R.E.M. "South Central Rain (Were Sorry)"

R.E.M. mark the point when post-punk turned into alternative rock. When their first single, "Radio Free Europe," was released in 1981, it sparked a back-to-the-garage movement in the American underground. While there were a number of hardcore and punk bands in the U.S. during the early '80s, R.E.M. brought guitar pop back into the underground lexicon. Combining ringing guitar hooks with mumbled, cryptic lyrics and a D.I.Y. aesthetic borrowed from post-punk, the band simultaneously sounded traditional and modern. Though there were no overt innovations in their music, R.E.M. had an identity and sense of purpose that transformed the American underground.

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[bigdsears]

Man, in '81 I was a16, and it was the best year of my life ... Ahhh, the good ol days

[BiafraMain]

I was the man that teared up that faithful day when I heard the news. Theyve always been here for me. A band so creative their name is open to interpretation. What does it mean to me? Remember. Every. Moment. Michael, Peter, Mike, Bill. Your music made me feel like someone could understand me. You will remain in my ears and heart forever. Thank you.

[emmitt201]

I remember when I first heard this song, I had just joined the Air Force and was assigned to a German base. It was a small piece of crap base with a snack bar, that had a juke box. I ordered a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, while waiting, someone played this song. I was hooked. Long live REM.

[shelleyinthecity]

This song definitely sounds country! You can hear the country music influence here as in other songs like Rockville.

[cudaj2]

Lol! Yeah I should have because Led Zep had broken up by then.

[Ultimateprauner]

oh i get it lol. why not say he's robert then? because more people would know who he is - rather than his brother

[cudaj2]

Lol! Just kidding there! Robert Plant was the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, wasn't sure if you knew that, anyway if you see a pic of Robert in the 70's, his hair looks just like Michael's back when REM first started out. Sorry for the confusion!

[Ultimateprauner]

how the hell is that not michael

[cudaj2]

It's not Michael Stipe, it's Robert Plant's brother. Michael was sick the day they filmed this so he stood in for him.

[filibertoa85]

the best rock of the 80s

[Darkiver]

Post-Punk? REM has nothing to do with post-punk. They're some kind of mystic folk jangle stuff all their own. But your right, they were definitely among the major brick layers of the college rock scene and it's eventual rise to major popularity.