How 'Drive' Set the Tone for R.E.M.'s Stark OpusHow 'Drive' Set the Tone for R.E.M.'s Stark OpusOriginally thought of as a B-side, the brooding song became the first track and lead single off 'Automatic for the People.'Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
50 Years Ago: A Very Different ‘M*A*S*H’ Makes Its Debut50 Years Ago: A Very Different ‘M*A*S*H’ Makes Its DebutGroundbreaking war comedy-drama started out as a traditional sitcom with hidden depths.Martin KieltyMartin Kielty
How 'Back on the Chain Gang' Gave Purpose to Grieving PretendersHow 'Back on the Chain Gang' Gave Purpose to Grieving PretendersThey'd just been forced to fire their bassist when the band's guitarist died. Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
R.E.M. Departs on a Fiery Note With 'Oddfellows Local 151'R.E.M. Departs on a Fiery Note With 'Oddfellows Local 151'R.E.M.'s bleakest album rumbles to a close with one more roundhouse political punch.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
How Bonnie Raitt Fine Tuned Her Style With 'Give It Up'How Bonnie Raitt Fine Tuned Her Style With 'Give It Up'She was aiming for the "same funky feeling," but with more finesse. Allison RappAllison Rapp
R.E.M. Ponders Earthquakes and Artistry on 'King of Birds'R.E.M. Ponders Earthquakes and Artistry on 'King of Birds'Michael Stipe's earthquake phobia came to the forefront on this 'Document' track, set to a martial beat.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
Queen Elizabeth II's Rock and Roll ConnectionsQueen Elizabeth II's Rock and Roll ConnectionsHer Majesty interacted with plenty of rock royalty during her 70-year reign. Jen AustinJen AustinAllison RappAllison Rapp
R.E.M.'s 'Disturbance at the Heron House' Tackles Orwell + ReaganR.E.M.'s 'Disturbance at the Heron House' Tackles Orwell + ReaganMichael Stipe was inspired by 'Animal Farm' to create an animalized revolution put down by the Reagan administration. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M.'s Anger Comes Into Focus on 'Welcome to the Occupation'R.E.M.'s Anger Comes Into Focus on 'Welcome to the Occupation'Their third song about U.S. intervention in Central and South America was the most direct repudiation yet.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
35 Years Ago: Dead or Alive, You’re Coming With RoboCop35 Years Ago: Dead or Alive, You’re Coming With RoboCop1987 movie merged science fiction with dark humor to depict a near-future dystopia that still feels real.Martin KieltyMartin Kielty