When REM toured on the Murmur record, they were the darlings of college radio. That's certainly where I first heard them. "Radio Free Europe" and "Catapult" were getting a lot of airplay, and the band received some enthusiastic press reports (I'm guessing Rolling Stone). When I picked up my copy of Murmur, I just about wore the thing out in the first week. It had jangly elements of The Byrds, but a direct comparison was unfair as REM were clearly something new.
Then the announcement came down that REM were to play at the University of Maine. I was psyched in that way that's only possible when you're a 19 year old guy. Here's what I remember about the show: first opening band was B. Willie Smith (they started with a cool R&B take on "My Baby Does The Hanky Panky"), second warmup was Let's Active (can't remember much about them except that Mitch Easter did a solo guitar segment that featured a version of "Classical Gas"), REM started with Michael Stipe unable to look out at the crowd (take a look at the first minute or so of the accompanying DVD... that has certainly changed!), the guy standing next to me stopped his slamdancing (I'm not kidding) long enough to run to the side of the floor for a lovely projectile vomit session... he came back 30 seconds later to continue his gyrations, Mike Mills' backing vocals were amazing, as was Peter Buck's guitar.
That's about it. That... was a long time ago.
When REM exploded to the superstar level many years later, I can't say that I was surprised. It was pretty easy to see the talent and creativity even in the early songwriting. It did feel a little strange though, to see a band that I thought of as my own little secret grow into a worldwide sensation.
It has been similarly weird to see REM's transformations later in their career, especially post-Monster. No, especially post-Bill Berry. I didn't know what to think of Up and really liked Reveal. And Around The Sun? Let's just say that I was sure that it was their swan song. That's not what I as hoping for, but that lackluster collection of songs ("Leaving New York" excepted) sure wasn't encouraging.
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Article comments
1 - JC Mosquito
Unreleased tunes? I heard an old REM boot called "So Much Younger Then" that was full of stuff I've never heard on any of their studio albums. Some covers, I think, but I can only imagine what they've got hidden in the vaults yet.
I dunno - news of this new live album doesn't get me antsy to go out & purchase it. Whatever.
2 - Josh
Did you and I actually agree on something, Mark? Go to church, everyone!
Well-written review, Sir Saleski.
3 - Mark Saleski
yes. that makes me nervous.
4 - Mat Brewster
Whoa, that's like end of the world scary.
I'll probably wind up picking this up sometime just because. But really it makes me want to go find some more unofficial bootlegs and hear REM from earlier years.
5 - Glen Boyd
I think the last thing R.E.M. did that really knocked me on my ass was that song "All The Way From Reno." Just a great Beatle-ish guitar hook on that song. I did see them on the Vote For Change tour with Bruce, and even though Around The Sun was their current album I recall their performance was pretty decent that night.
Now if you'll excuse me for a minute, I have to go break into Kenny G's house...
-Glen
6 - Kenny G's assistant
Kenny G says it's not a wise move breaking into any of Kenny G's compounds. Not that you would ever get past the Blackwater guards anyway, but Kenny G would extract severe bodily harm, causing severe internal injuries no insurance would cover, resulting in your sale of worldly possessions, including pricey concert tickets.
Kenny G knows it will be tough, but Kenny G would appreciate if all you Star Trek fans would stop mentioning Kenny G's name. Kenny G has to go into the studio because Springsteen is going to be adding more songs along the tour, so Kenny G has been begged once again, and of course, showered with money to record Clarence's parts which will be played back during the show. Look for 41 Shots and 57 Channels to be added soon as Springsteen is becoming a devotee of Numerology.