“In R.E.M.’s earliest days, it fell to Mitch Easter to harness the raw power and jangly energy of the Athens, Georgia quartet. Easter was behind the boards for the first four releases by the group: their 1981 debut single “Radio Free Europe,” breakthrough EP Chronic Town, and their bracing albums Murmur and Reckoning. The excitement … Continued
An inspiring conversation with Michael Stipe, this week’s New Yorker Interview
Catania in Sicily was one of the memorable shows of “bonus week“ at the very end of the summer 1995 tour in Europe (the others were Tel Aviv and (third time the charm–Prague). From the first song, “What’s the Frequency Kenneth” on, it was one of the best R.E.M. shows ever in Italy (and all … Continued
Enter for a chance to win a “Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single)” prize bundle, featuring a cassette player plus the Cassette Set demos tape, the 7-inch record, a crewneck, a button pack, and a hand-numbered limited-edition poster. Three runners-up will win a “Radio Free Europe” T-Shirt and pin set prize pack. Go HERE to … Continued
The Talkhouse Podcast brings Mike together with Split Single bandmate Jason Narducy for a fascinating conversation about their collaboration on the recently released LP Amplificado. “Elsewhere in this conversation, Mills and Narducy talk about the pandemic, of course, as well as hope for the future, passing the baton to the next generation, and the majesty … Continued
Mike will join members of Yo La Tengo, The Posies, & The dB’s for “The Songs of Big Star,” a “one of a kind acoustic, orchestrated” tribute concert that will happen at St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church on November 7. According to website Brooklyn Vegan, who is holding a pre-sale for the concert today and … Continued
To mark the band’s 40th anniversary, UK website, God Is In The TV Zine, is celebrating R.E.M. all week this week (July 26-31) running retrospectives, features, three podcasts covering the different eras of the band’s career to be followed in August with an R.E.M. covers’ compilation on Bandcamp in tribute to the band and in … Continued
It’s Official Release Day for the 7-inch “Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single)” b/w “Sitting Still” on Craft Recordings! It’s been 40 years since the band released their debut single in July 1981.
Michael was a guest on HomoSapiens Podcast earlier this week, and the two-part episode (described in the blurb below) is now available for you to listen at Apple & on the show’s website.
“As one of the geographically highest and most visible corners in Athens Clarke County, it would be a great shame to lose these majestic trees to poorly planned development. We absolutely encourage smart community growth, but with multiple poor zoning choices made by prior administrations, we all need to ensure that there is a Classic … Continued
Hometown heroes Wuxtry Records have a special event planned on July 22nd in celebration of the 40-year anniversary reissue of the “Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single).” If you’re planning to be in Athens that night, you won’t want to miss Wuxtry’s “Return to the Midnight Sale.”
I’ll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to the Velvet Underground & Nico features contributions from Michael, Matt Berninger, Sharon Van Etten with Angel Olsen, Andrew Bird, Lucius, Kurt Vile & The Violators, St. Vincent & Thomas Bartlett, Thurston Moore, Bobby Gillespie, King Princess, Courtney Barnett, Fontaines D.C., and Iggy Pop & Matt Sweeney. It’s a … Continued
“In some ways, that session feels like it was the earliest days of electricity.” – Mitch Easter Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the Hib-Tone Single for “Radio Free Europe/Sitting Still.” In this interview, producer Mitch Easter catches up with NME about working with the band during those early sessions. Check out … Continued
“As an artist, Michael Stipe is, in his words, “uncategorizable”: He’s a photographer, a musician, a stage designer and a film producer, among other things. When discussing his art in all its forms, Stipe speaks with reverence of the women who have influenced it, from his mother and his multiple goddaughters to Patti Smith, Liza … Continued
Portland’s Eyelids have got a new “dubble” live LP (featuring performances by Peter Buck & Scott McCaughey) available to pre-order starting today. Eyelids maestro Chris Slusarenko reports it’s a “massive 23 track – 2LP set pressed on clear vinyl with black, yellow, red and blue SMOKEY SWIRLS along with an 11×22 poster with 36 … Continued