When Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones Offered R.E.M. a Key AssistWhen Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones Offered R.E.M. a Key Assist'Automatic for the People' further cemented the band's status as alt-rock visionaries and superstars.Bryan RolliBryan Rolli
R.E.M.’s ‘Automatic for the People': The Story Behind Every SongR.E.M.’s ‘Automatic for the People': The Story Behind Every SongWe've compiled links to all of our stories about the songs on R.E.M.'s 1992 album, 'Automatic for the People.'Diffuser StaffDiffuser Staff
R.E.M. ‘Find the River’ and Discover a Sweet ReleaseR.E.M. ‘Find the River’ and Discover a Sweet ReleaseA record that began with a message to the kids about control (“Drive”) ends with a song suggesting that we’re all powerless in the face of mortality. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
Michael Stipe Wrestles with Writer’s Block to Complete ‘Man on the Moon’Michael Stipe Wrestles with Writer’s Block to Complete ‘Man on the Moon’The song was ready. Everything was there: Bass, drums, guitars. There was only one slight problem. It didn’t have a title, or lyrics, or vocals. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe Vents His Spleen on ‘IgnorelandR.E.M.’s Michael Stipe Vents His Spleen on ‘Ignoreland'Ignoreland' was the most biting and specific political critique of R.E.M.'s then-12-year career. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
Meg Ryan, Miami and 10cc Make an Impact on ‘Star Me Kitten’: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ SongMeg Ryan, Miami and 10cc Make an Impact on ‘Star Me Kitten’: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ SongThe famous actress Meg Ryan convinced R.E.M. to alter the title of the lusty 'Automatic' ballad, so they turned it into an in-joke.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
‘Monty Got a Raw Deal’ Takes R.E.M. Down and Out in Beverly Hills: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ Song‘Monty Got a Raw Deal’ Takes R.E.M. Down and Out in Beverly Hills: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ SongThe tragic life of film star Montgomery Clift, and a Greek instrument called the bouzouki, inspired R.E.M.'s mysterious "Monty Got a Raw Deal."Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M. Get Kind of Blue on ‘New Orleans Instrumental No. 1’R.E.M. Get Kind of Blue on ‘New Orleans Instrumental No. 1’Taking inspiration from the Big Easy, and some wine, R.E.M. created a late-night atmosphere on 'Automatic''s lone instrumental track.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 "Sweetness Follows" might be the centerpiece of 'Automatic for the People.'Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M. Show Some Soul on ‘Everybody Hurts’: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ SongR.E.M. Show Some Soul on ‘Everybody Hurts’: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ SongR.E.M.'s R&B-influenced ballad took an uncharacteristically direct approach to the subject of suicide. Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek