R.E.M.'s 'Document': The Story Behind Every Song
A look at the 11 tracks on the band's 1987 landmark album.
Document
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.
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.
How R.E.M. Defied Easy Interpretation With 'Lightnin' Hopkins'
Despite its title, the 'Document' track has nothing to do with the late Texas bluesman.
Shakers and Saxophones Get Thrown Into R.E.M.'s ‘Fireplace’
In writing the cryptic song, Michael Stipe was inspired by a 200-year-old speech by Mother Ann Lee, leader of the Shakers.
How R.E.M. Scored a Big Hit With the Brutal ‘The One I Love’
If 'Document' was the band's turning point, this song was the hinge.
How R.E.M. Mixed Dreams, TV and Politics on 'End of the World'
Band brought together a variety of experiences to make second 'Document' single.
R.E.M.’s Cover of Wire's ‘Strange’ Speaks to the Moment
One of only two times R.E.M. has included a cover on one of their studio albums, "Strange" found the band updating the sludgy Wire song.
R.E.M.'s 'Disturbance at the Heron House' Tackles Orwell + Reagan
Michael Stipe was inspired by 'Animal Farm' to create an animalized revolution put down by the Reagan administration.
How R.E.M. Took a Bite out of Dogma With 'Exhuming McCarthy'
R.E.M.'s most topical album yet just kept getting more intense.