R.E.M. Try to Remember ‘Nightswimming’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. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
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
How Meg Ryan, Miami and 10cc Impacted R.E.M.‘s 'Star Me Kitten’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. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe Vents His Spleen on 'Ignoreland'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. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
'Monty Got a Raw Deal' Takes R.E.M. Down and Out in Beverly Hills'Monty Got a Raw Deal' Takes R.E.M. Down and Out in Beverly HillsMysterious track was inspired by the tragic life of film star Montgomery Clift and Greek instrument the bouzouki.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M. Find a Hollow Center in 'Sweetness Follows'R.E.M. Find a Hollow Center in 'Sweetness Follows'A meditation on loss, the quiet, pulsing track may be the centerpiece of 'Automatic for the People.'Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M. Gets Kind of Blue on 'New Orleans Instrumental No. 1'R.E.M. Gets Kind of Blue on 'New Orleans Instrumental No. 1'Lone instrumental track on 'Automatic for the People' conjures a late-night atmosphere.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