Album Information:

About R.E.M.:

R.E.M. was an American rock band hailing from Athens, Georgia. The band consisted of four core members throughout most of its existence: Michael Stipe on vocals, Peter Buck on guitar, Mike Mills on bass and backing vocals, and Bill Berry on drums and percussion. R.E.M. was one of the most influential and successful alternative rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s, known for their jangly guitar-driven sound, introspective lyrics, and enigmatic frontman.

The band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980, and soon signed with independent label I.R.S. Records. Their early albums, including 'Murmur' (1983) and 'Reckoning' (1984), established R.E.M. as the leading voice of the burgeoning Athens music scene and helped define the sound of early alternative rock. The band's popularity exploded with the release of 'Document' (1987) and 'Green' (1988), which featured hit singles like 'It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)' and 'Stand.'

Throughout the 1990s, R.E.M. continued to experiment with their sound, incorporating elements of folk, country, and electronic music into their music. They released a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including 'Out of Time' (1991), which featured the hit singles 'Losing My Religion' and 'Shiny Happy People,' and 'Automatic for the People' (1992), which featured the hit singles 'Drive' and 'Man on the Moon.'

In 1997, drummer Bill Berry left the band, and R.E.M. continued as a trio for the remainder of their career. They released several more albums, including 'Up' (1998), 'Reveal' (2001), and 'Accelerate' (2008), but their commercial success waned in the new millennium. In 2011, after over three decades together, R.E.M. announced that they were disbanding.

Aside from their music, R.E.M. was also known for their political activism and socially conscious lyrics. They were vocal supporters of environmental causes, LGBT rights, and progressive politics. Michael Stipe in particular was known for his enigmatic and poetic lyricism, often incorporating obscure references and surreal imagery into his songs.

In summary, R.E.M. was a highly influential and successful alternative rock band from Athens, Georgia, known for their jangly guitar-driven sound, introspective lyrics, and enigmatic frontman. They released a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and were known for their political activism and socially conscious lyrics.

About the album Green:

Green is the sixth studio album by American rock band R.E.M., released on November 7, 1988. It marks a notable stylistic departure for the band from their earlier works, as they incorporate more diverse musical elements and experiment with different production techniques.

The album begins with the upbeat track 'Pop Song 89,' which features catchy guitar riffs and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the state of pop music. This is followed by 'Get Up,' a faster-paced song with a more punk rock feel, characterized by its driving drumbeat and Michael Stipe's energetic vocals.

'Stand' is the album's most recognizable hit, with its upbeat melody, singalong chorus, and whimsical lyrics. 'Orange Crush,' a politically charged song about the Vietnam War, showcases the band's ability to rock out while also tackling serious themes.

Other standout tracks on the album include the haunting 'World Leader Pretend,' which showcases Stipe's emotive vocal range, and 'You Are the Everything,' a beautiful acoustic ballad that showcases the band's softer side. 'Hairshirt' stands out with its hypnotic rhythm and distinctive mandolin solos.

Throughout the album, the band embraces more experimental sounds and diverse instrumentation, such as the sitar on 'Get Up' and the accordion on 'The Wrong Child.' These eclectic elements add a dynamic dimension to the album, making it stand out from their previous work.

Overall, Green is a strong album that showcases R.E.M.'s evolution as a band. It features catchy hooks, poignant lyrics, and memorable melodies, making it a classic example of their unique sound.

Members:

R.E.M. was an American rock band that formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. The band consisted of four key members: Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry.

Michael Stipe was the lead vocalist of the band and was born on January 4, 1960 in Decatur, Georgia. He formed the band with his friends while attending the University of Georgia. Stipe was known for his distinctive vocal style and poetic lyrics. He also curated artwork for the band's album covers. Outside of R.E.M., Stipe is an activist for various causes, including environmentalism and LGBTQ+ rights.

Peter Buck was the lead guitarist of the band and was born on December 6, 1956 in Berkeley, California. He met Stipe in 1980 while working at a record store in Athens, Georgia. Buck contributed to the band's sound with his use of a Rickenbacker guitar and jangly arpeggios. He is also known for his extensive music collection and collaborations with other artists outside of R.E.M.

Mike Mills was the bassist and keyboardist for the band and was born on December 17, 1958 in Orange County, California. He joined the band soon after its formation and contributed backing vocals and harmonies. Mills also wrote some of the band's songs, including 'What's the Frequency, Kenneth?' and 'Nightswimming.' In addition to his work with R.E.M., he has also composed music for films.

Bill Berry was the drummer for the band and was born on July 31, 1958 in Duluth, Minnesota. He co-founded the band with Stipe and Buck and contributed to its sound with his steady and driving drum beats. Berry also contributed to the band's songwriting, particularly on their early albums. He left the band in 1997 to pursue other interests, including farming and producing.

Together, these four key members of R.E.M. created a unique sound and left a lasting impact on the world of rock music.

Track List for Green:

Sure, here are the tracks in R.E.M.'s 'Green' album, along with their play time and descriptions:

1. 'Pop Song 89' (2:55) - A jangly, upbeat pop song with a catchy chorus and social commentary on the fame and commercialization of the music industry.

2. 'Get Up' (2:39) - A high-energy rock track with a propulsive rhythm, featuring lyrics that encourage listeners to shake off their troubles and rise to the challenges of the day.

3. 'You Are the Everything' (3:43) - A gentle, folky ballad with acoustic guitar and mandolin accompaniment, buoyed by Michael Stipe's emotive vocals and lyrics that paint a picture of love and companionship amidst the natural world.

4. 'Stand' (3:10) - One of R.E.M.'s biggest hits, 'Stand' is a playful, danceable tune with a sing-along chorus and nonsensical lyrics that invite listeners to let go and have fun.

5. 'World Leader Pretend' (4:20) - A slower, more contemplative ballad with introspective lyrics that explore themes of power, responsibility, and self-doubt.

6. 'The Wrong Child' (3:38) - A haunting, atmospheric track that builds from delicate piano and vocals to a crescendo of drums and guitars, featuring lyrics that touch on issues of mental health and childhood trauma.

7. 'Orange Crush' (3:51) - Another of R.E.M.'s most popular songs, 'Orange Crush' is an energetic, politically charged rock anthem with driving guitar riffs and lyrics that reference the Vietnam War.

8. 'Turn You Inside-Out' (4:16) - A hard-driving track with heavy bass and guitar, featuring lyrics that play with the idea of transformation and self-discovery.

9. 'Hairshirt' (3:55) - A gentle, reflective ballad with plaintive vocals and thoughtful lyrics that ruminate on themes of guilt, regret, and redemption.

10. 'I Remember California' (5:02) - A moody, atmospheric track with layered instrumentation and impressionistic lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost ideal.

Overall, 'Green' is a diverse and eclectic album that showcases R.E.M.'s range as a band, with catchy pop tracks, introspective ballads, and politically charged anthems all blending together to create a cohesive listening experience.

Discography for R.E.M.:

Here is the complete discography for R.E.M. in chronological order including all albums, singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:

1. 'Radio Free Europe' / 'Sitting Still' (7' single) (1981)
2. Murmur (1983)
3. 'Talk About the Passion' / 'Moral Kiosk' (7' single) (1984)
4. Reckoning (1984)
5. 'So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)' / 'King of the Road' (7' single) (1984)
6. Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)
7. 'Can't Get There from Here' / 'Bandwagon' / 'Crazy' (12' single) (1985)
8. Lifes Rich Pageant (1986)
9. 'Fall on Me' / 'Rotary Ten' (7' single) (1986)
10. Dead Letter Office (1987)
11. Document (1987)
12. 'The One I Love' / 'Maps and Legends (live)' (7' single) (1987)
13. Eponymous (1988)
14. 'Orange Crush' / 'Behind the Mask' / 'Ballad of a Thin Man' (12' single) (1988)
15. Green (1988)
16. 'Stand' / 'Memphis Train Blues' / 'First We Take Manhattan' (12' single) (1989)
17. 'Pop Song 89' / 'Get Up' / 'You Are the Everything' (12' single) (1989)
18. 'Losing My Religion' / 'Rotary Eleven' / 'Bill Berry's Incompatible Personality' (12' single) (1991)
19. Out of Time (1991)
20. 'Shiny Happy People' / 'Forty Second Song' (7' single) (1991)
21. Automatic for the People (1992)
22. 'Drive' / 'It's A Free World, Baby' / 'Theme from 'The Ship Song' (12' single) (1992)
23. 'Man on the Moon' / 'The One I Love' / 'Everybody Hurts' (12' single) (1993)
24. 'Nightswimming' / 'World Leader Pretend' / 'Belong' (12' single) (1993)
25. Monster (1994)
26. 'What's The Frequency, Kenneth?' / 'Monty Got a Raw Deal' / 'Everybody Hurts (unplugged)' (12' single) (1994)
27. 'Bang and Blame' / 'I Took Your Name' / 'King of Comedy (808 State remix)' (12' single) (1994)
28. New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)
29. 'E-Bow the Letter' / 'Tricycle' / 'Departure' (12' single) (1996)
30. 'Bittersweet Me' / 'Undertow' / 'Leaving New York' (12' single) (1996)
31. Up (1998)
32. 'Daysleeper' / 'Emphysema' / 'Why Not Smile' (12' single) (1998)
33. 'Lotus' / 'Suspicion' / 'Hope' (12' single) (1999)
34. Reveal (2001)
35. 'Imitation of Life' / 'The Lifting' / 'Beat a Drum' (12' single) (2001)
36. Around the Sun (2004)
37. 'Leaving New York' / 'Leaving New York (live)' / 'So Fast, So Numb (live)' (7' single) (2004)
38. 'Aftermath' / 'High Speed Train' (7' single) (2005)
39. 'Living Well Is the Best Revenge' / 'Airliner' (7' single) (2008)
40. Accelerate (2008)
41. 'Supernatural Superserious' / 'Airliner' / 'Red Head Walking' (12' single) (2008)
42. 'Man-Sized Wreath' / 'Horse to Water' / 'Living Well Is the Best Revenge (live)' (7' single) (2008)
43. 'Überlin' / 'Fascinating' (7' single) (2011)
44. Collapse into Now (2011)