Bryan Wawzenek is a freelance journalist who writes for Diffuser.fm and Ultimate Classic Rock. He learned more from a three-minute record than he ever learned in school. His mind is racing, as it always will. Don't start him talking, he could talk all night. The sunshine bores the daylights out of him. Don't touch him, he's a real live wire. Most things he worries about never happen anyway. But he's been smiling lately, thinking about the good things to come.
Bryan Wawzenek
R.E.M. Shows Some Soul on ‘Everybody Hurts’
R&B-influenced ballad took an uncharacteristically direct approach to the subject of suicide.
The Story of Television’s Influential Masterpiece, ‘Marquee Moon’
Television was uncompromising when making its debut album, 'Marquee Moon,' released in February 1977.
25 Years Ago: The Tragic Story of Michael Hutchence’s Death
He was haunted by a tumultuous affair, numerous legal battles, addictions and declining fame.
Top 10 Censored Rock Songs
Reasons for this censorship are more varied than you might think.
How R.E.M. Created a Masterpiece With ‘Automatic for the People’
Initially planning to make a big rock record, they decided instead to focus on acoustic sounds and dark themes.
R.E.M. ‘Find the River’ and Discover a Sweet Release
A record that began with a message about control ends with a song suggesting that we’re all powerless in the face of mortality.
R.E.M. Try to Remember ‘Nightswimming’
On the 'Automatic for the People' highlight, Michael Stipe employs the only known way to time travel: memories.
R.E.M. Wrestles With Writer’s Block on ‘Man on the Moon’
The song was ready — it just didn’t have a title, or lyrics, or vocals.
How Meg Ryan, Miami and 10cc Impacted R.E.M.‘s ‘Star Me Kitten’
Actress Meg Ryan convinced band to alter title of lusty 'Automatic for the People' ballad, and it became an in-joke.
R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe Vents His Spleen on ‘Ignoreland’
It was the most biting and specific political critique of band's then-12-year career.