Top Ten Songs by R.E.M

Until about four years ago, I knew R.E.M.'s music but I didn't realize that I did. I had no idea that some of the songs I had enjoyed so much - songs such as "Stand," "Losing My Religion," and "It's the End of the World as We Know It" - were products of this alternative rock band from Athens, Georgia. Once I had been introduced to R.E.M., however, I knew I had to acquire as many of their CD's as possible. It was difficult to pick my top ten favorite R.E.M. songs for this article, but I made the effort.

Ten - at first, "Electrolite" sounds like a typical bubbly pop song, with a rolling, steady beat and a melody that is pleasant yet unremarkable. But the words add another meaning to the bland sweetness. "Electrolite" is a commentary on Hollywood, emphasizing its transient and false nature. "You are the star tonight" - but what will happen tomorrow night? "Fly Mulholland Drive" and the mention of Martin Sheen, Steve McQueen, and Jimmy Dean are other references to Hollywood. "You're plasticine / that is obscene" emphasizes the fake nature of many stars, and the ending "I'm outa here" illustrates the transient nature of fame.

Nine - "King of Birds" begins with drum rolls and a slow marching rhythm. The strong beat is uplifting and stirs me to attention. I like the imagery of "standing on the shoulders of giants" - then trying to picture 100 million birds! Tremendous! The line "my kingdom for a voice" means that being able to speak freely is more important than any possessions, even an entire kingdom. That is a philosophy with which I can readily agree!

Eight - "Low" is slow and sensual, with a steadily building rhythm and intensity. The lyrics and music have unmistakable erotic undertones - sometimes not so "under." For examples, the lyrics "barefoot naked - I can see your lines" and "your grass is grassy wet" can easily be interpreted with erotic meaning. The vocalist sings that he skipped the part about love, because it seemed silly and shallow, but does this refer to physical love or emotional love? It is unclear, but that's okay with me. Finally, I appreciate the theme of time, which keeps on passing no matter what we do.

Seven - I like the quiet, folksy rhythm and off-hand vocal delivery of "Man on the Moon." The unusual lyrics and mention of Andy Kaufman lend a gentle melancholy that fits well with the music. I especially like the references to Moses, Newton, Cleopatra (Egypt's horrible asp), and Darwin. The refrain suggests a government conspiracy regarding the moon landing: "If you believe they put a man on the moon, man on the moon. / If you believe there's nothing up their sleeve, then nothing is cool." Towards the end, I like the background harmonies as well as the guitar.

Six - "It's the End of the World as We Know It" sounds like R.E.M. on crystal meth, with its frantic, racing vocals. I like the line "listen to yourself churn" since I've spent lots of time listening to the churning worry in my own mind. I sometimes believe that the world really is ending, and I can't honestly say that "I feel fine." In the background I can hear "It's time I had some time alone," but I'm not sure that's what I really need! I like the bit when the music stops and they sing "Leonard Bernstein" a cappella; nice touch. Speaking of LB, a VH1 special stated that all of the names in this song start with those initials; this isn't actually true, since they also mention Sugar Ray.

Five - The lyrics of "Chorus and the Ring" fascinate me, and I often find myself contemplating its true meaning (if there is one). It lends itself well to existential inquiries and angst, questions about the nature of good and evil and religion. "Quote the scriptures/ keep them guessing / which pit you crawled from" suggests a person who does not want anyone to know if he is good or evil, and perhaps is unsure himself. "Justify / just deny" can be an ironic statement against religion. The steady walking beat of "Chorus and the Ring" suggests the slow, dignified march of monks going to church. What is "the Machine of God"? I recall the clockwork universe and Deism, the theory that God set a mechanistic world in motion and has since left it alone. The last verse mentions St. Jerome burning books; this probably refers to his renouncing of all secular reading after a serious illness. Finally, there is the Ring. What is it? It's a gold ring, not a brass ring, but perhaps a similar concept is being presented.

Four - "Imitation of Life" is another song about Hollywood, with much the same meaning as "Electrolite." Musically, I think it is a better song, with an unforgettable refrain. "That's sugar cane / that tasted good / that's cinnamon / that's Hollywood" - sugar cane and cinnamon are sweet, but lacking in substance. The koi and the goldfish in the song exist for show; they have no freedom and they have no meaning to their lives. My favorite line is "Like a Friday fashion show teenager / freezing in the corner" - this person is flashy and noticeable, yet cold and unfeeling like the koi. And everyone there wears a mask - "no one can see you try." The music and lyrics draw me in - but the video is to die for! It is the best video I've ever seen, especially when I consider the intricate nature of the directing. The video for "Imitation of Life" consists of 20 seconds of film that is played, reversed, and replayed again and again, focusing on different areas of the party scene. If you've never seen it, check YouTube!

Three - "Losing My Religion" almost wasn't released as a single; the record company executives weren't comfortable with a song about religion. Michael Stipe, lead vocalist and co-writer of the song, explained that the title isn't about religion, it's actually Southern slang for "at the end of my rope" or "fed up." The song was released and it's a good thing, too, since it was R.E.M.'s comeback hit of the early 90's. Composition of the song began with a mandolin riff devised by guitarist Peter Buck. The mandolin contributes to the mood, which is dark, sad, but full of nervous energy and tension.

Two - The live version of the song "Country Feedback" is one of the most incredible live performances I've ever heard. It begins with Michael Stipe quoting lyrics from "Chorus and the Ring" (see above), and the fact that he misquotes a couple of lines adds to the candor of the song. As is typical for R.E.M., the lyrics are quirky and can be interpreted many ways; it seems certain, however, that the song is about a failing or failed relationship. In the chorus, which keeps building even when it seems it couldn't possibly build any further, Stipe randomly switches from "crazy what you couldn't have" to "crazy what you could've had" and back again. Finally, there is Peter Buck's amazing guitar solo. The first 25 times or so that I heard it, I cried. There is so much emotion buried there.

One - The title of "E-bow the Letter" literally refers to the use of an "e-bow", a magnet that causes guitar strings to vibrate, giving a unique, somewhat eerie sound that is a cross between a cello and a flute. The singer is writing a letter during a bus ride, a private activity that is reflecting in the odd, intensely personal lyrics. I am not sure what R.E.M. meant to convey when they wrote the song, but I know how I interpret it. I hear loneliness and need, especially in the poignant final verse. Patti Smith's background vocals add to this feeling, as does the unique video. "E-bow the Letter" wins first place in my top ten for R.E.M. because this is the one that plays in my head most often.