Showing posts with label r.e.m.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label r.e.m.. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

May 5, 2010 (Playlist)

May 5, 2010 (Playlist):
"Our Forty-Seventh Show: Never Mind the Mainstream: The Final Show!"

R.E.M. – Pop Song 89
Big Star – Thank You Friends
The Alarm – Spirit Of '76
Pela – Cavalry
*"Punk Trunk!": Sex Pistols – The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle
*"Punk Trunk!": The Dead Milkmen – Punk Rock Girl
The Godfathers – Birth, School, Work, Death
Built To Spill – Big Dipper
Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springsteen – Growin' Up (Live)
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": The Kingsmen – Louie, Louie (Richard Berry Cover)

Los Campesinos – It Started With A Mixx

Spoon – Written In Reverse
The National – All The Wine
The Doors – Light My Fire
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": Band Of Horses – The End's Not Near (The New Year Cover)
Bloc Party – The Once And Future King
Morrissey – There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Live)
The Who – Baba O'Riley
The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset
Siouxsie & The Banshees – Kiss Them For Me
The Mountain Goats – Sax Rohmer #1
The Beatles – I Saw Her Standing There
The Replacements – Left Of The Dial

*Background music consisted of various songs we featured on the very first edition of Never Mind the Mainstream, way back on September 12, 2008. Talk about a blast from the past.

So ends Never Mind the Mainstream, the tiny college radio station show that blew up to capture the attention of so many people around the world (that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but hey, I'm on a roll). It's all over. Kaput. Done. D-d-d-done. I apologize for posting this almost two weeks after the show originally aired, but believe me, my post-college life has been just as intense as my college career was, only now I have to worry about my two jobs. Not fun. Enough about me, let's dive into the music. Just look at that playlist. If you've been an avid follower of NMTM since it's beginning, then there is no way in hell you would have expected us to choose and play the tunes that we did. There's a lot of classic rock, mixed in with some legendary alternative rock anthems and indie rock gems. It truly was a great "mixx". Being that it may have been my final radio gig ever (God, I really hope not), I decided to pull the plug on our normal format, and play what many people may or may not have expect from me: some of my favorite songs of all time. "Spirit Of '76," "Money For Nothing," "Light My Fire," and "I Saw Her Standing There". I could not survive without those hits. They mean the world to me and each one is backed with a compelling story. Jim matched up my choices with some solid picks of his own, and together, like always, we put out a terrific broadcast. Our callers were ecstatic to be on the air for the grand finale and we thank them more than they will ever know. We also want to thank those who stopped in (all our fellow on-air personalities and close friends) and those who messaged us on AOL Instant Messenger. As we've been saying since day one, our fans make our show the great product that it truly is. Jim, the new president of the station, will be on the airwaves with 88.3 FM KUR this summer, so make sure you check out the website for his dates and times. I will be working my tail off, trying to make it as a professional somewhere in the real world. "This one's optimistic." Jim and I would like to thank every single person, from the bottom of our hearts, who ever listened to our show, promoted our show, and/or believed in us. I can honestly say that college radio was the greatest part of my college tenor. A bigger and more emotional essay is still to come here on our blog: nevermindmainstream.blogspot.com, as soon as I get a chance to write everything down. Thank you all so, so much. Keep discovering new and interesting music, and we'll catch you, "left of the dial."

R.E.M. - "Pop Song 89"


Spoon - "Written In Reverse"


Morrissey - "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"

Monday, April 12, 2010

April 10, 2010 (Playlist)

April 10, 2010 (Playlist)
"Our Forty-Third Show!"

Belle & Sebastian – Another Sunny Day
Death Cab For Cutie – Photobooth
The New Pornographers – Your Hands (Together)
Bloc Party – Rhododendrons
*"Punk Trunk!": Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers – Chinese Rocks
*"Punk Trunk!": Hüsker Dü – Celebrated Summer
R.E.M. – So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)
Modest Mouse – Breakthrough
The Boat People – Born In The 80s
Dr. Dog – Unbearable Why

*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": Nada Surf – Electrocution (Bill Fox Cover)
*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springsteen – Crush On You
Doves – There Goes The Fear
The Elected – Would You Come With Me?
The Strange Boys – Be Brave
Harlem – Gay Human Bones
Local Natives – Sun Hands
Manchester Orchestra – I've Got Friends
Vampire Weekend – Holiday
Pixies – Debaser

*Background music consisted of various instrumental alternative rock tunes from the 1980s and 1990s. The list features acts the likes of The Meat Puppets, New Order, Pixies, R.E.M., and Sonic Youth.

This weekend marked the first ever Never Mind the Mainstream Saturday edition and Jim and I could not have been more pleased with how this landmark show turned out. The reason this was held on Saturday from 2-4 PM ET was because Friday night from 4-9:30 PM was 88.3 FM KUR's 5th Anniversary Party, in which alumni, young and old, came together to celebrate KUR's success. It was a great experience and we want to personally thank all of those who came out to support us. The cake was delicious, by the way. Onto the show. This week featured a handful of new tunes from the likes of The New Pornographers, The Boat People, Dr. Dog, The Strange Boys, and more. The "Punk Trunk!" came in early with The Heartbreakers and Hüsker Dü and two of their greatest tunes ever. "Boss-Tune" crushed it and "The Cover" showcased Nada Surf's ability to create epic covers. Jim and I were graced with some of our closest friends who were eager to get on the airwaves and talk about anything and everything from obtaining teaching degrees to bar advice. And we closed out the show with a scrambled sing-a-long to "Debaser" and left the station with a great feeling of accomplishment. A big thanks to all our listeners, callers, and messengers. Our fans make the show what it is. Tune in next week as we'll be back on Friday nights (6-8 PM ET). Tune in next week for another great set (and a report on the live The Thermals concert the preceding night in Philadelphia!).


Death Cab For Cutie - "Photobooth"


R.E.M. - "So. Central Rain"


Local Natives - "Sun Hands"

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

PMJ Reviews (So Far)

I must say, I'm enjoying Kutztown University's first-ever Pop Music Journalism class a lot. It concludes my busy Tuesday/Thursday schedule and it always ends on a high note. We're learning a lot about the trade and we've got one of the coolest and smartest professors around showing us the ropes. So far we've been reading a ton of articles, having great conversations, and have submitted two pieces: a song review and an album review. Jim and I are both doing pretty well in the course so far. Would you expect any less? All kidding aside, it struck me on my walk home today that it'd be fun to share our work on this blog. So check it out, here's my first piece: song review of Vampire Weekend's "Diplomat's Son".


Short 1: Vampire Weekend’s “Diplomat’s Son” (2010)

By Mike Pop

Vampire Weekend’s second studio album, Contra, has seen some surprises in its early public life: it prompted an MTV Unplugged session, sought critical acclaim from blogs and zines alike, and reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart on January 20th, a distinguished feat for a band on an indie label (XL). The album features an array of ten breezy, pop tunes, but for those who reminiscent of punk rock’s iconic history and youthful escapades, behold the penultimate track, “Diplomat’s Son”, a mere 6-minute ode to boarding school scandals and the late Clash front man Joe Strummer. The song does not acquire the stereotypical three chord guitar riffs and unifying, anti-oppression punk themes; however, it does do well to praise a man who saw the world from his own eyes in the 1970s and wrote stories that rallied a generation of disgruntled lads (later to be labeled punks).

The tune opens with an arrangement of springtime strings, “cha-cha’s”, and a steady, undemanding drum beat. It comes to an arrest when front man/guitarist Ezra Koenig begins with a sobering introduction, accompanied by striking keyboards: “It's not right / But it's now or never / And if I wait / Could I ever forgive myself?” About a minute into the piece, Ezra enacts his plan: “Cause I'm gonna cut it where I can / And then I'm gonna duck out behind them / If I ever had a chance it's now.” The song quickly bounces into a calm, cool, never-say die agenda and an apparent successful drug-fueled night with an associate. The song hits its climax when Ezra takes Joe’s place and recalls a distinctive teenage night for the punk figurehead: “That night I smoked a joint / my best friend we found ourselves in bed / when I woke up he was gone”. Joe Strummer was the son of an English diplomat and the Clash were riding the popularity wave in ’81, with their album Sandinista!.

In the end, are we positive we accompanied a hooligan on a heist? A gamble? A crime of passion? All scenarios seem to fit the lyrics as the song’s protagonist recalls that satisfying sense of accomplishment in the tracks final moments: “Looking out at the ice cold water all around me / I can't feel any traces of that other place / In the dark when the wind comes racing off the river / There's a car all black with diplomatic plates.” His high jinks either ended with a chilly escape or the shit indeed hit the fan. Either way, it’s accepting the diplomatic conclusion that whatever the outcome of the disreputable event, just or unlawful, the adventure was worth a story. The song captures a shining moment for not only Strummer’s legacy, but for Vampire Weekend’s ability to pay homage to influence and experience.

Short 2: R.E.M.’s Live At The Olympia (October 27, 2009)
By Mike Pop

“This is not a show, this is not a show,” declares front-man Michael Stipe through his megaphone to the mass audience at Dublin’s Oylmpia Theater on one of the night rehearsals between June 30 and July 5, 2007. The 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is correct; the series of performances is what R.E.M. calls a testing ground for new songs and revved up relics. Before the crowd can react to such a statement, the band ignites with what would be the lead track off their 2008, return-to-form record Accelerate: “Living Well Is The Best Revenge.” From the first riff on Peter Buck’s twanging Rickenbacker guitar, the band welcomes you to one energetic evening of jangling alternative rock.

The entire set was recorded and released as Live At The Olympia, R.E.M.’s second live album in two years and it contains a whopping 39 songs. For many years, the band was not keen to releasing live records, but after 30 years of touring the world and selling millions of albums, the band collectively decided to introduce listeners to the live R.E.M sound.

The show introduced the crowd to a company of new songs that would appear on the band’s most recent effort, Accelerate: “Man-Sized Wreath,” “Horse To Water,” “I’m Gonna DJ,” among others. The band also experimented with two songs that did not make the final cut on the album, but have been played during tours since: “Staring Down The Barrel Of The Middle Distance” and “On The Fly”.

The record shows this influential rock band acting as inventive and unrestricted as they were when they were signed to the independent label, I.R.S., in the early to mid-1980s. This is because the band communicates directly with members of the audience and plays deep tracks from records that were recorded over 25 years ago. Such artifacts include “Letter Never Sent (1984),” “Sitting Still (1983)”, and “Gardening At Night (1982). The band’s sound is amplified in live form and Stipe’s vocals come in as clear as they do in studio recordings. Along with bassist Mike Mills’ and touring drummer Bill Rieflin’s vibrant rhythm section and Peter Buck guitar-plucking chime, each one of the 39 tracks captures a divine group effort that has reached its zenith after decades of collaboration and ingenuity.

R.E.M. has put in enough years as megastars and has grown on their own terms in the demanding music industry to do as they please, even if that means resorting back to older styles of performing or releasing live records. Any admirer of R.E.M., young or old, will unearth tunes to enjoy and reminisce in with this exceptional recording.

Monday, February 8, 2010

February 5, 2010 (Playlist)

February 5, 2010 (Playlist):
"Our Thirty-Sixth Show!"

Radiohead – The Bends
The Cribs – We Share The Same Skies
The National – Baby, We'll Be Fine
Kings Of Convenience – Mrs. Cold
A.A. Bondy – Oh The Vampyre
Wilco – You Never Know
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": Peter Gabriel – Flume (Bon Iver Cover)
The xx – VCR
Elliott Smith – Stupidity Tries (Live)
Tegan & Sara – On Directing
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Promise

*"Punk Trunk!": The Distillers – Beat Yr Heart Out
*"Punk Trunk!": Eddie & The Hot Rods – Do Anything You Wanna Do
Mos Def – Umi Says
*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springsteen – Prove It All Night
Tom Waits – The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)
Lou Reed – Dirty Blvd.
Ryan Adams – To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)
Talking Heads – Road To Nowhere
Japandroids – Young Hearts Spark Fire
The Tallest Man On Earth – King Of Spain
R.E.M. – Romance (Live)

*Background music consisted of various hip-hop, rap, and R&B tunes from the late 1990s and early 2000s. We busted out everything from dance club anthems to sensual slow jams. They ranged from Big Punisher to Will Smith. We had a little too much fun with these.

While patiently awaiting Snow-pocalypse 2010, the men from Never Mind the Mainstream had quite the mix for their audience. Hour one consisted of plenty of new music via The Cribs, Kings Of Convenience, Wilco, The xx, and Tegan & Sara. Hour two specialized in singer/songwriters the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elliott Smith, Lou Reed, and Ryan Adams. We also threw in our usual segments for all our dedicated listeners out there. In the end, the snow did not manage to ruin our show and we both made it out of the station in one piece. Kutztown is expecting to see even more snow in the middle of this week, so we're hoping it's enough to get us out of classes, but melts in time for us to bring you our thirty-seventh installment of NMTM: 2010 Valentine's Day Edition! The first hour will feature some of the most romantic and heartfelt alternative and indie rock songs in the history of the world, while hour two will appeal to all the love cynics in Radioland, as we will spin a variety of break-up tunes. No matter who you are, you will fall in love with our show next week. Thanks again for tuning in/calling in/IMing us. Tune in next week for another great set.

The National - "Baby, We'll Be Fine"


Eddie & The Hot Rods - "Do Anything You Wanna Do"


R.E.M. - "Romance"

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

August 25, 2009: New Music/Videos

Today is August 25, 2009. And there are some new releases, along with new music. All of which you should take into consideration. They will be listed - now.

Arctic Monkeys released their latest record (third LP): Humbug. After 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare, you can expect great things from what many legit music journalists claimed to be "The Next Big Thing". As noted in our many recent posts about the Monkeys, this record is expected to reveal a bit of a darker side of the band. I'm sure it's going to be rad. Out now, via Domino.

Imogen Heap released her latest record (third LP): Ellipse. Again, she did this one all by herself: sang it, played it, produced it, and pretty much advertised it during her eBay stunt, in which someone tried to sell a bootleg too early and she got the world to raise the bid to 3 million dollars. Nicely done. Out now, via Megaphonic.

New music from Pearl Jam: "Supersonic". (An Oasis cover? Gnarly!). No. But it is off their upcoming record Backspacer. I think it's pretty fundamental rock 'n' roll for the most part. Real spiky guitar riffs at some points, then straight up blues-root's rockin' at others. 2:37 in length. Check it out on YouTube below:

Pearl Jam - "Supersonic"


New video from R.E.M: "Living Well Is The Best Revenge (Live)". A great quote with a great song to back it up. The hall of famers are set to release Live At The Olympia, a double-disc compilation that captures a whopping 39 songs from the band's five-night Dublin stand back in late June and early July 2007 (which led to the making of their latest record, Accelerate; and "Living Well" is the lead track). Many critics like to throw around that R.E.M. has returned to form. I just like to say, "Let's forget about the early 00's and live in the present". Here's the video:

R.E.M. - "Living Well Is The Best Revenge (Live)"
Living Well Is The Best Revenge


I think it's safe to say what my paycheck it going towards. And that's new music. Enjoy.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

WTF Is MTV2 Doing Now...

Late night channeling surfing prompted me to do some research on MTV's latest attempt to restore order and purity to their networks. Apparently their bringing back some nostalgic clips of failed cartoons and 90's music videos to the late night MTV2 timeslot. For me, that's better than reality shows and no music videos whatsoever. Here's the article that was apparently already written last month. (I don't get MTV/MTV2 with my normal cable anymore. Damn recession.)

From MTVU.com:


MTV2 LEGIT Resurrects Classic ’90s Shows
Posted June 12th, 2009by mtvU

In the ’90s, MTV released a string of shows that, although short-lived, quickly became cult classics.

The channel is finally giving in to demand and bringing many of those great shows back from the dead. MTV2 LEGIT showcases groundbreaking talents from shows that defined MTV in the 1990’s like Beavis & Butthead, Celebrity Deathmatch, The State and clips from Liquid Television including Aeon Flux and The Maxx.

MTV2 LEGIT opens the MTV archive and delivers a whole decade’s worth of music videos and on-air promos, including Denis Leary rants and awkward rides with Jimmy The Cab Driver, plus commentary from Method Man, Redman, Tom Morello and more.


To relive all these cult faves and more, tune in to MTV2 on Friday nights at 10PM ET.

- MTVU.

Okay, I'm going to place a bet and say this won't last past the summer. Who wants bet against me? Despite all this, I enjoyed these two videos that were played in their entirity last night, with some comentary from members of 311, The Roots, and Street Sweeper Social Club.

Foo Fighters - "Big Me"

R.E.M. - "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?"

Meh. I hate copyrights.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Songs That Make A Splash

If you're ever fortune enough to fall upon this glorious situation, I bid you a great time. For you see, a close friend of mine has recently been offered to house-sit a home with a pool. Downside: it's a tiny pool. Upside: it's a pool. And it's finally consistently sunny here in the Northeast. We had a few ideas to make the next 10 days phenomenal: house party, beer olympics, rave, 4th grade style sleepover with endless soda and Doritos, etc. For now, our plans are just to enjoy an open house, with 3 very cool pups, a fully stocked fridge, and an aquatic wonderland.

Here are some tunes that really get me in the mood to swim:

Broken Social Scene - "Swimmers"

Death Cab For Cutie -
"Underwater"

The Stone Roses - "Waterfall"

R.E.M. - Nightswimming


And just because it'd be the best thing ever: The Planet Smashers - "Super Orgy Porno Party"

Monday, June 22, 2009

A List, Some Trivia, And R.E.M. News!

"Si, Conando!"

Entertainment Weekly started their own list of the 100 Best Summer Tunes. Songs released in the summer, songs about summer, songs that make you think about summer, whatever. And now that is summer, I guess it's time for these dinky things. Here's the first installment. Agree or disagree? Let me answer for you: disagree.

Please, society, bring back this hairstyle.


You know how VH1 Classic does "This Day In Music"? Well it used to be great, but now it just sucks. Like, it's all about Whitney Houston and chart records. I am not kidding. It gets that lame. So here's one that's actually interesting. And I'll give you a video with that, too.

JUNE 22, 1967: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones drug trials begin.
So they did drugs, just look what they did for rock 'n' roll!


Okay, and finally, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck (guitarist; who is currently doing some side work with Robyn Hitchcock and The Decemberists) and Mike Mills (bass & vocals; who is currently figuring out what sparkly attire to dawn during the next sold-out show) are working on new material for a potential record set to be released in the future. Even though lead vocals Michael Stipe isn't in the picture yet, I'm sure some of the stuff the other two are working on is pretty solid. As a big R.E.M. fan and a believer in the revamped line-up, I am very much looking forward to R.E.M. in the years to come. Check out what Pitchfork's talking about.

A preview of what's to come?

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I Believe In Darius.

Stereogum beat me to the punch ... this time. And since I already posted today, I'll leave you with a video of Hootie (he hates that) and Calexico covering "I Believe" at a pre-show, before a shit ton of artists covered R.E.M. tunes for a tribute concert at Carnegie Hall last week. And the Stereogum link, too. Enjoy.

"I believe...I only wanna be with youuu"


Linkeage:
R.E.M. Joins Patti Smith's R.E.M. Tribute

God, someone have a torrent of this. I know it's illegal, I do not care. That track list is SICK.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Michael Stipe on Jimmy Fallon

1:24 AM: Hmm...I think I'll wait for the video to come on YouTube first. But, um, man. Kind of awkward. He's got a beard - now? And, um, he's into sculpting metal cameras and tapes? I guess it wasn't so normal because not much was discussed about R.E.M., rock 'n' roll, music, or whatnot - only a few minor plugs. But well Stipe's a pretty chill guy - just came in to "hang out", according to Fallon. Always good to hear from him. Great dude. The video and more of a reaction/recap to come when the sun comes up.

(Smaller fonts working? Yeh, nah?)

1:19 PM: Okay, I just woke up not too long ago. I was having crazy dreams and wasn't quite ready to let them go. So...hey, um, YouTube, Stereogum: where's the clip? If I'm not being lazy, you shouldn't either! Okay, so Stipe was the second guest on Jimmy Fallon's show. And by the wa,y I don't watch Late Night a lot, even though when I do, it's usually mildly entertaining. My brain can only handle Adult Swim-esque humor. So Stipe came on the show, gave Fallon a sculpted camera out of bronze. Third place for you, Fallon! What else...um, oh! Fallon embarrassed Stipe by showing a picture of R.E.M.'s first appearance on Letterman back in '83 when they played "Radio Free Europe" and "So. Central Rain", and Stipe just laughed and pointed out his awkward, shyness. In fact, Peter Buck and Mike Mills were the only ones who talked to Letterman; Stipe was too horrified, I assume, and the drummer, well, the drummer never gets recognition, unless they put out a sex tape, nail Pamela Anderson, or die. Stipe also taught Fallon how to smell and smile with your eyes. I didn't understand that and neither did Fallon, obviously because he couldn't keep a straight face during the tutorial. And the last two things: Stipe assured Fallon that he wasn't sucking too horribly and then there's going to be an R.E.M. tribute at Carnegie Hall in New York City tonight (3/11). Damn, why couldn't IBS be this week? I'd totally go see that! They did one like that for Dylan, with Cat Power and Patti Smith, apparently.

Oh, last thing, I promise: Stipe recorded an awkward, old-man hip-hop freestyle/rip off on Fallon's iPhone voice mail. It was stolen from Diddy, but he added some signature Stipeage to it. So that was that. Now, I can watch more Late Night if those are the kind of guests that will be on. I fell asleep shortly after that. Next time, let Stipe sing more than just a humorous voice mail that will be deleted anyway. Come on!

UPDATE!: Oh, here we go. Thanks, Stereogum. Let it be known that we covered something new before Stereogum did. That will be the first and the last time.

Back in '83...good God, look at that hair...

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Two.


2 DAYS. UNTIL NMTM KICKS OFF ONCE AGAIN!

I wrote enough today. Now I'm tired and lazy. In a nutshell, R.E.M. is one of the greatest alternative rock bands of all time and you can bet your bottom dollar that we'll play they're old & new music on our show. Roam through the blog and you'll learn enough about the band and my obsession with them. We are so close, people! Two days!

R.E.M. - Time After Time (annElise)

Monday, January 19, 2009

KUR Student Shows Go Live Next Monday!


Where the hell are we in this picture?

We're one week away from the students getting back into the KUR studio, folks. A lot of close friends of mine are getting excited to be back on the air, and for Never Mind the Mainstream, we have a lot of big plans. Like, a live band? Sick in the head, right? It's going to be epic. Keep it here for further updates. Also - requests? Comment and let us know!

R.E.M. - Radio Song

Thursday, December 4, 2008

"So Much More Attractive...In The 1980's"


Ever the R.E.M. fan, I am very pleased to relay this link on our blog. The anniversary edition of 1983's greatest record "Murmur" is out now, with a bonus live show! It's epic, broskies. Get it now!

Pitchfork, damn you for being also accurate and witty: The Review.



Read NMTM. At all times. It's a great inspiration for songwriting.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

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.