@@adampecsek Michael had the lead in the original cut, on their "Reckoning" album. But Mike wrote the song, I think it is a nod to Michael's decency that he relinquished the lead to Mike for this song. I personally like both versions, but maybe Mike singing lead is just a wee bit better.
"That's Mike Mills!" I said to my friend. It was Fall of 1994 in a tiny dive in San Francisco called the Casa Loma (long since closed). I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted one of my all-time favorite bass players in my neighborhood bar. He was in his trademark suit, accompanied by a small entourage and a beautiful South American girlfriend. I nervously approached him. He was the nicest guy in the world, ended up chatting with me and my friend about music and life for over an hour.
The IRS years of REM will always be my favorite and this song is at the top of the list. A nice twist here to have Mike take the lead. Collectively, REM might very well be the best rock song writers of all time.
I met Mike at a Natalie Merchant concert back in 2010. I thank him for this wonderful little song and all of his hard work with R.E.M. over the years. He seems that he appreciated my comments. He was a kind soul and a gentleman to me.
A long time ago I had a friend who told me this song had a Grateful Dead vibe. Watching this live version I can sort of see her point. Love it all these years later.
Amen Dario, Billy was a neighbor of mine here the last few years. I did not know him, but ran into him around town, and he was always a positive force with a smile on his face.
Effortless harmonizing between Mills and Stipe in the beginning before the others come in. Sounds good then too, but the beginning minute or so...beautiful.
I bought their first major release, Murmur after I read a Rolling Stone poll. That year the readers picked as album of the year, Thriller and the critics picked Murmur. I liked REM more.
Brilliant, and with Bill Berry back then. I had all the albums up until Monster, that was the last because they just didn't feel right after he had to unfortunately leave the band. I had a tape cassette with Mike Mills singing Wendell Gee on the piano, one of my favourite songs. I must have a search now to see if it's online. Cheers. :)
I've got a new cover of this song over on my channel. Everything's recorded live on camera and into the mic so it's kinda like a live gig (except for the fact that I produce the shit out if it afterwards)
Most people in Greece speak English at least at a very basic level and many of those are fluent especially younger ages. Nowadays it is considered standard knowledge to know English here. However sometimes we just like the vibe of foreign music and listen to it even if we dont understand the lyrics or much of them.
English is universal. We are American, people take notice. And since Obama is gone, we can probably be normal again. No bowing and prostrating ourselves anymore.
