Take a Break, Driver 8

If you've been on a shift too long then take a break! So sayeth the brilliant Michael Stipe and R.E.M. Check out the choo-choo trains! From their 1985 album Fables of the Reconstruction, here is the mostly train footage video of "Driver 8"...

Lyrics | Rem lyrics - Driver 8 lyrics

"Driver 8"

Single by R.E.M.
from the album Fables of the Reconstruction
B-side "Driver 8 (Live)"
Released September 1985
Format 7"
Recorded 1985
Genre College rock
Length 3:18
Label I.R.S. Records
Writer(s) R.E.M.[1]
Producer Joe Boyd

Calling All in Transit

Check out all of Michael Stipe's hair in today's classic performance from The Late Show with David Letterman circa 1983. I also love his pants. I wonder how many bands like this David has seen over the years and thinks to himself, "these guys are terrible... they'll never be heard from again." Well, if he thought that on this night in 1983, he couldn't have been more wrong as R.E.M. has endured and persevered through the years. Here is their debut single, the indecipherable "Radio Free Europe"...




Lyrics | Rem lyrics - Radio Free Europe lyrics

"Radio Free Europe"

Single by R.E.M.
Released July 8, 1981
Recorded 1981
Genre Alternative rock
Length 3:46
Label Hib-Tone
Producer Mitch Easter

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #78

#71

I was a little late to the R.E.M. scene back in the day mostly because I was listening to Top 40 or rap, but this song made me sit up and take notice of the excellent little band from Georgia with a dude named Michael Stipe on lead vocals. I had never heard any song like this before and really still haven't. A cool band and a cool video, I still enjoy this one to this day.

#71 It's the End of the World as We Know It
by R.E.M.




Lyrics | Rem lyrics - It's The End Of The World As We Know It lyrics

This One Goes Out To...

(c'mon)... (finish the title)... (you can do it)... the One I Love... thought I'd bring in a little romantic R.E.M. for you today as we all get romantic with our loved ones leading up to Valentine's Day... from 1987 and their fifth studio album "Document", it is "The One I Love"...




Lyrics | Rem lyrics - The One I Love lyrics

“The One I Love”

Single by R.E.M.
from the album Document
Released August 1987 (U.S.)
September 1991 (UK re-issue)
Format 7", cassette, CD
Recorded 1987
Genre Alternative rock
Length 3:17
Label I.R.S.
Producer Mitch Easter, R.E.M.

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #9
Canada #14
UK #16

I've Got My Spine

One of my favorite groups for a second time in The Excellent 80's - it's R.E.M. with "Orange Crush"...




Orange Crush Lyrics

“Orange Crush”

Single by R.E.M.
from the album Green
Released December 1988 (US)
May 1989 (UK)

Format 7" Single
Recorded 1988
Genre Alternative rock
Length 3:51
Label Warner Bros. Records
Producer Scott Litt & R.E.M.

Modern Rock Tracks Peak: #1
UK Singles Peak: #28

That's Great, It Starts With An Earthquake

This guy's birthday was not too long ago, and they have a new album coming out sometime around April... it's a band that's been jamming a long time and still going fairly strong... the bald-headed Michael Stipe and R.E.M. with "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)...




It's The End of The World as We Know It Lyrics

"It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)"

Single by R.E.M.
from the album Document
Released November 1987 (US)
December 1991 (UK re-issue)

Format Vinyl record (7" & 12"), tape cassette, CD
Genre Alternative Rock
Length 4:07
Label I.R.S. Records
Producer Scott Litt

US Peak: #69