Stipe might not have been heavily influenced by the the Beatles, but he said on "Nightline" earlier this year that their song "Michelle" was one of his first favorite songs as a kid. He said he likes the Beatles, which is also what he told Sean Lennon and Yoko before he and the rest of R.E.M. covered Lennon's song. (Plus, Peter Buck and Mike Mills are pretty big Beatles fans.) So, in that context, R.E.M. covering Lennon is not that surprising.
i find this pretty ironic. michael stipe said the beatles had absolutely no influence on him or his career, yet here he is covering a lennon song a former member of the beatles. very strange indeed.
@elizajohn5 its neither ironic or strange - the beatles did not influence him thats not strange and being asked to coverthis song is not ironic.
unless he was asked to cover this just after being asked about his influences then you could claim a little irony but it didnt happen so you are wrong
@NillsonGamer Stridently disagree. McCartney was a better singer, a better all-round musician (played more instruments), and a better songwriter. Lennon could never write beautiful, optimistic songs like "Hey Jude" or "Let It Be". Lennon was a hater, spent his time pointing fingers of blame all the time.
Lennon's greatest claim to fame was writing the Communist anthem "Imagine". Pure pigshit if you ask me.
Can bill gates or carlos slim give some of their immense fortunes to save those children of Darfur? I guess they have a good justification no to do it like saying that giving them money won't solve the problem and they are RIGHT! The solution of children starvation would be not to allow some good for nothing bastards to hoard so much money
I thought that I was - at long last - about to find out what Lennon was singing in the middle of this song & during the fade-out. Instead, we got some plug about what's happening in Dafur (wherever that is)
Sounds like something that George Harrison might have written
funny that the moment bill berry revisits the drums the band sounds like the magic old r.e.m. again. this is by no means the best cover of a lennon song, but it feels like the first truly 'r.e.m.' recording (they don't sound at all like they're covering themselves) since the days of green through monster (when peter buck's chiming guitar was still at the forefront in some songs & michael stipe still (somewhat) spoke in codes. the obscure, dreamlike lyrics of the song complement stipe well
Michael Stipe has talked a lot of silly smack about the Beatles, so it's a surprise to see this cover. All I can say is that R.E.M. has done some truly inspired and beautiful covers of old 60s and 70s songs, but this isn't one of them. It brings John Lennon's genius down to Stipe's level. It sounds like a quick knock off.
It's almost as if by putting some effort into this, Stipe would have to admit that, as good as he is, he will nevereverever be the songwriter that John Lennon was.
Peter Buck has said that Stipe didn't really know who the Beatles were when he first met him. I know Stipe is shy and that, but it still kind of surprises me. It's amazing how well he works with the rest of the band as they were always pretty knowledgeable about different kinds of music, Berry and Mills especially.
A rabid monkey could be screaming over this beat and it would sound amazing...This is the best musical composition of any song ever written...John Lennon is the best musician ever...Listen to "Many Rivers To Cross" by Nillson, it is the same composition as this song, Lennon produced it.
i dont think i have heard anything that r.e.m. does....that is not well done....he has a nack for delivering feeling to all that he puts out there.........amazing.....
A-ha's version is MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER... This is just boring, and this R.E.M.'s version will only like the biggest R.E.M.'s fans... Just compare beautiful Morten's voice to this crappy "old man" Michael's voice;| Michael cannot sing long "hear"...
@1AeroMax1 You're having a laugh right! A-Ha version is more like Ha-Ha version!! Seriously, I've just listened to it and Morten's vocals are just weak.
Lennons version was sublime. REM version paid homage respectfully. A-Ha, well, not really worth mentioning in the same breath I'm afraid!
@vintagec68 I am sure, you listened to live version of a-ha's 9 dream (because now there is nowhere to find normal studio edition) which is little worse. I can say only one thing - I just prefer beautiful, melodious electronic music, NOT country - like REM's version. greetings
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I like REM and I know the guitarist is a Beatles' Fan, but I don't like this version. Once Michael Stipe said the The Beatles were elevator music ... So now he make a version of Lennon???
Thanks!! Well you there are a lot of points of view in the world and this video was posted for REM fans which are 100% biased, just incapable to tolerate an objective point of view! That's it.
This is amazing...I think this even rivals Lennon's version (and this is one of my favorite songs)...A-Ha's version is nice, but is no where near this, or Lennon's...This song is meant to sound incredibly dreamy and psychadelic, and I think this version does it great, while A-Ha's just isn't trippy sounding enough...AND COUNTRY??? WTF, THIS DOESN'T SOUND COUNTRY, YOU SHOULDN'T COMMENT ON MUSIC IF YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT MUSIC
I thing, that is very good work. Michaels voice is very nice and all persons of REM are amazing.I did not know, that Bill Berry joined whit REM again, I enjoy of this.
john lennon will live forever in his music that has touched so many and will forever touch so many possitive thinkers. TRUE LOVE FOR ALL and to THINK is just 2 things he taught us. there is so much this man did. I love you and always will John Lennon. you showed me the way to be, how to be, how to love, how to be loved.
Stipe's version isn't dreamy enough. Lennon sounded so moved and vulnerable. The string section, plus the original's '70s production helped it too. I bet David Bowie could have done a great version, still could. Roy Orbision might have too.
I love Lennon and the Beatles, and I also USED to love R.E.M. in the old IRS days, which diminished to more of a "like" in their ex-IRS days and now ended up being pretty much "indifference."
Sorry, but regardless of the noble cause behind this song, this still has to be a real low musical point for R.E.M.
The original was perfect: the detached, ethereal vocals, the swooping, slurring strings, the dreamlike feel of the song. Also, the lyrics are very personal in nature.
I really like this version. R.E.M. seem to be able to make cover their own. John's voice was really buried in the original (famously John, mistakenly obviously, didn't rate his own voice). I think the song benefits from having a more upfront vocal.
This is an alright soft rock song, and would be even better if I'd never heard the original, but it misses the enigmatic dreaminess of Lennon's version.
Why bother covering it in the first place?! The original is so wonderful because of the overall sound - totally dreamlike. Mimickry is the greatest form of flattery but they should have left this alone IMHO or as someone else has already said - just re-released the original for the Darfur benefit.
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I can`t stand this Michael Stipe he is SUCH a f**kin` idiot! He completely destroys the vibe of this song by changing the melody then it`s into this Darfur shit. Do you know what would happen if any action was taken in Darfur? Idiots like Stipe would be first in line to blame the US for the deaths. This is the guy who supports cop killer Wesley Cook aka Mumia Abu Jamal Hey Mike let`s see how you would feel being assasinated at close range in front of 5 witnesses then your killer being supported.
I think they shoudlve put a best of John lennon album for the cause/darfur. For some reason after he died he lost alot of popularity and only a few of his songs ever get played on the radio.
If you listen closely to this REM Song, you will recognize that Berry is singing and playing for the first time in over a decade wtih his REM bandmates (he left the band in 1996 and this was recorded in 2007). It is nice to hear the old REM sound one more time since Berry is effectively retired. For those who said it was a rush job you are right - they did not have a lot of Berry's time to do this but they got it done. I am just happy to hear them together one last time as a four piece band.
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Harmony000, you are talking out your arse. REM are an amazing band who has maintained a core fanbase over 28 years. Why they decided to cover this shit John Lennon song is anyone's guess.
it is boring. you can see in early REM footage that they were a college band, which makes them rather limited musically, as most college bands were limited at that time. BUT they were very good at being a college band, with the energy and passion that makes up for the lack of musicianship. People liked them for being committed and not flashy, that made them refreshing. Unfortunately, they never really developed their abilities that much further. Their first records are still the best.
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This version is absolutely embarrasing. I´d love to hear a version of this song by Crowded House, Elvis Costello or Coldplay. REM never dealt well with complex arrangements, except from Stipe the rest are average musicians...
doing a cover is not only about making the song better, its about taking this wonderful piece of art and trying to interpret it in your own special way. these are not his words so i dont expect him to say it better than the one who wrote it, but this is a beautiful version. its feels sincere. we all know that the beatles are great but many of you have tunnel vision and you fail to realise that there is beauty and grace in so many artists out there give them a chance you might like what you hear
Good, but I think it wasn't really a challenge for R.E.M. to cover it, I like their version but my compliment goes to the writer of the song. Great chorus by the way!
Thanks, the masses will also agree>Lennon was one of a kind and his music speaks without the need for re-interpetations....Otherwise it really becomes an embarassment.
Rad, this version is great, John's is much, much better, but this song can't possibly ever sound wrong; in any galaxy, in any demension, in any world, in any language, sung by anyone
People blame the U.N. for insufficient action in situations like Darfur. The trouble is with the veto system that allows a minority of countries to block a majority decision. I believe that the global community should unite to stop disasters like this. The U.N. should be given more power and have a better voting system to take decisive action.
Wow. Once again, YouTube shows me that my favorite bands like to sing my favorite songs. This is probably the most underrated composition by the later John Lennon, right?
Well, as far as i can see are you looking for the song "dream (all I have to do) by the everly brothers. but r.e.m. have covered this song as well. you can find the cover on the album lifes rich pageant...
Of all of the Instant Karma songs I think this could be the best fit with a band. This song sounds like it could be an REM original. The U2 cover of Instant Karma really really really sucks, and I love U2.
Love it! Love John Lennon, love R.E.M. Extremely few artists can do John or any of The Beatles justice through a cover. Happy to know R.E.M is one of them.
Now the REAL TRUTH IS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL IS A FUCKING BULLSHIT ORGANIZATION! THAT PROMOTES SLAVERY! ALL THE STARS ARE SLAVES FOR THIS SHIT! ANS THE FUCKING RED CROSS TOO!
OMG i loves this cover soooo much!!
GurShilo 1 month ago
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i once heard that michael stipe said that paul mccartney was a mdiocre talent for that alone he should be horsewhipped
elvispresley718 1 month ago
If anyone could pull this off, it would be REM! <3 you always!
remfanbeforu 2 months ago
I love this version..really really good
1983timberland 3 months ago
Stipe might not have been heavily influenced by the the Beatles, but he said on "Nightline" earlier this year that their song "Michelle" was one of his first favorite songs as a kid. He said he likes the Beatles, which is also what he told Sean Lennon and Yoko before he and the rest of R.E.M. covered Lennon's song. (Plus, Peter Buck and Mike Mills are pretty big Beatles fans.) So, in that context, R.E.M. covering Lennon is not that surprising.
stevenewman100 3 months ago 2
i find this pretty ironic. michael stipe said the beatles had absolutely no influence on him or his career, yet here he is covering a lennon song a former member of the beatles. very strange indeed.
elizajohn5 3 months ago
@elizajohn5 its neither ironic or strange - the beatles did not influence him thats not strange and being asked to coverthis song is not ironic.
unless he was asked to cover this just after being asked about his influences then you could claim a little irony but it didnt happen so you are wrong
a little anal of me i know but im bored
snoopyprobbing 2 weeks ago in playlist Favorite videos
@snoopyprobbing youre bored? i suggest you get some sleep. sounds like you could do with some Rapid EYE Movement.
elizajohn5 2 weeks ago
@elizajohn5 hahaha nice1 just watched wicheta lineman another great cover
snoopyprobbing 2 weeks ago
@snoopyprobbing very good song too from glenn campbell, who sadly now has alzheimers. im a big fam of R.E.M. now of course broke up. R.I.P.
elizajohn5 2 weeks ago
mmmmm mmmm... no!.
SteelMachina 4 months ago
John Lennon Is the Best And Paul Mccartney Is The Second Best Of All Time
NillsonGamer 4 months ago
@NillsonGamer Stridently disagree. McCartney was a better singer, a better all-round musician (played more instruments), and a better songwriter. Lennon could never write beautiful, optimistic songs like "Hey Jude" or "Let It Be". Lennon was a hater, spent his time pointing fingers of blame all the time.
Lennon's greatest claim to fame was writing the Communist anthem "Imagine". Pure pigshit if you ask me.
GodfatherInOhio 3 weeks ago
John Lennon Is the Best And Paul Mccartney Is The Second Best Of All Time
NillsonGamer 4 months ago
Can bill gates or carlos slim give some of their immense fortunes to save those children of Darfur? I guess they have a good justification no to do it like saying that giving them money won't solve the problem and they are RIGHT! The solution of children starvation would be not to allow some good for nothing bastards to hoard so much money
SorVanna 4 months ago
Wow... Sounds like some washed up, never-was lounge singer at a Holiday Inn in Tulsa playing one of those all-purpose keyboards...
livininomaha 5 months ago
appealing COVER
yalecheerleder 5 months ago
MOGG!! I love this cover is so fucking awesome good job R.E.M.
CrissGD49 6 months ago
needs more swooping.. 6.5/10
sikthsikth 6 months ago
I thought that I was - at long last - about to find out what Lennon was singing in the middle of this song & during the fade-out. Instead, we got some plug about what's happening in Dafur (wherever that is)
Sounds like something that George Harrison might have written
Poopingbotham 6 months ago
@Poopingbotham Ah! bowakawa pousses pousse x3.
Hope I helped :)
BlondeHeadStudios 5 months ago
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i dont normally comment, but this is truly horrible
quarduroy1 8 months ago
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I gave this a second listen, it confirmed my initial thought...snoozefest.
twinoak170 8 months ago
I voted that I like the cover, but nobody does it like John Lennon did!
six6wings 8 months ago
What such a nice version of one of my fav songs... Thanks REM by this tribute.... sounds so peaceful and magical :)
JohhnyLennon 9 months ago 4
Stipe is brilliant on this. REM always did great covers.
peterdolson 9 months ago
UGH.....There should be a law...
SmokinMo11 9 months ago
It's hard to cover Lennon. This sound quality is terrible and sounds a million times better on CD. Still I feel REM did an incredible job!
hughb15 11 months ago
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i think i just lost my religion as well as my lunch.
Rawego 11 months ago
Lennon is dead but his songs are still fighting for his beliefs.
:)
xecabgnr 1 year ago 5
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sounds like someone in a karaoke bar, I love REM and the Beatles too
kyannos 1 year ago
I'm guessing you all forgot that this was redone for the Save Darfur movement......
comedicgenius2 1 year ago
I love the original, and this is a good version too!
Michelle50415 1 year ago 4
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REM's a great band but this is awful. Sorry.
maripocita37 1 year ago
@maripocita37 I have to agree with you.
twinoak170 1 year ago
Yeah nice effort gents.
jfpOne23 1 year ago 3
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NO NO NO NO NO
punkedout47 1 year ago
its a good cover
lamusicaeskelly 1 year ago 4
funny that the moment bill berry revisits the drums the band sounds like the magic old r.e.m. again. this is by no means the best cover of a lennon song, but it feels like the first truly 'r.e.m.' recording (they don't sound at all like they're covering themselves) since the days of green through monster (when peter buck's chiming guitar was still at the forefront in some songs & michael stipe still (somewhat) spoke in codes. the obscure, dreamlike lyrics of the song complement stipe well
MrFatmaninbearsuit 1 year ago
It's not Lennon but a respectable version
VTVStudios 1 year ago 2
The guitar from Buck is so REM... and as much as I love Stipe, this song doesn't suit his voice (I think).
And for those who are carrying on about Michael not rating the Beatles... this is a Lennon song. Different.
forrest7309 1 year ago
Too much sucking up going on here. Either listen to the song or don't faggots.
Narutology 1 year ago
Some songs cannot be covered!!!
pdlobo 1 year ago
(don't get me wrong, I love REM) However this cover just shows me what level Lennon was on.
SupremeGor3 1 year ago
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@SupremeGor3 It also shows the limitations of Stipe and REM
Thelookoutslookout 1 year ago
A bettter version!
mobbdeepim3click 1 year ago
if you think you have to save darfur, use your own songs and don´t desecrete lennon, monsignore stipe
MoveOverCasanova 1 year ago
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horrible singing. no wonder these u2 wannabes are totally irrelevant today
kellykinsellives 1 year ago
@kellykinsellives yep, this really does suck.
07StarQueen 1 year ago
in athens ga
or some greek philosopher
some dinosaur bone undugulus
feel?
TheBrilliantGeniuses 1 year ago
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this is ironic really. michael stipe is on record as saying, he didnt rate THE BEATLES. mmmmm.
elizajohn5 1 year ago
Let R.E.M. sing whatever they want and make their version. This song sounds different than original and that's good. I like this cover :)
orangeyeliner 1 year ago 28
Great Version!
SteelHurleys 3 years ago
pretty weak cover of a wonderful song.
langelo68 3 years ago
Michael Stipe has talked a lot of silly smack about the Beatles, so it's a surprise to see this cover. All I can say is that R.E.M. has done some truly inspired and beautiful covers of old 60s and 70s songs, but this isn't one of them. It brings John Lennon's genius down to Stipe's level. It sounds like a quick knock off.
It's almost as if by putting some effort into this, Stipe would have to admit that, as good as he is, he will nevereverever be the songwriter that John Lennon was.
Vox91 3 years ago
Peter Buck has said that Stipe didn't really know who the Beatles were when he first met him. I know Stipe is shy and that, but it still kind of surprises me. It's amazing how well he works with the rest of the band as they were always pretty knowledgeable about different kinds of music, Berry and Mills especially.
musicbrain5 3 years ago
I love this cover.
I love John Lennon (and Yoko Ono).
R.E.M. is cool.
Sunzu49 3 years ago 33
morten harket rules
LAGATORA 3 years ago
A rabid monkey could be screaming over this beat and it would sound amazing...This is the best musical composition of any song ever written...John Lennon is the best musician ever...Listen to "Many Rivers To Cross" by Nillson, it is the same composition as this song, Lennon produced it.
jasonseafishseesfish 3 years ago 3
i dont think i have heard anything that r.e.m. does....that is not well done....he has a nack for delivering feeling to all that he puts out there.........amazing.....
connieeileen 3 years ago
I agree. Snipes is a great singer. Lovely rendition of this tune. Creative choice.
rosenbar 3 years ago
I like the White Background.
geodeal 3 years ago
A-ha's version is MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER... This is just boring, and this R.E.M.'s version will only like the biggest R.E.M.'s fans... Just compare beautiful Morten's voice to this crappy "old man" Michael's voice;| Michael cannot sing long "hear"...
1AeroMax1 3 years ago 3
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Its all true. also AHA dont make you wanna slit your wrists like REM DO :|
grahamgregson 3 years ago
SCREW OFF!
jasonseafishseesfish 3 years ago
@1AeroMax1 You're having a laugh right! A-Ha version is more like Ha-Ha version!! Seriously, I've just listened to it and Morten's vocals are just weak.
Lennons version was sublime. REM version paid homage respectfully. A-Ha, well, not really worth mentioning in the same breath I'm afraid!
vintagec68 1 year ago
@vintagec68 I am sure, you listened to live version of a-ha's 9 dream (because now there is nowhere to find normal studio edition) which is little worse. I can say only one thing - I just prefer beautiful, melodious electronic music, NOT country - like REM's version. greetings
1AeroMax1 1 year ago
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I like REM and I know the guitarist is a Beatles' Fan, but I don't like this version. Once Michael Stipe said the The Beatles were elevator music ... So now he make a version of Lennon???
JohnLennon100 3 years ago
you are right. I don`t know why these guys thumbed you down.
ertzuiop123 3 years ago
Thanks!! Well you there are a lot of points of view in the world and this video was posted for REM fans which are 100% biased, just incapable to tolerate an objective point of view! That's it.
JohnLennon100 3 years ago
This is amazing...I think this even rivals Lennon's version (and this is one of my favorite songs)...A-Ha's version is nice, but is no where near this, or Lennon's...This song is meant to sound incredibly dreamy and psychadelic, and I think this version does it great, while A-Ha's just isn't trippy sounding enough...AND COUNTRY??? WTF, THIS DOESN'T SOUND COUNTRY, YOU SHOULDN'T COMMENT ON MUSIC IF YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT MUSIC
ianeisenhut 3 years ago 2
This is a fantastic version but most of what REM have done has a touch of country in there one way or another.
stomlineircomnet 3 years ago
In one way or another you are completely wrong...I have yet to hear a "country" song by REM...Let me know when you find one though.
ianeisenhut 3 years ago
They covered Lou Reed's "Pale Blue Eyes" and turned it country-ish. It's a different sound for them that's for sure.
musicbrain5 3 years ago
great work
lemartian1 3 years ago 2
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Fuck, this is terrible.
REM are a pile of shit, and John Lennon would be rolling in his grave.
yzemagic 3 years ago
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It's nice, but a-ha's version is so much better
GovernorWalrus 3 years ago
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A-Ha version is 439.22 times better. I like REM but this sounds to cawntry!!
GeorgiaPatriot41 3 years ago
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This sucks, just like the bald aids looking, cancer not quite in remission, scum lead singer.... I love myself!! :O
sirpaul2nd 3 years ago
hey guys! watch my video response (the first one on the left)... it is a good and critical song!
have a listen!
JimmieDivine 3 years ago
I thing, that is very good work. Michaels voice is very nice and all persons of REM are amazing.I did not know, that Bill Berry joined whit REM again, I enjoy of this.
jizva77 3 years ago
a-ha version is better. this is boring compared with a-ha,'s and of course, the original jonh lennon
marcelohalmen 3 years ago 2
amen
chicagolegend 3 years ago
I totally agree with you, and respect for John Lennon, but A-ha's version of the song is by FAR the best =)
Junije1 3 years ago
I absolutely love this version. I don't think anybody could have done a better job covering it than R.E.M. - they are the masters!
Bill Berry joined them once again to drum on this, and he did an amazing job, as always. Just like the old times lol :)
musicbrain5 3 years ago
john lennon will live forever in his music that has touched so many and will forever touch so many possitive thinkers. TRUE LOVE FOR ALL and to THINK is just 2 things he taught us. there is so much this man did. I love you and always will John Lennon. you showed me the way to be, how to be, how to love, how to be loved.
brianandkaren0813 3 years ago
Wow I never say this specially not about cover songs, but this was very nicely done!
wizardari 3 years ago
I wish they'd covered a Crucifucks song instead.
GlueyPorch 3 years ago
I love Lennon's version, but this was amazing...More of a psychadelic feel...It also felt very inspired, I think they really felt this song
ianeisenhut 3 years ago 2
this is also the first studio song (from 1997) with the drummer Bill Berry.
what a style..
aldokantarutti 3 years ago
Stipe's version isn't dreamy enough. Lennon sounded so moved and vulnerable. The string section, plus the original's '70s production helped it too. I bet David Bowie could have done a great version, still could. Roy Orbision might have too.
zebop 3 years ago
Wow. That was really uninspired. They brought nothing to it. I wonder if they were in the same room at the time.
sundaramaji 3 years ago
amen
chicagolegend 3 years ago
I thought it was beautiful. Thanks for posting.
judemblackbbc 3 years ago 5
Ugh...
I love Lennon and the Beatles, and I also USED to love R.E.M. in the old IRS days, which diminished to more of a "like" in their ex-IRS days and now ended up being pretty much "indifference."
Sorry, but regardless of the noble cause behind this song, this still has to be a real low musical point for R.E.M.
The original was perfect: the detached, ethereal vocals, the swooping, slurring strings, the dreamlike feel of the song. Also, the lyrics are very personal in nature.
Oh well...
JustAFocus 3 years ago
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@JustAFocus stipe didnt rate the beatles, so fuck him.
elizajohn5 1 year ago
Superb. I have the original on vinyl!! and this rocks. John and George would have loved it.
idle44 3 years ago 5
It's not easy to cover a Lennon song...but they did a good job.
Fooz57 3 years ago 8
Excelente interpretación, aunque me gusta más con Lennon
Turkamel 3 years ago 3
What an ugly version of a beautiful song.A-Ha's version is almost perfect.
3lionsontheshirt 3 years ago
nonsense
johnnymarrplayguitar 3 years ago
I love REM, but let's be honest, you can't cover perfection.
Sconz30 3 years ago 4
@Sconz30 it's the truth
amonduultje 1 year ago
nice song, i didnt hear that before, good to know that r.e.m are writing new good stuff.
zeroleminski 3 years ago
their not
it's a cover of a John Lennon song.
pennsrebel 3 years ago
I really like this version. R.E.M. seem to be able to make cover their own. John's voice was really buried in the original (famously John, mistakenly obviously, didn't rate his own voice). I think the song benefits from having a more upfront vocal.
johnnymarrplayguitar 3 years ago
You should hear A-Ha's version, i think it's better than the original and this together. Morten has one of the best voices i've ever heard...
svenssoncorps 3 years ago
This is an alright soft rock song, and would be even better if I'd never heard the original, but it misses the enigmatic dreaminess of Lennon's version.
Danskoe 3 years ago
Just as good as John Lennon's version while you're sober...But if you're in a trip Lennon's is 100 times better.
ianeisenhut 3 years ago
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Terrible rendition of this beautiful song..
bioflame 3 years ago
this cover was alright..but the john lennon version was way better...john lennon gots that awsome unique voice
chessypooofs12 3 years ago 2
Michael voice is sweet and lovely, melodious.
From my view, this is the best verson of this song.
isa111111 3 years ago
meravigliosa
markloser2007 3 years ago
Love this cover - Michael shows he can sing any type of music! Beautiful!
caryll2 3 years ago
I don't understand how people cannot like this performance. It soundsm sweet,nice. Stipe has a melodious voice.Great!
isa111111 3 years ago
Why bother covering it in the first place?! The original is so wonderful because of the overall sound - totally dreamlike. Mimickry is the greatest form of flattery but they should have left this alone IMHO or as someone else has already said - just re-released the original for the Darfur benefit.
littlenige 3 years ago
I'm going to be odd man out and say this is an awesome cover.
desolateangel83 3 years ago
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TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!
hardlines4 3 years ago
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I can`t stand this Michael Stipe he is SUCH a f**kin` idiot! He completely destroys the vibe of this song by changing the melody then it`s into this Darfur shit. Do you know what would happen if any action was taken in Darfur? Idiots like Stipe would be first in line to blame the US for the deaths. This is the guy who supports cop killer Wesley Cook aka Mumia Abu Jamal Hey Mike let`s see how you would feel being assasinated at close range in front of 5 witnesses then your killer being supported.
Edhallick 3 years ago
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Leave it to REM to destroy a good song.
Edhallick 3 years ago
This sounds so thin and weak , but Stipe is louder than the Lennon.
andreasegde 3 years ago
I think they shoudlve put a best of John lennon album for the cause/darfur. For some reason after he died he lost alot of popularity and only a few of his songs ever get played on the radio.
miniheli 3 years ago
Très belle reprise, aussi belle que celle de Lennon!
lepetitlucien 3 years ago
DREAM!!
ALEXREM76 3 years ago
If you listen closely to this REM Song, you will recognize that Berry is singing and playing for the first time in over a decade wtih his REM bandmates (he left the band in 1996 and this was recorded in 2007). It is nice to hear the old REM sound one more time since Berry is effectively retired. For those who said it was a rush job you are right - they did not have a lot of Berry's time to do this but they got it done. I am just happy to hear them together one last time as a four piece band.
AcuraT 4 years ago 2
Very good song ! R.E.M. and The Beatles, 2 great bands ! I love them. Thank you !
biglice33 4 years ago
Sacrilegious!!!!! It's not the Beatles, It's John Lennon. But you're right: it's a very good song.
tchernoben 4 years ago
I love R.E.M., but they didn't put the necessary effort into this. With a greater commitment, I'm sure they could have nailed it.
This is one of John's best songs, certainly worthy of any Beatles effort.
I applaud R.E.M. for stepping out a little, but I think they found out it's a little harder than it seems to capture Lennon's (or Beatles') magic.
stratman123 4 years ago
SOLAMENTE R.E.M.
ALEXREM76 4 years ago 2
I think this is a great song!
chrisjeh92 4 years ago
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Augustpersonen4 4 years ago
not nearly as good as when john lennon song it.
ic3e 4 years ago 2
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Harmony000, you are talking out your arse. REM are an amazing band who has maintained a core fanbase over 28 years. Why they decided to cover this shit John Lennon song is anyone's guess.
bertisfan2007 4 years ago
they decided to cover a john lennon song because john lennon was an amazing lyracist and they consider him one of they musical inspirations asshole
EDDICT69 4 years ago
i agree with u bertisfan. john lennons british. why would such great musicians like rem cover one of his songs?
iamtallerthanher 3 years ago
John is rolling around in his grave
chicagolegend 4 years ago
it is boring. you can see in early REM footage that they were a college band, which makes them rather limited musically, as most college bands were limited at that time. BUT they were very good at being a college band, with the energy and passion that makes up for the lack of musicianship. People liked them for being committed and not flashy, that made them refreshing. Unfortunately, they never really developed their abilities that much further. Their first records are still the best.
harmony000 4 years ago
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Horrible...REM is nothing but a bar band...and a weak one at that. It's like a first year art student trying to emulate Rembrandt.
bigbillhaywood 4 years ago
It is for a good cause.
amnestyrostock 4 years ago
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This version is absolutely embarrasing. I´d love to hear a version of this song by Crowded House, Elvis Costello or Coldplay. REM never dealt well with complex arrangements, except from Stipe the rest are average musicians...
rominaperkinssucks 4 years ago
why is this a complexed arrangement??//
MikeydeB 4 years ago
Sounds empty, the chorus is cool but the verses are empty, Stipe should've sang it in more tracks
macskasegg 4 years ago 2
love this song
nita6587 4 years ago
doing a cover is not only about making the song better, its about taking this wonderful piece of art and trying to interpret it in your own special way. these are not his words so i dont expect him to say it better than the one who wrote it, but this is a beautiful version. its feels sincere. we all know that the beatles are great but many of you have tunnel vision and you fail to realise that there is beauty and grace in so many artists out there give them a chance you might like what you hear
neldarh 4 years ago 2
Im usually very critical of anyone who does covers of songs i love but i think REM have done a good job of this
walleyrange 4 years ago
Good, but I think it wasn't really a challenge for R.E.M. to cover it, I like their version but my compliment goes to the writer of the song. Great chorus by the way!
macskasegg 4 years ago
They ruined the song. This coming from a band that you now only hear in the lobby, toilet or elevator...Touche'
maczones 4 years ago
I agree. this version absolutely SUCKS!! but i dont think anyone could do justice to Lennon's perfection.
wymad1 4 years ago 2
Thanks, the masses will also agree>Lennon was one of a kind and his music speaks without the need for re-interpetations....Otherwise it really becomes an embarassment.
maczones 4 years ago
BTW..amadotomillo, just like Lt. Col. Slade says: Well, then, take the sticky WAX outta your ears!
maczones 4 years ago
Rad, this version is great, John's is much, much better, but this song can't possibly ever sound wrong; in any galaxy, in any demension, in any world, in any language, sung by anyone
ianeisenhut 4 years ago
People blame the U.N. for insufficient action in situations like Darfur. The trouble is with the veto system that allows a minority of countries to block a majority decision. I believe that the global community should unite to stop disasters like this. The U.N. should be given more power and have a better voting system to take decisive action.
Ahzdiosh 4 years ago
"Be the change you want to see in the World"-M.K. Ghandhi.
Do what you can for those in Darfur. Start with prayer and see what happens.
dcfcinla 4 years ago
Quality cover
andyowl76 4 years ago
I'm a big John Lennon, fan but this version is so much better ( SORRY JOHN WEAREVER U R )
amadotomillo 4 years ago
michael´s voice fits right to the song- Peter´s picking its always fantastic and simple at the same time- its a great cover-
derekrem 4 years ago
Nothing beats A-ha's voice for this song. He can go much higher, and stay at a single pitch for a longer duration.
Lysimachus78 4 years ago 2
Are you the singer in A-ha?.. a-ha-a-ha-a-ha-ha-ha.....etc.
scrumpalumpagus 4 years ago
What a nice cover.
Maylee92 4 years ago
ich habs gefunden: Everly Brothers - Dream
markfan4356 4 years ago
can't be compared with a-ha's version..
Caisen 4 years ago
my god... a-ha es mucho mejor canta con mas emotividad .. como q le sale del alma..en cambio el parece q solo canta no siente nada
alereen 4 years ago
Wow. Once again, YouTube shows me that my favorite bands like to sing my favorite songs. This is probably the most underrated composition by the later John Lennon, right?
goodg9 4 years ago 3
genau des such ich au!!!!.....kann mir da jemand ne messgage schreiben wenn jemand weis wo man des findet;)? ....wär prima!!!
Dianamausel 4 years ago
ich kenn da ein anderes lied das dream oda so ähnlich heißt weiß leider nicht,wies heißt und vo wems is
da kommt was vor mit
Dreaaaam dream dream dream dreaaammm in my arms when I want you.....
markfan4356 4 years ago
Well, as far as i can see are you looking for the song "dream (all I have to do) by the everly brothers. but r.e.m. have covered this song as well. you can find the cover on the album lifes rich pageant...
MyNameIsDM 4 years ago
Of all of the Instant Karma songs I think this could be the best fit with a band. This song sounds like it could be an REM original. The U2 cover of Instant Karma really really really sucks, and I love U2.
jasonriggs 4 years ago 4
Well said Jason, this and Green Day's cover of Working Class Hero.
Did you know Bill Berry joined the band for this recording? ... Bring the 'Eyebrow' back!
whirlpoolzend 4 years ago
John Lennon Best! End Of!
beatleandy1 4 years ago
Sorry・・・. a-ha is best.
TOMOLOKOSHI 4 years ago
u paid respect to lennon's memory,this is a great one!!!!!
hankolennian 4 years ago
Why is Julie Christie writing in caps? Loved you in "Shampoo" dear.
spartyman7 4 years ago
A-ha ' s version is very better.
bounet762002 4 years ago
Love it! Love John Lennon, love R.E.M. Extremely few artists can do John or any of The Beatles justice through a cover. Happy to know R.E.M is one of them.
MrPelicanPants 4 years ago 5
I love R.E.M and j.l R.R.E.I.M.P ; )
s3ansk1 4 years ago
Now the REAL TRUTH IS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL IS A FUCKING BULLSHIT ORGANIZATION! THAT PROMOTES SLAVERY! ALL THE STARS ARE SLAVES FOR THIS SHIT! ANS THE FUCKING RED CROSS TOO!
JoanneChristie 4 years ago
You are a sadly misguided individual. I feel sorry for you.
MrPelicanPants 4 years ago 2