REM To Release A Compilation Of Their Early Independent Tracks
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REM have, over time, proven to be one of the most popular rock bands on the music scene. However, many modern fans have yet to realize the real impact that the band had on the music scene during their early years. Before they became a globally popular rock band and succumbed to the pressures of signing a record deal they released all of there music on the independent IRS label. The compilation is titled “And I Feel Fine” and will not only be available in single and double disc format but will also feature a bonus DVD disc with footage of live tours and clips of live appearances. The band has put the footage and clips together themselves, so it is set to be a real treat for the millions of REM fans, new and old. REM relentlessly toured and played live gigs during their independent days, determined to hit the spotlight but it wasn’t until the release of “The One I Love” that the band broke onto the scene. They subsequently released several more records on IRS, including “What’s The Frequency Kenneth”, before signing with Warner Brothers Music. The album isn’t due for release until September 12th, when the band will also be inducted into Georgia’s Music Hall of Fame in Atlanta. These early albums greatly influenced a lot of punk and rock bands and are a superb sign of what can be done by independent musicians. Whether you like REM or not, they are an excellent addition to the independent music collector’s collection.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
REM are just the best group to ever hit the planet, thier music is really soul inspiring, I must admit I prefer their later music, but even so there are some tremendous sounds to be heard
November 8th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Anything by REM is an automatic buy for me - I’ve been a fan since the mid-late 1980’s. Some of their early stuff was OK, but for me their peak was definately “GREEN” - Orange Crush and You Are The Everything are both classic tracks. I’ll definately be buying this compilation
November 20th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Being a fan of REM, I would definitely be interested in listening to the earlier recordings of this great band. I think most people do not like them because they cannot relate to the music or what the message really is with these guys.
The title of the compilation “And I Feel Fine” is a perfect title for it as well. I cannot wait for this to come out and hear how it all started.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:16 am
The earlier recordings were when REM were at their best! They were a local college band in Athens when my uncle went to school at UGA, and I was just blown away by their early music. It can be quite a bit different from their more popular songs, but in a good way. I will 100% be checking this one out.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Well, I finally got my hands on a copy and it is pretty much what I expected: A compilation of their early work where their sound was quite a bit different than what many people think of when they think of REM. A lot of the songs have lyrics that are hard to make out, but all in all this is a good album. I’m glad I have it.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
REM is a great band, but this just reinforces a comment I made on another subject. Older bands seem to have given up writing new music for resting on their laurels. REM certainly has plenty of them to rest on, but come on guys. Write something new! I would love to have a new album of REM music to listen to. If I want another compilation I can take my CD’s and mix my own for crying out loud!
February 29th, 2008 at 10:50 am
You know for a while there you can pretty much say that most bands went commercial including REM. As sad as it may seem, it happened and that is due to record companies and how they promoted the bands and so on. Glad to see that we can get back to the nitty gritty of music with these guys. The music is very inspirational and deep.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
But do bands necessarily have to be considered to be sell-outs if they succeed at making money? I mean, the cachet of making music for art’s sake is okay and I can understand the appeal, but eventually almost all professional musicians need to make art pay off for them. Maybe they shouldn’t water down their material just to please the suits that own the labels, but most bands usually do go into the business for some measure of fame and/or financial gain.
April 16th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
The thing about REM though, is that many many people have heard their bigger hits, but have no clue how far back they actually go with their music. When they were in college in Athens, Ga., they had tons of music that people have never heard. Most die hard fans have heard, but for many others, this is an unheard treat.
Fardreamer, I don’t think Attagirl necessarily meant that REM sold out. Going commercial to me doesn’t always equal selling out. REM definitely did go commercial though, and if you listen to their older songs, you may agree with others that also think that they sold out, as their music changed dramatically. However, their music was still written by them and done the way THEY wanted it done (not the record label), so in my book they are not sell outs. They just grew with their music. Not everyone wants to keep putting out their college era music year after year after year. I think the markings of a great artist is being able to change and grow musically.