Thread: The End of The World as We Know It

Sooooo, this is going to sound like kind of a pathetic rant what with war and starvation and actual, real problems plaguing the world... but I cannot get over the fact that REM have hung up their guitars and stopped making music. I almost cried at my desk at work today thinking about it and reading the official press releases.*

I have tried speaking to my friends and family about my shock, horror and rapidly encroaching spiral of depression but, and I know I sound like my 13 year old self- they just don't understand!

REM were the soundtrack to my life, the very first album I ever bought with my hard-earned pocket money was an REM record. I went to go and see them live once and while I cherished the experience with an almost religious*fervor, somwhere deep down inside I always thought I would get the chance again....*

I know that the music goes on and hopefully each of the musicians will go onto their own successful projects in time, especially Michael (who's babies I still want to have, despite his sexuality, my advancing age and our geographic distance).

So, tomorrow I am playing all of my REM CD's (which is pretty much their full discography) on the way to work, at work, at home, whenever and however I can. I don't care who complains and if someone even looks at the Hi-Fi the wrong way, they'll be messing with their sick leave.

The vigil starts now. Who's with me? * *

I'm so with you on this. I love REM, and grew up listening to them too. Of course, they're from right up the road and where I went to school, Athens, GA, where they have mythical status. So much great music and memories. I think they kind of peaked out at "Automatic..." -- although Monster was solid. But that's OK with me. And I think something was missing when Bill Berry left, some of the chemistry maybe. And "Automatic..." is a masterpiece, and would be nearly impossible to top.

I'm not big into compilations, but someone did give me The IRS years -- and it's an amazing reminder of all the great stuff they put out. Oddly, I had just been listening to it when my wife called to give me the news. She's a huge fan too, and one of the few bands we love in common. Even my kids like them -- especially what they call "The Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" song. We all sing along to that one.

The break up isn't all that traumatic to me, considering they seemed to be well past their prime. In some respects, it was a long time coming. Of course, I've seen them in concert 3 times -- too bad for anyone who didn't have a chance to see them live. Still, it's a sad day, the passing of a milestone.

Eh...

I wondered how long that would take. Why bother commenting if you don't like the band?

*shakes head.*

For the same reason anyone else does it. Because they can. Lighten up! Jeez.

I like REM and listened to them when I was young. I'm not devastated that they're no longer making music, though.

Well, obviously, the thread is aimed at people who care about the band. And here are a couple of folks who love REM and have a lot of memories and strong feelings associated with them and their music. And then someone comes along and pooh-poohs it. It’s just bad manners. But whatever.

I liked REM. Was never a big fan, but I'm not happy they broke up. This is news to me.

Originally Posted by JosephB

Well, obviously, the thread is aimed at people who care about the band. And here are a couple of folks who love REM and have a lot of memories and strong feelings associated with them and their music. And then someone comes along and pooh-poohs it. It’s just bad manners. But whatever.

Each to their own I suppose

Music tastes differ from person to person. I am not a fan of REM, but I can appreciate the upset of their disbanding for those who are. It is always saddening when a band decides to go their separate ways.

Originally Posted by Jinxi

Music tastes differ from person to person.

Yes -- I realize that. But it doesn't really have anything to do with the point I was making. I don't expect everyone to mourn the break-up of REM. I just found it a little rude that someone would weigh in just to say he doesn't care -- especially given that it obviously means a lot to the OP.

Thanks for the show of support JosephB *fist pump* I may have to plan a pilgrimage to Athens GA. Hope you and your wife have a comfy couch. *

I've always tried to avoid confrontation on this forum, but I have to kind of agree that it's not very nice to join what was meant fan/supporter's thread just to be negative or apathetic. If someone comes to work and says, 'who wants a slice of this cake I made?' do you jump up, with both hands waving and shout, 'Oooh, not me! I hate cake!'

If I'd wanted to know why you thought they sucked I would have posted this on the debate thread. But I didn't, so I guess I don't.*

*

The impression I got from the article I read was not so much that they had stopped making music or fallen out as that they had stopped recording and playing gigs. I could well be wrong, but if not respect to them for not feeling the need to pursue the financial side further than they have to. It makes sense, they don't give the impression of extravagant livers, 15 albums should give them enough to live in a comfortable style, and we were always lead to believe that Michael hated the pressure of live performance. Look at it this way Baba, they are what they are, if they were not at this point now they would not have been what they were then either, we simply got the best bit for us first, but that's fair enough, most people retire, even from jobs they love, then they pursue hobbies, it would be good if they share that too, if they don't, well, look what we got already.

NOOOOOOOOO!

Are you sure? Well rats. I was just listening to Losing My Religion when I clicked onto this thread.

Losing My Religion by R E M - YouTube

*sigh*

Good one. Helped put them on the map. You nailed it, BabaYaga, when you said, "soundtrack of my life." My older sisters were a huge REM fans -- I can't remember not listening to them.

Here are but a few of my favorites:

Cuyahoga -REM - YouTube

REM - 7 Chinese Bros - YouTube

REM Driver 8 Video - YouTube

R.E.M. - Letter Never Sent - YouTube

R.E.M. - I Don't Sleep, I Dream - YouTube

R.E.M. - Talk About The Passion - YouTube

And one of my favorite songs ever:

R.E.M. Man On the Moon - YouTube