I never claimed R.E.M. always sucked, I claim they ususally sucked except for a song here and there and except for four albums from 1991 thru 1996. A ridiculous creative peak they never came close to matching before or since. This list includes just two songs pre 1991's Out Of Time, 3 songs off Out Of Time, 3 off the follow-up Automatic For The People, And one each off Monster and New Adventures In Hi-Fi. Nothing after 1996. Nobody with an ounce of integrity can disagree.
1. Me In Honey – I love this song so much, the story of a man overjoyed by his babies pregnancy but bemused by her reaction, I named my last novel after it. Specially awesome? Kate Piersons backing vocals which grab your sould by the end.
2. Nighswimming – A remembrance song whose piano echoes an achy nostalgia and whose string arrangement ending is so heartbreakingly beautiful.
3. Losing My Religion – Overnight, they went from indie darlings to rock stars. The title is a Southern phrase meaning at my wit's end according to songmeanings.com,. A mandolin story of unrequited love.
4. E-Bow The Letter – A sister song to "Me In Honey" in that Patti Smith's backing vocals makes this as clearly as Kate made the former song. "Dreaming of Maria Callas, whoever she is". Great line. "Aluminum, tastes like fear"? The truth.
5. Ehat's The Frequency, Kenneth – The title is what Dan Rather claims a man who accosted him on the streets of Manhattan asked. REM made it their greatest rock song off easily their greatest rock album.
6. Sweetness Follows – Another beauty off Automatic For The People, at the edge of despair, Stipes digs deep and finds hope.
7. Near Wild Heaven – Country folk rock, all piano and acoustic guitar.
8.Stand – The theme of Chris Elliotts one of the best little know sitcoms "Get A Life". Chris plays a thirty somethings paperboy! Hence "stand in the place where you are" I guess.
9. Everybody Hurts – Somebody should play this to Bono. This is how you write an anthem for the people.
10. It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) – Name checks Lester Bangs..