5 reasons why I love R.E.M.
- Sep 22, 2011
R.E.M. have split up. Who saw that one coming? The band wrote on their website: "As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band." Michael Stipe added: "The skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave." In the wake of R.E.M.'s demise, Veronica Falls' Patrick Doyle gives five reasons why he loves Michael Stipe and co...
5. Begin the Begin – Life’s Rich Pageant (1985)
One of my favourite opening tracks for a record ever. At 2.30s, right before the last verse/chorus, Michael Stipe clears his throat in a hideously sexy way and like most people; I die for these little vocal blips which would, in most cases, be edited out.
4. Murmur - 1983
All of it. It’s one of the only records in the world I find it hard to listen to just one song from. It’s a real ‘start to finish’ album, like an album should be. A document of a young band “wasting time creatively”, which is exactly how Mike Mills describes the band on their first ever TV interview. It’s exciting, and ridiculous. Oh and the drum break at 3.40s into 'Radio Free Europe' kills me every time.
3. (2m10s) into Get Up – Green (1988)
Michael Stipe’s voice cracking on the word ‘this’ does things to me that I can’t even begin to explain. Similarly on The Sidewinder Sleeps at Night, when he laughs at 2.34s. I die.
2. Chronic Town EP (1982)
James from the band gave me a copy of this last year, as I’d never heard it. It was a revelation. Peter Buck is a genius. It’s really loosely recorded (and played), and sounds incredible – with Stipe recording a lot of the vocals in the garden of the recording studio.
1. Michael Stipe in 1984
Here's a picture of him (from R.E.M's website) from 1984. Should explain it.
Veronica Falls are set to release their debut album via Bella Union on October 17th.
