How R.E.M. Mixed Dreams, TV and Politics on 'End of the World' 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.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M.’s Cover of Wire's ‘Strange’ Speaks to the MomentR.E.M.’s Cover of Wire's ‘Strange’ Speaks to the MomentOne 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.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
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
How R.E.M. Took a Bite out of Dogma With 'Exhuming McCarthy'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. Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
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
'Finest Worksong': R.E.M. Gets Loud and Political but Stays Weird'Finest Worksong': R.E.M. Gets Loud and Political but Stays WeirdAs they sprinted toward a long-developing commercial breakthrough in 1987, they came to more fully understand their power as a band.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
How R.E.M.'s 'Document' Dragged College Rock Into the MainstreamHow R.E.M.'s 'Document' Dragged College Rock Into the MainstreamA Top 10 hit and a platinum album marked the end of their world as an underground sensation (and they felt fine).Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
40 Years Ago: R.E.M. Makes a Mysterious Debut With 'Chronic Town'40 Years Ago: R.E.M. Makes a Mysterious Debut With 'Chronic Town'After the success of "Radio Free Europe," band took its next step.Annie ZaleskiAnnie Zaleski
35 Years Ago: R.E.M. Clear the Vaults With 'Dead Letter Office'35 Years Ago: R.E.M. Clear the Vaults With 'Dead Letter Office'B-sides collection arrived just as band leaped to major leagues.Jeff GilesJeff Giles
See R.E.M.'s Mike Mills Join Jason Isbell Onstage for 'Driver 8'See R.E.M.'s Mike Mills Join Jason Isbell Onstage for 'Driver 8'Pair performed in legendary band's hometown of Athens, Ga.Allison RappAllison Rapp