Listening to R.E.M. on Radio Paradise

Back in the early 80's, I was working at an art supply store in Charlotte NC. One day my friend/coworker, Ann, brought in a recording that her friend's band was working on. I hadn't heard of the band (yet) and it wasn't finished, but would eventually be released as Reckoning. Her friend, Michael, came into the store on a couple of occasions, but as the delivery guy I was never there and never got to meet him.

Posted 10 months ago by xknox [ Reply ]

klaasstap wrote:

Just like The War On Drugs this band will be forgotten soon.

Don't eat bait, kiddos.

Posted 11 months ago by Grayson [ Reply ]

Still not looking at any R.E.M. lyrics.

Posted 11 months ago by Grayson [ Reply ]

Thom Yorke's fav R.E.M.'s song

Posted 1 year ago by mylokline [ Reply ]

klaasstap wrote:

Just like The War On Drugs this band will be forgotten soon.

SchrodingersCat wrote:

Considering it's been about 40 years, how do you define soon?

Ow! Their playing the very long game I guess.

Posted 1 year ago by ick [ Reply ]

pilgrim wrote:

Sorry

I see what you did there.

Posted 1 year ago by snider100 [ Reply ]

joko63808 wrote:

Me too

Sorry

Posted 2 years ago by pilgrim [ Reply ]

Radio_Melodia wrote:

Too much R.E.M. for me on this station.

Me too

Posted 2 years ago by joko63808 [ Reply ]

OMG.

This. Brings back so many memories.

At their best, before they became mega famous, R.E.M produced beautiful music.
Yes, arguably, Automatic For The People was a crackingly good album, but it doesn't have this rawness of sound, this simplistic beauty.

Every element just pulls together as one, like a band that really knows each other, a band doing the music for the love and importance of the art form.

Yes, it's serious stuff - most of the output of R.E.M at this time was very serious.
But hell, it's good.

Posted 2 years ago by bb_matt [ Reply ]

klaasstap wrote:

Just like The War On Drugs this band will be forgotten soon.

Considering it's been about 40 years, how do you define soon?

Posted 2 years ago by SchrodingersCat [ Reply ]

Saw REM perform in the tiny but gorgeous Graham Chapel on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis in the late '80s. They performed this song, but about three times slower. It was absolutely transcendent!

Posted 2 years ago by nanderson1 [ Reply ]

klaasstap wrote:

Just like The War On Drugs this band will be forgotten soon.

I see in your song ratings that you have given an 8 rating to "What's the Frequency Kenneth?" by REM

Posted 3 years ago by the_jake [ Reply ]

klaasstap wrote:

Just like The War On Drugs this band will be forgotten soon.

In, what, another 37 years?

Posted 3 years ago by dwhayslett [ Reply ]

Just like The War On Drugs this band will be forgotten soon.

Posted 3 years ago by klaasstap [ Reply ]

I listened to REM's first two albums incessantly. However, I never knew the lyrics and some ways, didn't care what the songs were about. Now, with RP's lyrics, I can see that I'm still confused...

Reckoning and Murmur and a few other early albums were great. What happened to them at the end? I think I'm in for a dip into those early albums to see if they hold up after all these years.

Posted 3 years ago by kernreed [ Reply ]

SmackDaddy wrote:

Funny thing is that Stipe says he had no idea how to write a song or lyrics on these first two (or three) albums. But what's really funny is that he always managed to covey feelings, emotions, and a sense of what it was about even while being obtuse or even stringing together gibberish and you couldn't quite put into words what any of the songs were about.

While some REM's lyrics and their meanings may be obscure .

Certainly South Side Rain is not so hard to decipher!

Pretty straight forward in what it is about!

Posted 3 years ago by surfrider4life [ Reply ]

"Sorry" but critics that say REM's lyrics are mostly babble are down below it !

"Rivers of suggestion are driving me away"

This entire song lyric is sheer poetry.
Moreover, the way the music paints the story is mesmerizing !

I cherish that day long ago when Stipe & Co came into my audiophile palate !

Posted 3 years ago by surfrider4life [ Reply ]

Over structured and a way to basic rhythm to appeal to my ears. They clash with my lobes!

Posted 4 years ago by Matt_Maurer [ Reply ]

This is the first song I ever heard by them - on WLIR when I was in high school (yes, I'm old). It will always hold a special place in my heart because it introduced me to what would become my favorite band of all time.

Posted 4 years ago by TLynneHenry [ Reply ]

I met them at a Halloween party in 1984 ish. In Nashville. In my neighborhood. I'm showing my age. Beautiful wonderful people, R.E.M. I was dressed in a cubist design, they recognized that. Get this message to them. I love them. :)

Posted 4 years ago by BebePassiflora [ Reply ]

Funny thing is that Stipe says he had no idea how to write a song or lyrics on these first two (or three) albums. But what's really funny is that he always managed to covey feelings, emotions, and a sense of what it was about even while being obtuse or even stringing together gibberish and you couldn't quite put into words what any of the songs were about.

Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy [ Reply ]

dancnbarefoot wrote:

The memories swell when I listen to this. Coming back from class in college and putting this album, yes album, on and dancing.Best of times.

Too right, friend. Those were the best of times. I miss my college friends so much sometimes...

Posted 4 years ago by DaidyBoy [ Reply ]

rdo wrote:

If you really took that vote, then five crappy REM songs would win, like stuff off of Monster. Here are my votes: Begin the Begin, Perfect Circle, Radio Free Europe, Time After Time, I am Superman. I know the last one is a cover, and I shudder to think I am saying a cover should be in the top five songs of perhaps the greatest American band, but I still have never heard the Clique original and that's the story I am sticking to.

I would add Driver 8 and Fireplace

Posted 4 years ago by johnalexford [ Reply ]

missionaire wrote:

My favourite part is right at the end when someone else in the band starts beating Michael Stipe over the head with a piano.

Yeah, agree - my favourite part is the (very) end too! One of THE most overrated bands on earth.

Posted 4 years ago by Daveteauk [ Reply ]

moodfood wrote:

don't be sorry, be happy..

Yep! They punched my "be happy" button just now. Yay!

Posted 4 years ago by AhhtheMusic [ Reply ]

I'm sorry. Love REM But this is a PSD for me.

Posted 4 years ago by justin4kick [ Reply ]

This song and album along with Murmur are some of the best of their time and worth a listen, they could and should belong in heaps of millennials record collections.

Posted 5 years ago by permanentbliss [ Reply ]

Great song for the moment. I can keep dancing round my room. Matches my morning energy. Thank you

Posted 5 years ago by Imagi [ Reply ]

Driver 8 and Fireplace have to be up there for best REM tracks...

Posted 5 years ago by johnalexford [ Reply ]

dancnbarefoot wrote:

The memories swell when I listen to this. Coming back from class in college and putting this album, yes album, on and dancing.Best of times.

You and me both!

Posted 5 years ago by rdaufan [ Reply ]

The memories swell when I listen to this. Coming back from class in college and putting this album, yes album, on and dancing.Best of times.

Posted 6 years ago by dancnbarefoot [ Reply ]

My favourite part is right at the end when someone else in the band starts beating Michael Stipe over the head with a piano.

Posted 6 years ago by missionaire [ Reply ]

Driving to the old Buick, long path to Dallas with my full trailer with this cassette early in 1985. Great days.

Posted 6 years ago by MarkSD [ Reply ]

Still a nice "alt-folk" tune...all these years later

Posted 6 years ago by treatment_bound [ Reply ]

A solid 2. If there was ever a whiney vocalist, it's Stipe. He oughta change the title of this to "I'm Whiney."

Posted 6 years ago by George_Tirebiter [ Reply ]

8—>9 today. Such a good song.

Posted 6 years ago by membeth [ Reply ]

wrangler wrote:

no such thing!

Ummm. no

Posted 6 years ago by tee_dee [ Reply ]

Greetings from So. Central Ave

Posted 6 years ago by wrangler [ Reply ]

Radio_Melodia wrote:

Too much R.E.M. for me on this station.

no such thing!

Posted 6 years ago by wrangler [ Reply ]

Too much R.E.M. for me on this station.

Posted 6 years ago by Radio_Melodia [ Reply ]

Shaken_Bake wrote:

I've never loved a song so much which lyrics were absolutely undecipherable! (I'm sorry.)

Well not absolutely undecipherable - I also belt out the SORRY part with Mr. Stipe.

Posted 7 years ago by handyrae [ Reply ]

Sitting in a bar in Berkeley in the latter 80s, waiting for the Replacements to take the stage (or was it The Nails?) and this comes on overhead. The crowd starts bobbing and hopping and nodding in hipster acknowledgment. The guy next to me, face gleeful, leans over and says "I have no idea what's up - but he's certainly sorry!"

What a great time this was.

Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D [ Reply ]

I've never loved a song so much which lyrics were absolutely undecipherable! (I'm sorry.)

Posted 7 years ago by Shaken_Bake [ Reply ]

twoplain2sea wrote:

   Sorry, here you talking to Central train station.
   So hear, my name is Rasmus, and my middle name is Robinson.
          And, you can kiss goodbye to your luggage claim.

Snortling so here now. And I was just settling in good to my typically pious R.E.M. reverie.

Posted 7 years ago by Grayson [ Reply ]

   Sorry, here you talking to Central train station.
   So hear, my name is Rasmus, and my middle name is Robinson.
          And, you can kiss goodbye to your luggage claim.

Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea [ Reply ]

REM jars with me - thoroughly dislike their music - just don't get them. Every track sounds samey

Posted 9 years ago by Tony0600 [ Reply ]

stalfnzo wrote:

I used to LOVE REM. Then I heard them in concert. By far my least enjoyable concert. He seemed bored, at best. Uninspired. Just going through the motions. No EMOTION. Too bad.

Too bad you didn't catch them earlier. Mr. Stipe was frenetic!

Posted 9 years ago by meatmike [ Reply ]

don't be sorry, be happy..

Posted 9 years ago by moodfood [ Reply ]

wrangler wrote:

We just moved into out new house on So. Central Ave, and it's raining today

I'm sorry...

Posted 10 years ago by treatment_bound [ Reply ]

I used to LOVE REM. Then I heard them in concert. By far my least enjoyable concert. He seemed bored, at best. Uninspired. Just going through the motions. No EMOTION. Too bad.

Posted 10 years ago by stalfnzo [ Reply ]

We just moved into out new house on So. Central Ave, and it's raining today

Posted 10 years ago by wrangler [ Reply ]

ahh to be young again.. uhh no thanks

Posted 10 years ago by moodfood [ Reply ]

God I loved them back then and this whole album. Never get tired of it!

Posted 10 years ago by msturgis [ Reply ]

rdo wrote:

If you really took that vote, then five crappy REM songs would win, like stuff off of Monster. Here are my votes: Begin the Begin, Perfect Circle, Radio Free Europe, Time After Time, I am Superman. I know the last one is a cover, and I shudder to think I am saying a cover should be in the top five songs of perhaps the greatest American band, but I still have never heard the Clique original and that's the story I am sticking to.

Great choices! Especially Begin the Begin one of my personal favs also.

Posted 11 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

treatment_bound wrote:

BWAAAA.... That's a classic. Might be as good as Prince Rogers Neslon's --->

Posted 11 years ago by zepher [ Reply ]

perfect 10.

Posted 11 years ago by wrangler [ Reply ]

wow... when they were great, they were really great.

Posted 11 years ago by daveesh [ Reply ]

Sloggydog wrote:

Agreed but even when they were poor I think the Album cover could have used a spruce up. I remember my Dad thought this was homemade when I bought the cassette.

Oh also to join the debate on best ever REM songs I offer - Country Feedback, World Leader Pretend and King Of Birds.

Yeah, I know what you mean... the album cover looks very intestinal...

but the album cover is not important— what matters most is the music, and every song on the album be soooo good...

we be dancing... love this song...

Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus [ Reply ]

le_colonel wrote:

Yeah, if this isn't a ten, I don't know what is...

Agreed! Crank it UP!

Posted 11 years ago by milleronic [ Reply ]

Yeah, if this isn't a ten, I don't know what is...

Posted 11 years ago by le_colonel [ Reply ]

Lazarus wrote:

fantastic song from a GREAT album...

Agreed but even when they were poor I think the Album cover could have used a spruce up. I remember my Dad thought this was homemade when I bought the cassette.

Oh also to join the debate on best ever REM songs I offer - Country Feedback, World Leader Pretend and King Of Birds.

Posted 11 years ago by Sloggydog [ Reply ]

fantastic song from a GREAT album...

Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus [ Reply ]

Posted 11 years ago by treatment_bound [ Reply ]

This song is soooo good it puts a spring in my step this winter day...

Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus [ Reply ]

When Monster was released I thought it was quite different and very good. Now, even though I still enjoy some of the songs from it, I don't think it stacks up to their earlier work or their later Automatic For The People.

Posted 11 years ago by R7-12 [ Reply ]

gandalfbmg wrote:

ugh, again with the hate for Monster... It's a good album...

But still none of its songs taken individually stack up to this one, which is far and away their best song...

Sorry, I'll stop raggin on Monster. I know people like it. It's just that it...oops, I'll shut up.

Posted 12 years ago by rdo [ Reply ]

I enjoy this era REM, but always thought this song quite wimpy

Posted 12 years ago by max_p [ Reply ]

rdo wrote:

If you really took that vote, then five crappy REM songs would win, like stuff off of Monster. Here are my votes: Begin the Begin, Perfect Circle, Radio Free Europe, Time After Time, I am Superman. I know the last one is a cover, and I shudder to think I am saying a cover should be in the top five songs of perhaps the greatest American band, but I still have never heard the Clique original and that's the story I am sticking to.

ugh, again with the hate for Monster... It's a good album...

But still none of its songs taken individually stack up to this one, which is far and away their best song...

Posted 12 years ago by gandalfbmg [ Reply ]

sirdroseph wrote:

No, I think if you were to take a concensus vote for best REM song, my guess this one would win or at least be in the top 5. It certainly gets my vote.

If you really took that vote, then five crappy REM songs would win, like stuff off of Monster. Here are my votes: Begin the Begin, Perfect Circle, Radio Free Europe, Time After Time, I am Superman. I know the last one is a cover, and I shudder to think I am saying a cover should be in the top five songs of perhaps the greatest American band, but I still have never heard the Clique original and that's the story I am sticking to.

Posted 12 years ago by rdo [ Reply ]

very nice

Posted 12 years ago by Kaisersosay [ Reply ]

sirdroseph wrote:

No, I think if you were to take a concensus vote for best REM song, my guess this one would win or at least be in the top 5. It certainly gets my vote.

Stand.

Posted 12 years ago by unclehud [ Reply ]

Love it!

10

Posted 12 years ago by WayUpNorth [ Reply ]

This brings me back to when I was still in school. A friend and I just finished a bike trip down the east coast that ended in Athens GA. We met up with some friends, took some X and went to a park where the Chickasaw Mud Puppies were playing. We were awash in feelings of joy in the day and completion of our trip, and who is there dancing away with us - Stipe. At least in my mind we were all celebrating together. Just a great time of my life.

Posted 12 years ago by gForce [ Reply ]

sirdroseph wrote:

No, I think if you were to take a concensus vote for best REM song, my guess this one would win or at least be in the top 5. It certainly gets my vote.

This is a great song but my personal favorite REM song is "Belong".

Posted 13 years ago by BKardon [ Reply ]

Nice bit of 12-string action there ...

Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit [ Reply ]

A friend introduced me to this album shortly after it was released in '84. I kind of liked it at first but after a few listens I thought it was fantastic stuff! Ended up seeing them live 5 times starting with the Fables tours at the Commodore in Vancouver - Simply awesome!

Met them (except Peter Buck) after the Monster show in '95 at the Colosseum.

All their great albums were the early ones ending with Automatic For The People.

This one's a solid 8.

Posted 13 years ago by R7-12 [ Reply ]

Songs that were playing when my grandparents died:

1. So. Central Rain
2. Simple Man
3. Refugee

Posted 13 years ago by hencini [ Reply ]

The beginning strains of this song always - ALWAYS! - guarantee that I'll listen to the whole song and love it.

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

Always brings on a wave of wistful nostalgia ... and the urge to DANCE in a most disorganized way!

Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth [ Reply ]

Listen to this song, listen to the recent effort. This is so very good.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy [ Reply ]

That guitar...

Posted 13 years ago by Seahunt [ Reply ]

fredriley wrote:

Shagging and typing? Talk of multi-tasking... ;)

I'm gonna hope romeotuma's referring to DANCING (there was a dance in the '60's called The Shag) but even if he isn't, it's still some mighty multi-tasking.

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

romeotuma wrote:

We be shagging... love it...

Shagging and typing? Talk of multi-tasking... ;)

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley [ Reply ]

Cynaera wrote:

LOL - romeotuma, you just make me grin from ear to ear. When I hear the first guitar notes of this song, I just get shivers and close my eyes to soak it up. It's one of those pieces that moves me on so many levels I can't even convey them in words. To me, this is one of R.E.M.'s best songs. I'm sure people will disagree, and thank goodness for that!

No, I think if you were to take a concensus vote for best REM song, my guess this one would win or at least be in the top 5. It certainly gets my vote.

Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

DEWBKEY wrote:

great band great show so many years ago

I was there, too ... great memories of better days.

Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth [ Reply ]

Cynaera wrote:

LOL - romeotuma, you just make me grin from ear to ear. When I hear the first guitar notes of this song, I just get shivers and close my eyes to soak it up. It's one of those pieces that moves me on so many levels I can't even convey them in words. To me, this is one of R.E.M.'s best songs. I'm sure people will disagree, and thank goodness for that!

Yes, from one of their best albums. I keep going back to side 1, it is amazing.

Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond [ Reply ]

Sorry! Sooorrrrryyy! I know you love them, but I HATE R.E.M. so SICK of them! There, I've said it. Now you can enjoy.

Posted 13 years ago by nicolewe [ Reply ]

Such a sorry ass song.

Posted 13 years ago by Papernapkin [ Reply ]

great band great show so many years ago

Posted 14 years ago by DEWBKEY [ Reply ]

musickat wrote:

Cynaera, you make be grin from ear to ear.... such a perceptive soul I think.

Hugs to you, musickat. Geez, and it STILL gives me shivers, even now. How I love RP...

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

My favorite REM song, period. I remember the first time I saw the video on Mtv....good memories.

Posted 14 years ago by htowncoog [ Reply ]

Cynaera wrote:

LOL - romeotuma, you just make me grin from ear to ear. When I hear the first guitar notes of this song, I just get shivers and close my eyes to soak it up. It's one of those pieces that moves me on so many levels I can't even convey them in words. To me, this is one of R.E.M.'s best songs. I'm sure people will disagree, and thank goodness for that!

Cynaera, you make be grin from ear to ear.... such a perceptive soul I think.

Posted 14 years ago by musickat [ Reply ]

Jelani wrote:

You mean when they're acceptable, right?

No, I believe he meant when they were really good. I know a lot of really good bands that might not be considered "acceptable" by some.

Posted 14 years ago by ick [ Reply ]

romeotuma wrote:

We just turned the volume wayyyy up and started dancing here... love it...

LOL - romeotuma, you just make me grin from ear to ear. When I hear the first guitar notes of this song, I just get shivers and close my eyes to soak it up. It's one of those pieces that moves me on so many levels I can't even convey them in words. To me, this is one of R.E.M.'s best songs. I'm sure people will disagree, and thank goodness for that!

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

One of the greatest REM songs and one of the best songs out of the 80's!

Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

Bosami wrote:

9>10

What was I thinking? Love it.

Agreed!

Posted 14 years ago by tapatia1072 [ Reply ]

I'm sorry

Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel [ Reply ]

Murmur and Reckoning: one of the greatest one-two punches in album history, IMO.

Posted 14 years ago by ericconrad [ Reply ]

Bosami wrote:

9>10

What was I thinking? Love it.

Me too!

Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth [ Reply ]

HEM does an exquisite, slow version of this—-

Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62 [ Reply ]

Nothing like those first few r.e.m. albums. They were tapping the Source of true creativity because they weren't thinking about it. Michael's voice was unfettered emotion.

Posted 14 years ago by vlmd [ Reply ]

See - the '80s weren't so bad.

Posted 14 years ago by onomasticator [ Reply ]

surprisingly well-enunciated, stipe!

Posted 14 years ago by mcYammer [ Reply ]

one of my favorite REM songs from their best era as a band.

Posted 14 years ago by superflyLD [ Reply ]

9>10

What was I thinking? Love it.

Posted 14 years ago by Bosami [ Reply ]

Well, I can't say anything bad about this song. It's a good one.

Posted 14 years ago by bokey [ Reply ]

romeotuma wrote:

love this song...

Do you have an opinion of this song? Just wondering!

You must have the record for hearing/posting this one on RP.

Couldn't agree with you more though - fantastic song - great album.

Cheers!

Posted 14 years ago by Bosami [ Reply ]

Papernapkin wrote:

Sounds like a sorry wimp song.

Posted 14 years ago by toterola [ Reply ]

sirdroseph wrote:

Another example of REM when they were really good! Great song!!

You mean when they're acceptable, right?

Posted 14 years ago by Jelani [ Reply ]

Another example of REM when they were really good! Great song!!

Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

Such a brilliant, haunting REM song. One of my top ten songs ever and never fails to stir me

Posted 15 years ago by jonrox [ Reply ]

Did you never call? I waited for your call
These rivers of suggestion are driving me away
The ocean sang, the conversation's dimmed
Go build yourself another dream, this choice isn't mine

Nice!

Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond [ Reply ]

Sounds like a sorry wimp song.

Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin [ Reply ]

Twenty-five years old, already??

Posted 15 years ago by countyman [ Reply ]

Friggin love this song!

Posted 15 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

romeotuma wrote:

This fantastic song, from a truly great album, brings back so many memories...

So true.

Posted 15 years ago by randomprime [ Reply ]

rdo wrote:

I liked REM a lot more back when I didn't have any idea what they were saying or what they were singing about. Reckoning is a good example of that.

I still don't know exactly what they are saying in my favorite REM song "Perfect Circle" . Something about shoulders high in the wind.

Wolves lower to you, my friend. "Murmer" also—-back when R.E.M.rocked

Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz [ Reply ]

I liked REM a lot more back when I didn't have any idea what they were saying or what they were singing about. Reckoning is a good example of that.

I still don't know exactly what they are saying in my favorite REM song "Perfect Circle" . Something about shoulders high in the wind.

Posted 15 years ago by rdo [ Reply ]

I remember driving along the 401 many years ago, and hearing CFNY play this song, and loving it. The DJ didn't tell me the name of the song (I knew it was REM, obviously), so I spent the next while scouring record stores looking for the album with the song "Sorry" on it. It was months before I figured it out...

Posted 15 years ago by alanthecowboy [ Reply ]