R.E.M. - Release 7inch collection!

Eleven singles R.E.M. released between 1983 - 1988 with I.R.S. Records have been gathered for 7 inch 1983 - 1988, a new boxed collection of vinyl 7 inch singles to be released December 8th by UMC / Capitol. The singles feature replicated original picture sleeve art and the set includes two UK releases making their US vinyl 7 inch debuts: 'Finest Worksong' / 'Time after Time (Live)' and the double pack single for 'Wendell Gee' with 'Crazy' , 'Ages of You' and 'Burning Down'. R.E.M.’s early storytelling was both epic and familiar, with themes of loss and alienation expressed in several songs including 'So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)', '(Don’t go back To) Rockville' and in their 1987 top ten hit  'The One I Love'. This new, transformative music emitted from the sleepy / sharp college town of Athens, Georgia, where R.E.M. and other bands forged a scene, which spawned a movement and ultimately led to a cultural sea change in music.

 

1987’s 'It's the end of the World as we know It (And I feel Fine)' was a tongue twisting Pop culture rally cry, beckoning to the tuned out masses, listless casualties of 1980's economics, politics, and general ‘Me Generation’ malaise.  In December 1987 Rolling Stone’s year end issue celebrated R.E.M. on its cover as "America's best Rock 'n' Roll band." By the end of R.E.M.’s run with I.R.S. Records, the band’s success had paved the way for a new generation of Alternative Rock and Grunge acts, as Athens’ finest continued to lead the charge. Popular music’s modern-day evolution can be traced in step with R.E.M.’s ascent and reign as one of music’s most creative and influential bands. Explore the history that leads back to Athens, then these are the documents.

 

R.E.M. 7inches 1983 - 1988 details Below:

01 'Radio free Europe' / 'There she goes Again'
02 'So. central Rain (I’m Sorry)' / 'King of the Road'
03 '(Don’t go back To) Rockville' / 'Catapult (Live)'
04 'Can’t get there from Here' / 'Bandwagon'
05 'Driver 8' / 'Crazy'
06 'Wendell G' / 'Crazy' + 'Ages of You' / 'Burning Down' (UK double pack, previously unreleased in US)
07 'Fall on Me' / 'Rotary Ten'
08 'Superman' / 'White Tornado'
09 'The One I Love' / 'Maps and Legends (Live)'
10 'Its the end of the World as we know It (And I feel Fine)' / 'Last Date'
11 'Finest Worksong' / 'Time after Time (Live)' (UK single, previously unreleased in US)