R.E.M. – Eponymous

"Radio Free Europe" Recorded Spring 1981 in Winston-Salem, N.C. Later "made over" for "Murmur." This is the original track released as Hib-Tone 45 in July 1981. Check out "cattle call" vocal available on bootlegs. Mike and Jefferson think this one crushes the other one like a grape. Original version appears on "Murmur" (SP 70014).

"Gardening at Night" Autumn 1981, Oct. 2, 3, 4, 7. Again at Mitch's recorded for "Chronic Town" EP. This is the original vocal take, which was replaced for the EP. Written on a mattress in the front yard. Now condominiums. Original version appears on "Chronic Town" (SP 70502).

"Talk About the ion" Hunger song. Never played live until recorded for "Murmur" and after that not very often. Finally a single. Trans: how much time. From "Murmur" (SP 70014).

"S. Central Rain" First song written during late 1983 preparations for tour with Let's Active and "Reckoning." Played it on David Letterman before it had a title. The vocal for the video was sung live. From "Reckoning" (SP 70044).

"Rockville" Early thrash became country for "Reckoning" as a joke on Bertis. From "Reckoning" (SP 70044).

"Can't Get There From Here" Philomath is located between Lexington and Crawfordville and used to have its own post office. From "Fables of the Reconstruction" (IRS-5592).

"Driver 8" Train song from "Fables" with a train video to match. From "Fables of the Reconstruction" (IRS-5592).

"Romance" Written long ago (with, errr, "Stumble") just before first trip to Northeast as openers on Gang of Four tour. Used a microsecond in the still despairing Alan Rudolf's 1987 film--"Made in Heaven". From the "Made in Heaven" soundtrack.

"Fall on Me" from "Pageant," sometimes misunderstood but generally in the right direction. Michael likes this one. From "Lifes Rich Pageant" (IRS-5783).

"The One I Love" This one went to #9. Radio, video, etc. From "Document" (IRS-42059).

"It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" No it's not. Soon to be released in Soviet Union for Greenpeace. From "Document" (IRS-42059).

"Finest Worksong" Another song from "Document that gained horns for 12" and 7" versions. This is the "should-have-been" horn mix had instinct prevailed at the time. Michael likes this one, too. From "Document" (IRS-42059).