How the Rolling Stones Survived the '80sHow the Rolling Stones Survived the '80sBy the time this decade was drawing to a close, they were barely left standing. Michael GallucciMichael Gallucci
R.E.M. Wrestles With Writer's Block on 'Man on the Moon'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.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
Michael Stipe Goes 'Out There' for R.E.M.'s ‘The Sidewinder...'Michael Stipe Goes 'Out There' for R.E.M.'s ‘The Sidewinder...'With a title nodding to a doo-wop classic, this bouncy track brought some levity to the moody 'Automatic for the People.' Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
How R.E.M. Explored Life's End With ‘Try Not to Breathe’How R.E.M. Explored Life's End With ‘Try Not to Breathe’The second track from 'Automatic for the People' is the album's first one about death. But the song's title originated with a much more innocuous statement.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
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