I remember in 8th grade this skater name Rusty gave me Murmur because he just didn’t get it. It was probably one of the weirdest random gifts of music I ever got. The first time I heard “Radio Free Europe” was a high-school band covering the song then within literally a couple months I had the original version of the song where this whole world opened up I did not know existed. It was one of the signs I should quit my cover band and look for other kids making original music. That first original band a couple years later would be called the Unemployed, then The Leisure Set and my senior year Psychic Fair then a whole shit-tone saga of bands, records and recordings since.

From Murmur to New Day Rising I was hooked on this alternative music thing. I think Hüsker Dü put the nail in the cofin but it was definitely a moment when I thought. Hell I can make punk music if they can. This sounds easy instead of these Rush covers like “XYZ” and “Spirit of the radio”. Mike Stipe made it ok to not be so secure and to just let it out with a nice subtle twist with his almost undiscernible lyrics. Mills made it ok to be a melodic bass player and play some chords. Peter Buck was just cool. Hell he played on Let it Be by The Replacements. I think a super geek thing when on tour one time was when my band old indie band Aviso’Hara of 10 years played the 40 Watt, I met Buck’s ex wife which i think she wanted the club in their divorce settlement and then as we were driving out of town we made sure to drive by the restaurant Automatic for the People where REM named said record after. Anyway, heard on the internet we all have a reunion show to look forward to. They are as iconic as The Rolling Stones in my book. Thanks for all the great music boys.

Catapult MP3 by REM from Murmur
There She Goes Again MP3 (Velvet Underground Cover) by REM

“Something about that sound man”
I Will Dare MP3 by The Replacements from Let It Be. Solo in the middle is Peter Buck playing the mandolin.
New Day Rising MP3 by Hüsker Dü s/t