Happy Birthday, Green!

R.E.M.'s 1988 album "Green" came out 20 years ago - today! On Election Day! Peter Buck, guitarist, said in an interview after the album was released, that he did not like where the country was headed. 20 years later and look at us - who's really happy now?

Despite his gloomy attitude, this is R.E.M.'s happiest and joyous album. It brought us 4 amazing singles: "Orange Crush", "Stand", "Pop Song 89", and "Get Up". Also, a personal favorite song about change, "World Leader Pretend", straight-up rocking "Turn You Inside-Out" and the provocative and experimental "Untitled (This World Is Big)". And even though I was only 6 months old when this record was released and R.E.M. has only been one of my favorite bands for a year or so, I'm sold on "Green". It is the greatest the four has recorded because it's R.E.M. at it's most beautiful, warmest, and strongest. It's their first record since signing onto Warner Brothers and before "Losing My Religion", so they still had something to gain. Not to mention "Pop Song" is my anthem. Get it? Pop? Last name? Whatever...this record is fun as hell.

In honor of this anniversary, here are the singles from this record, in order, and their music videos. All pretty great. I especially enjoy "Get Up". Enjoy:

"Orange Crush"

"Stand"


"Pop Song 89"


"Get Up"

BONUS!: "Turn You Inside-Out"

Ah, greatness. I'm a fan.