.E.M. is truly one of my top 3 bands. I saw them play at a frat house in Athen on the University of Georgia campus as a intern at CNN. They’ve only done two songs once they crossed over to superstar status and the top 40 genre. They were a true college rock indie group in the 80s that forged their way to the mentioned above status. Radio Free Europe, Driver 8, The One I Love and So. Central Rain too, a few which are all worthy reaction songs.
This band had so many strong hits. I think The One I Love and Everybody Hurts have to be heard. I think Everybody hurts has got to be their biggest accomplishment. That song is so important, and a deserving music classic. But then again, The One I Love is right there as well. Shiny Happy People is great too. REM was its own sound that defined a musical era whether you were a fan or not. HUGE, huge, huge! Great music.
Can't fathom somebody not giving this at least an A. But maybe that's because I associate this with my High School years which is when it when came out. Plus the music video was on constantly and that video is so amazing.
@@John_Locke_108 It's their first listen, sometimes it takes a few listens to really vibe with a song. It's an S for me and I was guessing they both would give it an A+ but I understand too that these guys just aren't familiar with R.E.M. the same way people were in the late 80s and 90s.
@@trouty42 True, true. I just have memories of feeling like this was the greatest song I ever heard when it first came out. And I really wasn't into REM at the time.
Can't believe that this didn't get an S. Such an awesome song! Definitely one of their very best songs from their most successful albums and it was HUGELY popular. So some may speculate about the songs meaning, but take it from the horse's mouth (Stipe who wrote the lyrics). From Wikipedia: "Stipe has repeatedly stated that the song's lyrics are not about religion. The phrase "losing my religion" is an expression from the southern region of the United States that means "losing one's temper or civility" or "feeling frustrated and desperate."[11] Stipe told The New York Times the song was about romantic expression.[12] He told Q that "Losing My Religion" is about "someone who pines for someone else. It's unrequited love, what have you."[13] Stipe compared the song's theme to "Every Breath You Take" (1983) by The Police, saying, "It's just a classic obsession pop song. I've always felt the best kinds of songs are the ones where anybody can listen to it, put themselves in it and say, 'Yeah, that's me.'""
So many great choices for early REM. My suggestions would be either Driver 8 or, if you’re still in the mood for parentheses, (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville
Yay!! Finally... the homeboys🤗 I was living in Atlanta just as so many amazing groups were coming into being including R.E.M., Indigo Girls and more. I remember taking a trip over to UGA in Athens (Georgia) with some buddies to see a band people were buzzing about. They were playing that evening behind the football field. That group was a rough, but ready R.E.M. Shortly thereafter the rest of the world was let in on the secret and they skyrocketed to stardom🎊
I love R.E.M.! They’re so different. Green is probably my favorite album from them. Y’all need to hear Everybody Hurts. I also love What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? and The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight. Fall On Me, Driver 8, Don’t Go Back to Rockville….the list goes on. They’re a mood for sure.❤
I love 'Kenneth.' Somebody's got to tell the story. CBS newsman, Dan Rather, was attacked and beaten on the streets of NYC by a crazed man who asked him, "What's the frequency, Kenneth"? The man got away but was later arrested after he shot and killed an NBC stage hand. He thought the TV broadcasts were controlling his thoughts through radio waves. How could that not make anyone curious to hear the song? Plus, it's a great song.
The cameraman was told to follow micheals movements in the scenes where he is seated. If you watch you'll see him raise the camera when he thinks Micheal is going to stand up.
By the way guys, you're really missing out on a lot of great 80s alternative rock, which were the precursors of the 90s alt-rock we've grown to love. Some examples besides REM are: The Cure - Just Like Heaven The Pixies - Monkey Gone to Heaven Janes Addiction - Jane Says The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again Echo and the Bunnymen - Lips Like Sugar U2 - I Will Follow And sooo many others! There is a vast array of genres and musical styles that are unique to the 80s that you still haven't tapped into. Unlike what most people here think, the 80s was not just a bunch of cheesy pop songs or hair metal !!
Radio Free Europe should have been the very first song to hit from R.E.M. That was the first song to get them noticed, and the rest is history. One of my favorite bands. 😎
Between 1983 and 1988 these guys put out an amazing album every year. That is totally unheard of now days. They were so prolific during their Hay Day. The entire Lifes Rich Pagent album is a masterpiece.
Life's Rich Pageant is my favorite, and the one I recommend to those who want to know where to start (assuming they are already open minded music lovers and not necessarily looking for only the big hits)
REM, like Nirvana, are famous for their esoteric lyrics so that you feel the song rather than have the lyrics lay it out for you. Their 80s catalog is so diverse in sound that you can hit anything and it will be fresh. So Central Rain, Driver 8, Can't Get There From Here are all great intros to the band.
R.E.M. "The One I Love",, "Fall On Me",, "Radio Song",, "Everybody Hurts",, "Man On The Moon",,"Orange Crush",, "Driver 8",, "Near Wild Heaven" & "Cuyahoga"
This came out when I was a teen. You could hear that it was a melancholy song. Once l saw the video it added to how good the song was. Being older and getting into the lyrics the song is absolutely S tier for me and brings me to tears decades later. I bet after future listens A&A's rating will change.
Peter Buck, their guitarist, said he picked up playing the mandolin for this album (their 7th full studio album) because he was in danger of actually becoming proficient on the regular guitar.
REM, the band that saved the 80s. This is one that you also have check out the video for. It is a step or three above. Pure artistry. REM are known for their enigmatic contemplative lyrics. Part of the appeal. Need to check out "Driver 8" and "Orange Crush" among about 100 other suggestions I could make.
I was a radio DJ in the 80's. I was blown away when I heard Radio Free Europe. It sounded like nothing else. It felt like taking a drink of cold water after being outside working on an extremely hot day. They only got better as time went on. Love this band.
REM goes brave with the mandolin in a folky reflective song about losing "faith" with culture...!! The drums are light; so is the bass...but the lyrics are "rich" . The whole album is legit (Out of Time) has beautiful gems like: Texarkana. So good. Their next album: Automatic for The People..... has string arrangements by Zeppelin's John Paul Jones!! Reflective...and full of sorrow. I imagine their subsequent album "Monster" will strike a chord with A&A fans. It's a JAM!! "Crush with eyeliner" ....and "what's the frequency Kenneth" are gr8!!!
"Fall on Me", "Man on the Moon", "Shiny Happy People" (collab with B-52's)... so many great choices. Was in college while they were touring bars in the early 80's.
"Losing my religion", as many people have already pointed out, is a Southern adage. I'd thought you'd both would know the meaning since you're both from the South. 😺 Other R.E.M. songs to check out, "Driver 8", "Orange Crush", or "Fall On Me". 😻
Still my all-time favorite band. Growing up in the 80’s they were everything. Murmur is still my favorite album. I encourage a reaction to something off the Chronic Town EP.
Next stop for REM, take your pick from among these early REM songs and you'll hear why they had such a lasting impact on alternative rock: Radio Free Europe, So. Central Rain, Driver 8, or Fall on Me
These ^ Radio Free Europe is important, because it started a trend of different ethics and navigation in the music world - the DIY alternative artistic approach. REM are phenomenally influential on the way music changed direction. The fact that they "did it themselves" and became so popular is how they were impactful. REM came up through the underground, and by doing this, they inspired unknown bands to follow their lead finally getting record deals (with independent labels) and their music finally heard. I for one am so grateful, as I wasn't sure what kind of music I wanted to listen to next when new wave was getting too over-produced and polished
@@susanklasinski1805 They really did blaze the trail for the underground music that exploded into the mainstream in the 90s, and it all started with Radio Free Europe
The two we recently put on polls would be great songs to hit from slightly different eras of the band, So. Central Rain and Fall on Me. Radio Free Europe is the song that put them on the map. Driver 8 has the quintessential early R.E.M. sound with a driving beat and jangly guitars. Can’t Get There From Here has a funkier danceable sound with a great lead bass from Mike Mills and (Don’t Go) Back to Rockville is a piano driven song with a country honk backbone.
It's interesting I have yet to see anyone mentioning "Stand"! It has to be 1 of their top 5 hits. To be honest, I got annoyed with how often I heard it, haha!!
One of the best bands of ALL TIME. And that was before this huge hit was ever released! Murmur, Fables of the Reconstruction, Reckoning and Life Rich Pageant were all huge on the college scene before they blew up with this song. They had a few "hits" before this, but this made them international superstars. But I love all their albums before this one.
Andy mentioned the "pre-grunge" influence - you may be interested to know that lead singer Michael Stipe is Francis Bean Cobain's godfather, and was one of Kurt's best friends near the end of his life. Michael inducted Nirvana into the Rock Hall a few years back.
Great tune from the band at their height. The video is iconic. I many times didnt get them lyrically but I still enjoyed listening to them. Good ole southern buds from Athens Ga.
One of the few "always on the radio" songs that I never got tired of - although I would never put it in my all time top 10 or even top 20 - but I do like it and can listen to it any time it plays. The song on this album that I really love is "Near Wild Heaven". It's one of those songs with layered harmonies which always appeals. The odd thing is that it has a stupendous guitar intro and then it falls completely flat and I still remember the first time I heard it I thought "Oh! something broke there" - but it builds from that brief moment of disappointment into something great. Now THAT song would often be in any top 20 I might compile! Also have a go at "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" - more rock guitar sustain than anyone ever thought possible!
The B+ is kind of perplexing me. I mean I don't even like the song a lot, but I feel like it's incredibly well done. A-something. S within the alternative scene of the 90s.
I really like this song, I always think I am getting bored and it pulls me back in because there is so much clean instrumentation and thumping beat with that hard-soft drum sound that just works on the brain and makes you want to get up and move. This song is so perfect for cadence when running or on an elliptical machine. This song was huge when it came out. A rating for me .
"Man On The Moon" is probably my favorite REM song, and I believe one that is an absolute "must listen". Just a great song all the way around, and perhaps more accessible than much of their catalog, especially for those who weren't part of the 80s/90s college alt-rock scene.
Great song and a phenomenal album. I've said this before when I see people react to REM but check out the song Country Feedback. It's their favourite song they ever did. I also love the song Orange Crush which is worth checking out too
"Orange Crush", "The One I Love", "Everybody Hurts", "Man On The Moon", "Shiny Happy People", et. al. are some of their biggest hits besides the two you've heard already.
So happy for more R.E.M.!! Andy's gut feelings really 'get it'. Many people Did take to this song right away, but we had the pov of growing and maturing with the band, so we were all in a similar mindset. Michael Stipe, the lead singer, was going through major life changes/revelations during this time. The lyrics "that's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight" do that thing of being both intensely personal and universal. This album was their most 'mature' work. I'd like your reactions to "Everybody Hurts".
This song had a very iconic music video to go along with it's release that was in heavy rotation on MTV for months. I recommend watching it...if you haven't seen it already. I also recommend listening to "Man On the Moon" by REM. It's got more of a pop sound to it, but I've always liked it.
One story Michael told was; while playing in a foreign city where not many spoke English, they began to play Losing My Religion and the crowd in unison sang out “Ohhh Lifffeee”
Great reaction today guys. I’d rather have gotten an A from Alex, but I’ll take a B+. This song is better than a B IMO. If you get back to them soon, that would be so awesome. Their first breakthrough hit, “The One I Love” might catch Alex’s ears better. However, I’d love you to go back a little further in time and listen to “So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)” and “Fall On Me” (recent poll losers, but great representation of REM’s earlier sound and what they were about for most of us who were looking for something new and amazing to listen to). REM are one of my very favorite bands. I hope the next time you get to them and before you listen, you aren’t expecting a literal “grunge” sound. REM influenced grunge (and other alternative styles), but not how you might think. They are important, because they started a whole different approach to the music world - the DIY alternative artistic approach. (I left this next part as a reply under Norman LeRoy’s comment but will reiterate here:) REM are phenomenally influential in the way music changed direction. The fact that they "did it themselves" and became so popular is how they were impactful. REM came up through the underground, and by doing this, they inspired unknown bands to follow their lead finally getting record deals (with independent labels) and their music finally heard. I for one am so grateful. REM, especially "So. Central Rain" changed my trajectory, because in 1984 when music started sounding a bit stale to me, this huge music lover had no idea where to go next.
Honestly it’s probably an A I think I was underrating it based on my preference for the prior song we hit. I literally had no complaints about this one
Having grown up in the south I've heard the phrase about losing ones religion a good bit. It's usually when somebody has reached the end and they snap. "That girl lost her religion! Did you hear her over there cussin like a sailor?"
![Eminem - Temporary (feat. Skylar Grey) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZaK9Wi5ho0o/mqdefault.jpg)
You can't overstate the influence this band had on alt rock. They were THE college band in the early 80's.
Absolutely true!
REM invented Alternative Rock. The Finest Worksongs.
By the time this album came out, I had lost the draw of REM. LOVED the early stuff, but their music got tired to me.
I honestly think this is one of the most important songs of the 20th century.
Also, the phrase, “loosing my/his religion” was old-timey slang for going crazy, throwing a tantrum, yelling shouting etc. So, it’s not *quite* as esoteric, or existential as it first seems.
Add to that Violent Femmes and The Pixies
From Wikipedia:
“Stipe has repeatedly stated that the song's lyrics are not about religion. The phrase "losing my religion" is an expression from the southern region of the United States that means "losing one's temper or civility" or "feeling frustrated and desperate." Stipe told The New York Times the song was about romantic expression. He told Q that "Losing My Religion" is about "someone who pines for someone else. It's unrequited love, what have you." Stipe compared the song's theme to "Every Breath You Take" (1983) by The Police, saying, "It's just a classic obsession pop song. I've always felt the best kinds of songs are the ones where anybody can listen to it, put themselves in it and say, 'Yeah, that's me.'"
Absolutely accurate re: the phrase “losing my religion.” Here in the south we say it pretty regularly. It could be about traffic, football, the weather, you name it.
Radio Free Europe (1st album raw), Driver 8 (deep cut), So. Central Rain, Can't get there from here, Fall on me,
It's about religion if you want it to be. It's your head not theirs. Once a band releases a song it belongs to the audience.
I knew that, but I'm glad you said it, nicely put.
These boys need to listen to the song again with the understanding that you posted. I think
They will give it a better ranking and think the lyrics are less esoteric.
"The One I Love" by REM will always be for me my favorite song.
Dedicated to a former all-time toxic girlfriend.
LOVE that song!
I feel you… know this song for 25 years but now I got it: being treated no good at all, trying everything but never been good enough, trying to excuse all the hurts and blamings. I am so glad that I was losing my religion 💪
iconic song and had a dark ominous feeling like an approaching storm. love that song!
"Oh no I said too much
I haven't said enough."
If that's not pretty much the universal post-breakup feeling, I don't know what is.
Or wondering early in a relationship if it’s flowing through same for the other person as for you. Beginning or ending.
I miss the dancing around in the vid.
😂🤣
I'm in the school of REM fans that says you HAVE to try their old stuff. You've heard two of their 90s pop hits, but you need to check out the 80s songs that literally inspired college rock and alt rock. The REM song in this week's poll is a ballad, and it's a great song, but it doesn't represent that sound that influenced everyone after them. I would suggest Radio Free Europe, Can't Get There From Here or Driver 8. For deep cuts try their first EP, Chronic Town. I would go with Stumble or Wolves, Lower.
Superman is my all time favourite REM song
The first REM I was aware of is "Fables of Reconstruction" album which I recall being much heavier than anything they became popular with. I didn't take note again till a bit later I'm afraid.
ruclips.net/video/IxQS6lfn0yU/видео.html
Absolutely - great choices for a first dive into their earlier stuff. To me that's all absolutely foundational to alternative rock. Can't Get there from Here is still one of my all time favorites.
All good songs; I would add Don't Go Back to Rockville as required listening.
Orange Crush is a song that inspired lots of musicians. Anti war song with a Sunday Bloody Sunday kind of feeling to it.
“What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” is harder, feels more rock & roll, and is criminally underrated.
IMO the Monster album is criminally underrated
I love the Monster album, and enjoy Crush with Eyeliner as much as Kenneth
My personal favorite by them.
Fun fact: The guitarist, Peter Buck, actually played one of Kurt Cobain's guitars for the video. Cobain died earlier that year, and Courtney Love gave Buck his Jag-Stang as a gift.
love that song even though i cant really understand what hes singing, but thats typical for rem lol.
I'd highly recommend their song 'Nightswimming'. Heartfelt vocals, and beauty in simplicity...
LOVE this song! I distance run and my long runs are early before the sun comes up. I’m safe and don’t put in headphones while I run, but I do play it on my phone and it makes my run feel like I’m floating. Why are they so damn good?!?!❤
Imo, a better song than Losing my Religion. I'm a huge REM fan but not this song so much.
The whole album, Automatic for the People, is an absolute masterpiece. My two favorite songs on the album are Try Not to Breathe and Sweetness Follows. They both make me cry.
One of my favorites
Night swimming is a beauty!
This big R.E.M. hit is new to these guys? Boy, do I feel old.
@Dan L. LOL it’s all in your head I’m 62 yo my brain tells me I’m 20 my body tells me I’m 120 n my dad always tells me I’m not 18 anymore. I compromise n say I’m perpetually 29 at least that’s what I tell the g/kids!!! 😅
Dan...seriously though, Andy & Alex have SO MUCH MORE music and artists to listen to,it's not even funny.... bands, male and female artists. unbelievable.
Right!!
Honestly I feel like there’s no way that they been listening some songs for the first time, like it’s ridiculous. They’re not 10 or 15 years so to me it seems a little bit impossible that they never came across some of the songs that they state hearing for the first time. Maybe it’s clickbait? Idk.. but I’ve been doubting a lot of RUclipsrs who claims to hear a song for the first time when they’re clearly old enough to have listened for a couple of times
@Joan In Florida
It wasn’t. 😕
I’m old enough to remember Peter Buck being interviewed on MTV when this album was released - he said “This will probably be the only major release this year with a mandolin”
What year was Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life"?
@@loosilu early-mid 80s edit sorry it was 1986
I remember Rod Stewart had a lot of mandolin on his early songs
@@HamiltonRb Mandolin Wind and Maggie May both use the instrument better IMHO.
Did it come out the same year as Copperhead Road? Because then it wasn't. edit: never mind - 1988 vs 1991
You have to hear "Radio Free Europe" to understand their sound from the beginning. It's excellent. "Begin the Begin" is one of my favorite songs of the 80s.
+1 for Begin the Begin
Begin the Begin is one of their best.
Radio Free Europe always makes me happy and gets me energized.
Begin the Begin is always my go to when I tell people to listen to older REM, even before Radio Free Europe
I was driving through rural Indiana the other week and I stopped at a Walmart. "Begin the Begin" was playing in the store and I thought for certain I was having auditory hallucinations.
You know you’re old when today’s college kids haven’t heard this classic.
Yep,. I'm 36 but I heard this on the radio all the time when I was a kid but I see college kids and even adults my age who somehow haven't heard it before I'm like just like what? How is that possible. :P
How true! Haaaaaaaaa!
"Can't get there from here", "Driver 8", "Fall On Me", "(Don't go back to) Rockville", So. Central Rain", "Radio Free Europe", "Pretty Persuasion", really good songs!
Yes! All of the above!!!
Absolutely
they will LOVE every one of those!
A man of culture and understanding. Add Perfect Circle and Cuyahoga in there and we’re set!
A good place to start for 80s REM is "Radio Free Europe" from the album Murmur. I believe this album was influential for Grunge bands mainly in showing that a mumbling vocal style could be an effective musical choice in singing. REM is a national treasure.
That single changed rock music forever.
Driver 8
This was such a monumental song. I understand that the phrase "losing my religion" is a southern phrase (the band was from Georgia) that didn't necessarily have anything to do with religion; rather, it refers to losing one's faith in anything. Perhaps you guys can confirm this?
No - it means you’re losing your composure or temper
Edit - obviously the play on words is not lost on Stipe here though
southerner here - more akin to getting upset, losing your temper, etc
It means someone or something is causing you to lose your patience. As in: “Girlfriend, if you keep doing that, you are going to cause me to lose my religion.”
Thanks for the clarification in these comments.
That’s how I always heard it used. "Do you still like [whatever]?" "Nah, man. I’m losing my religion."
My favorite REM song. Michael Stipe the lead singer for the band wrote the lyrics for this. He said he wanted to write a song about obsession and unrequited love, a very dangerous combination. Throughout the song, he is baring his soul, searching for hidden meaning and hopeful signs, but driving himself mad in the process. Okay little know fact, which you knew was coming. This song has its origins in guitarist Peter Buck's efforts to try learn to play the mandolin. When he played back recordings of his first attempts, he heard the riff and thought it might make a good basis for a song. Every bit of mandolin on the record was recorded live, he didn't do any overdubbing. If you listen closely, on one of the verses there's a place where he messed up and decided to just leave it since it was recorded live. As always fantastic reaction guys. stay safe and peeace outtt
I saw The Police play Shea Stadium in NYC on their Synchronicity tour. That show was opened by an, as yet, unsigned band named REM. I was familiar with them via their first release but what an amazing opportunity for them and me. Joan Jett played between them. What a show!
Holy crap!
I saw the same tour in Philly with Madness playing too and REM the opener for all those bands
So many great 80s R.E.M. songs:
Begin The Begin, Orange Crush, Fall on Me, Gardening at Night, Radio Free Europe, Finest Worksong, Nightswimming, So. Central Rain, Driver 8, Pretty Persuasion
Gardening at Night, for sure.
Nightswimming is from AFTP, which was released in '92.
Andy you are absolutely correct about the impact and the influence they've had not only on artists who followed but also on multiple genres. So far you've heard late '80s and early '90s R.E.M. Your next listen should be something from their earlier catalog. "Radio Free Europe" from '83, "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)" from '84, and "Fall on Me" from '86 are all worthy and are great examples of how they were way ahead of their time.
Yeah "So, Central Rain" is an excellent track.
@@alanmusicman3385 and among Stipe’s best work vocally!
Absolutely, but def need that lyric sheet handy for the early stuff lol
Hi
Hey, @@Shadowrider1872! I hope your week is going well! 🤗
It was their BIGGEST SONG!!! HELLO?!?!?! A true MASTERPIECE!!!
A&A, you'll love their "The One I Love:, "Shiny Happy People" and "Stand"!!
Stand
You need to hit Everybody Hurts or The full Automatic for the People album. REM are such a great and influental band. Murmur is also a great album by them which you should check out, one of the best albums ever!! Drive, Radio Free Europe, So Central Rain, Driver 8, Fall On Me, The One I love, Orange Crush, Stand, Shiny Happy People, YOU GOTTA HIT THEM ALL! You guys would really like R.E.M.
Yeah, Everybody Hurts is one of those songs that feels like surely somebody had already written it - instant classic. People will still be listening to that one in a hundred years.
not Shiny Happy People...even Michael Stipe hates it lol
Automatic for the People is one of my desert island discs.
I don’t think they’ll like REM. I think you just have to an epiphany moment when it comes to alternative, college and new wave stuff and I think theses guys are more classic rock. Nothing wrong with that but the songs in this era especially in the 80s aren’t big guitar solos and drum fills.
@@dturasky19 Shiny Happy People is not representative of REM. And I still love that song, even if Stipe doesn't.
Such a beautifully written, deep song. Huge hit for R.E.M. I remember the video when it premiered on mtv.
REM is one of those bands you feel or don’t. While I love them I know they aren’t everyone’s cup tea. Document is my favorite album of theirs but their early stuff is fantastic and much different.
To each their own because music is personal.
Agree 100%. I'm more of a don't.
This entire album by R.E.M., Out of Time, is really good. "Low", "Texarkana" & "Near Wild Heaven" are my particular favorites but there's really not a weak song where you're feeling like your just want to skip to the next one.
Love "Near Wild Heaven", "Country Feedback" (I think Stipe said it is his favorite), "Superman" and "E-Bow the Letter"
With you on this 100%
@@kelly9876 I think 'Country Feedback' is the best thing on the album. Hands down.
@@kelly9876 Country Feedback is definitely up there for me too!
Sounds like your a mike mills fan. Great songs
There are several distinct phases of this band's career. The first three albums comprise their influential early work, where they were helping to create the blueprint for college rock, indie music, alternative. The next three are sort of their step up towards a more outward approach: bigger sonically, lyrically more direct, generally heavier, though they always did the more pastoral acoustic songs along the way. This song is from the album that launched them into the mainstream, and the album that followed that one is even bigger. There are a couple of outliers after that, and their work after the original drummer left is generally more experimental, though I would say their final two albums were sort of a return to classic late 80's form. One of those bands that always had something you liked on every album, even if you didn't really care for the album as a whole.
PERFECT synopsis!
You guys gotta hear Orange Crush next!
This song reminds me of "Sunny Came Home" from Shawn Colvin, because their both mid-tempo pop songs with acoustic guitars underpinning them, but also because they are both from relatively "fringe" artists that I loved for years that absolutely blew up into the mainstream around the same time with these two songs.
I would love to see them hit Shawn Colvin. Her debut Steady On album was terrific.
@@stevenmix3723 Agreed--that is my favorite album from her with A Few Small Repairs second.
Shawn Colvin is a great singer & "Sunny Came Home" was really catchy. The first time I saw her was when she did a terrific duet with Bruce Hornsby, back in 1990, called "Lost Soul".
R.E.M. is truly one of my top 3 bands. I saw them play at a frat house in Athen on the University of Georgia campus as a intern at CNN. They’ve only done two songs once they crossed over to superstar status and the top 40 genre. They were a true college rock indie group in the 80s that forged their way to the mentioned above status. Radio Free Europe, Driver 8, The One I Love and So. Central Rain too, a few which are all worthy reaction songs.
This band had so many strong hits. I think The One I Love and Everybody Hurts have to be heard. I think Everybody hurts has got to be their biggest accomplishment. That song is so important, and a deserving music classic. But then again, The One I Love is right there as well. Shiny Happy People is great too.
REM was its own sound that defined a musical era whether you were a fan or not. HUGE, huge, huge! Great music.
Stand.....
Stipe wrote Everybody Hurts for Kurt Cobain.
@@loosilu I did not know that. Interesting. Poor Kurt, he really was in pain. Thanks.
This is one of the best songs ever written imo
S tier for me
They gave this a B and Suck my kiss by RHCP an S....
Can't fathom somebody not giving this at least an A. But maybe that's because I associate this with my High School years which is when it when came out. Plus the music video was on constantly and that video is so amazing.
@@John_Locke_108 It's their first listen, sometimes it takes a few listens to really vibe with a song. It's an S for me and I was guessing they both would give it an A+ but I understand too that these guys just aren't familiar with R.E.M. the same way people were in the late 80s and 90s.
@@trouty42 True, true. I just have memories of feeling like this was the greatest song I ever heard when it first came out. And I really wasn't into REM at the time.
@@trouty42 agreed! and don't forget they have not heard ANY early REM
My fav REM songs are "So. Central Rain" and "Driver 8" but I like a lot of them.
Those are my favorite REM songs also!
Driver 8 especially
These were the first two songs I EVER heard from them, love at first hear
Next was Can't Get There From Here
@@loosilu seems we are "in tune" quite a lot 💜
As I got older, this was one of those songs springing from a new generation that I really loved... looking forward to watching this reaction. 😇
Can't believe that this didn't get an S. Such an awesome song! Definitely one of their very best songs from their most successful albums and it was HUGELY popular.
So some may speculate about the songs meaning, but take it from the horse's mouth (Stipe who wrote the lyrics). From Wikipedia:
"Stipe has repeatedly stated that the song's lyrics are not about religion. The phrase "losing my religion" is an expression from the southern region of the United States that means "losing one's temper or civility" or "feeling frustrated and desperate."[11] Stipe told The New York Times the song was about romantic expression.[12] He told Q that "Losing My Religion" is about "someone who pines for someone else. It's unrequited love, what have you."[13] Stipe compared the song's theme to "Every Breath You Take" (1983) by The Police, saying, "It's just a classic obsession pop song. I've always felt the best kinds of songs are the ones where anybody can listen to it, put themselves in it and say, 'Yeah, that's me.'""
I'm not generally a big fan of videos but the one for this song was beautiful.
REM were great. So many great songs to choose from.
I still do the arm movement whenever I hear this 😂
So many great choices for early REM. My suggestions would be either Driver 8 or, if you’re still in the mood for parentheses, (Don’t Go Back To) Rockville
Fall On Me and Orange Crush are musts from REM. They were everything back in the day. Sometimes you just had to be there. 😁❤️
Fall on Me ❤ all these comments make want to go listen to all the REM songs I forgot from my teens.
Yay!! Finally... the homeboys🤗 I was living in Atlanta just as so many amazing groups were coming into being including R.E.M., Indigo Girls and more. I remember taking a trip over to UGA in Athens (Georgia) with some buddies to see a band people were buzzing about. They were playing that evening behind the football field. That group was a rough, but ready R.E.M. Shortly thereafter the rest of the world was let in on the secret and they skyrocketed to stardom🎊
I love R.E.M.! They’re so different. Green is probably my favorite album from them. Y’all need to hear Everybody Hurts. I also love What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? and The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight. Fall On Me, Driver 8, Don’t Go Back to Rockville….the list goes on. They’re a mood for sure.❤
I love 'Kenneth.' Somebody's got to tell the story. CBS newsman, Dan Rather, was attacked and beaten on the streets of NYC by a crazed man who asked him, "What's the frequency, Kenneth"? The man got away but was later arrested after he shot and killed an NBC stage hand. He thought the TV broadcasts were controlling his thoughts through radio waves. How could that not make anyone curious to hear the song? Plus, it's a great song.
@@61hink I think the Monster album is ridiculously underrated.
REM is my Fav band, up there with Pink Floyd. Michael Stipe is just a genius, in my opinion, and a beautiful man
This came out with what I think is the most beautiful music video ever made. It's worth a watch.
The cinematography is absolutely stunning! it's based on Florentine Renaiisance art
The cameraman was told to follow micheals movements in the scenes where he is seated. If you watch you'll see him raise the camera when he thinks Micheal is going to stand up.
You guys would love their first hit single, The One I Love, from 1987.
By the way guys, you're really missing out on a lot of great 80s alternative rock, which were the precursors of the 90s alt-rock we've grown to love. Some examples besides REM are:
The Cure - Just Like Heaven
The Pixies - Monkey Gone to Heaven
Janes Addiction - Jane Says
The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again
Echo and the Bunnymen - Lips Like Sugar
U2 - I Will Follow
And sooo many others! There is a vast array of genres and musical styles that are unique to the 80s that you still haven't tapped into. Unlike what most people here think, the 80s was not just a bunch of cheesy pop songs or hair metal !!
@@Xman156 Yes, The One I Love was their first top 40 hit....
Radio Free Europe should have been the very first song to hit from R.E.M. That was the first song to get them noticed, and the rest is history. One of my favorite bands. 😎
Yes, 100% agree! RADIO FREE EUROPE is next !
1000% yes! I've been campaigning for it forever!
it was a minor hit, chart-wise. and it was their first song, literally. It was re-released on Murmur where it got more exposure.
Quite possibly the best of a generation
"Cant Get There from Here" Gotta check it out.
I've been waiting so long for you guys to hit this, so excited
Between 1983 and 1988 these guys put out an amazing album every year. That is totally unheard of now days. They were so prolific during their Hay Day. The entire Lifes Rich Pagent album is a masterpiece.
Begin the Begin kicks off the album.An Amazing way to start an album.
LRP was the first REM to 'click' with me, I had heard of some songs off Reconstruction of the Fables and they were really different for the time.
the first one to click with me was Fables.
Life's Rich Pageant is my favorite, and the one I recommend to those who want to know where to start (assuming they are already open minded music lovers and not necessarily looking for only the big hits)
This song was huge when it was released. All these decades later, I still love it. The opening notes always draw me in.
REM, like Nirvana, are famous for their esoteric lyrics so that you feel the song rather than have the lyrics lay it out for you. Their 80s catalog is so diverse in sound that you can hit anything and it will be fresh. So
Central Rain, Driver 8, Can't Get There From Here are all great intros to the band.
Do not give up on them. So many. GREAT songs.
REM always with the Music Videos on. They are so dramatic and shot with quality
R.E.M. "The One I Love",, "Fall On Me",, "Radio Song",, "Everybody Hurts",, "Man On The Moon",,"Orange Crush",, "Driver 8",, "Near Wild Heaven" & "Cuyahoga"
This came out when I was a teen. You could hear that it was a melancholy song. Once l saw the video it added to how good the song was. Being older and getting into the lyrics the song is absolutely S tier for me and brings me to tears decades later. I bet after future listens A&A's rating will change.
Radio Free Europe is probably the first one most of us heard, it was from the early to mid 80's.
Peter Buck, their guitarist, said he picked up playing the mandolin for this album (their 7th full studio album) because he was in danger of actually becoming proficient on the regular guitar.
SUPERMAN is one of my all time favorites from them. I was a huge REM fan in the 80s
REM, the band that saved the 80s. This is one that you also have check out the video for. It is a step or three above. Pure artistry. REM are known for their enigmatic contemplative lyrics. Part of the appeal. Need to check out "Driver 8" and "Orange Crush" among about 100 other suggestions I could make.
The 80s had a lot of great music. I like this group a lot but they certainly didn't say the 80s.
@@akapam57 we all have our opinions don't we.
I was a radio DJ in the 80's. I was blown away when I heard Radio Free Europe. It sounded like nothing else. It felt like taking a drink of cold water after being outside working on an extremely hot day. They only got better as time went on. Love this band.
I know Lucie is happy!!! Great song!
You forgot I would complain that it's not old enough!
REM goes brave with the mandolin in a folky reflective song about losing "faith" with culture...!! The drums are light; so is the bass...but the lyrics are "rich" . The whole album is legit (Out of Time) has beautiful gems like: Texarkana. So good.
Their next album: Automatic for The People..... has string arrangements by Zeppelin's John Paul Jones!! Reflective...and full of sorrow. I imagine their subsequent album "Monster" will strike a chord with A&A fans. It's a JAM!! "Crush with eyeliner" ....and "what's the frequency Kenneth" are gr8!!!
"That's me in the corner." My school career in a nutshell. Lol
Have you made it into the spot light? Do you even want to?
One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.
If you fill an album with B+ songs, you’ve created a phenomenal album.
too bad "Shiny Happy People" was on it. ugh.
@@shoogerkane i wasn’t commenting on that R.E.M. album.
I have so many of their albums all great and a superb live band.
Find the River is my favourite REM song. They have an amazing back catalogue. Beautiful stuff
Arthur Seyb…. My absolute fav also. Beautiful song bout growing old
The Automatic album is a masterpiece. One of my top ten albums.
"Fall on Me", "Man on the Moon", "Shiny Happy People" (collab with B-52's)... so many great choices.
Was in college while they were touring bars in the early 80's.
"Losing my religion", as many people have already pointed out, is a Southern adage. I'd thought you'd both would know the meaning since you're both from the South. 😺 Other R.E.M. songs to check out, "Driver 8", "Orange Crush", or "Fall On Me". 😻
it must be before their time!
Still my all-time favorite band. Growing up in the 80’s they were everything. Murmur is still my favorite album. I encourage a reaction to something off the Chronic Town EP.
Check out Radio Free Europe from their debut. Not polished but inspired a generation.
Next stop for REM, take your pick from among these early REM songs and you'll hear why they had such a lasting impact on alternative rock: Radio Free Europe, So. Central Rain, Driver 8, or Fall on Me
These ^ Radio Free Europe is important, because it started a trend of different ethics and navigation in the music world - the DIY alternative artistic approach. REM are phenomenally influential on the way music changed direction. The fact that they "did it themselves" and became so popular is how they were impactful. REM came up through the underground, and by doing this, they inspired unknown bands to follow their lead finally getting record deals (with independent labels) and their music finally heard. I for one am so grateful, as I wasn't sure what kind of music I wanted to listen to next when new wave was getting too over-produced and polished
@@susanklasinski1805 They really did blaze the trail for the underground music that exploded into the mainstream in the 90s, and it all started with Radio Free Europe
So… this is one of two REM songs I actually like. This plus Night Swimming.
Never was a fan
This is one of all the REM songs I don't like.
Nightswimming is just beautiful.
@@jaquestraw1 it’s funny how subjective music is!
Begin the begin is amazing.
Listen to the audience singing along to the live version to get the full impact of this song.
This is a song where the video to the song actually lives up to and maybe even adds to an already great song.
The two we recently put on polls would be great songs to hit from slightly different eras of the band, So. Central Rain and Fall on Me. Radio Free Europe is the song that put them on the map. Driver 8 has the quintessential early R.E.M. sound with a driving beat and jangly guitars. Can’t Get There From Here has a funkier danceable sound with a great lead bass from Mike Mills and (Don’t Go) Back to Rockville is a piano driven song with a country honk backbone.
It's interesting I have yet to see anyone mentioning "Stand"! It has to be 1 of their top 5 hits. To be honest, I got annoyed with how often I heard it, haha!!
@@scottboswell6406 It's not a favorite among R.E.M. diehards. Michael Stipe would introduce it live as the dumbest song ever written.
as a hardcore fan, I ALWAYS say Radio Free Europe first!
‘Talk About the Passion’ is one I love.
I prefer REM's earlier stuff the best, but this is one of their best hits. Murmur and Document are my favorite albums by them.
One of the best bands of ALL TIME. And that was before this huge hit was ever released! Murmur, Fables of the Reconstruction, Reckoning and Life Rich Pageant were all huge on the college scene before they blew up with this song. They had a few "hits" before this, but this made them international superstars. But I love all their albums before this one.
Iff you ever do Everybody Hurts, the video is very impactful.
Amazing song.
Andy mentioned the "pre-grunge" influence - you may be interested to know that lead singer Michael Stipe is Francis Bean Cobain's godfather, and was one of Kurt's best friends near the end of his life. Michael inducted Nirvana into the Rock Hall a few years back.
Great tune from the band at their height. The video is iconic. I many times didnt get them lyrically but I still enjoyed listening to them. Good ole southern buds from Athens Ga.
Mark Barnwell the band once said on a lot of their songs the lyrics were what they meant to the listener not anything in particular
Song from my University days in the early ‘90’s. Great song! Great album! Great band!
One of the few "always on the radio" songs that I never got tired of - although I would never put it in my all time top 10 or even top 20 - but I do like it and can listen to it any time it plays. The song on this album that I really love is "Near Wild Heaven". It's one of those songs with layered harmonies which always appeals. The odd thing is that it has a stupendous guitar intro and then it falls completely flat and I still remember the first time I heard it I thought "Oh! something broke there" - but it builds from that brief moment of disappointment into something great. Now THAT song would often be in any top 20 I might compile!
Also have a go at "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" - more rock guitar sustain than anyone ever thought possible!
Near Wild Heaven is Mike Mills lead. SOOOOO underrated!
Thanks, Andy! Thanks, Alex! 💎 #AndyAndAlex #REM #LosingMyReligion
The B+ is kind of perplexing me. I mean I don't even like the song a lot, but I feel like it's incredibly well done. A-something. S within the alternative scene of the 90s.
I think it's generous.
The Video makes this song much more intriguing. Stipe has a very compelling voice.
I really like this song, I always think I am getting bored and it pulls me back in because there is so much clean instrumentation and thumping beat with that hard-soft drum sound that just works on the brain and makes you want to get up and move. This song is so perfect for cadence when running or on an elliptical machine. This song was huge when it came out. A rating for me .
The video was gorgeous cinematography.
"Man On The Moon" is probably my favorite REM song, and I believe one that is an absolute "must listen". Just a great song all the way around, and perhaps more accessible than much of their catalog, especially for those who weren't part of the 80s/90s college alt-rock scene.
Great song and a phenomenal album. I've said this before when I see people react to REM but check out the song Country Feedback. It's their favourite song they ever did.
I also love the song Orange Crush which is worth checking out too
"Orange Crush", "The One I Love", "Everybody Hurts", "Man On The Moon", "Shiny Happy People", et. al. are some of their biggest hits besides the two you've heard already.
So happy for more R.E.M.!! Andy's gut feelings really 'get it'. Many people Did take to this song right away, but we had the pov of growing and maturing with the band, so we were all in a similar mindset. Michael Stipe, the lead singer, was going through major life changes/revelations during this time. The lyrics "that's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight" do that thing of being both intensely personal and universal. This album was their most 'mature' work. I'd like your reactions to "Everybody Hurts".
Andy has great intuition for 90s songs.
I would LOVE them to react to Automatic
"Purposely obfuscated."
Another Andy & Alex gem.
This song had a very iconic music video to go along with it's release that was in heavy rotation on MTV for months. I recommend watching it...if you haven't seen it already. I also recommend listening to "Man On the Moon" by REM. It's got more of a pop sound to it, but I've always liked it.
Yes the video is striking
Yes!!! the cinematography made it look like Italian Renaissance paintings. Beautiful!
This song was like hearing Nevermind for the first time. The impact was immense.
One story Michael told was; while playing in a foreign city where not many spoke English, they began to play Losing My Religion and the crowd in unison sang out “Ohhh Lifffeee”
Can't Get There From Here was the first REM song that I heard on the radio in the 80s. Very different sound from their 90s-00s stuff.
Mike Mills is one of my favorite bass players from this era. He's very melodic and it counters the jangly guitar of Peter Buck very well.
Millss and Buck both criminally underrated IMO
Literally just went back to this song today after a while, and a great song all together!
Great reaction today guys. I’d rather have gotten an A from Alex, but I’ll take a B+. This song is better than a B IMO. If you get back to them soon, that would be so awesome. Their first breakthrough hit, “The One I Love” might catch Alex’s ears better. However, I’d love you to go back a little further in time and listen to “So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)” and “Fall On Me” (recent poll losers, but great representation of REM’s earlier sound and what they were about for most of us who were looking for something new and amazing to listen to).
REM are one of my very favorite bands. I hope the next time you get to them and before you listen, you aren’t expecting a literal “grunge” sound. REM influenced grunge (and other alternative styles), but not how you might think. They are important, because they started a whole different approach to the music world - the DIY alternative artistic approach. (I left this next part as a reply under Norman LeRoy’s comment but will reiterate here:) REM are phenomenally influential in the way music changed direction. The fact that they "did it themselves" and became so popular is how they were impactful. REM came up through the underground, and by doing this, they inspired unknown bands to follow their lead finally getting record deals (with independent labels) and their music finally heard. I for one am so grateful. REM, especially "So. Central Rain" changed my trajectory, because in 1984 when music started sounding a bit stale to me, this huge music lover had no idea where to go next.
Alex will give an A when he hears the early stuff.
Honestly it’s probably an A I think I was underrating it based on my preference for the prior song we hit. I literally had no complaints about this one
Having grown up in the south I've heard the phrase about losing ones religion a good bit. It's usually when somebody has reached the end and they snap. "That girl lost her religion! Did you hear her over there cussin like a sailor?"