Covering Them — R.E.M.

Imagine R.E.M. inviting you into their personal record collection, pulling out beloved classics, and then playing them back to you, but entirely in their own inimitable style. 'Covering Them' is a journey through the musical landscape that shaped one of alternative rock's most iconic bands. Michael Stipe's voice lends a familiar, often melancholic, warmth to these tracks, while Peter Buck's guitar work reinterprets iconic riffs with his signature jangle. It's an album for quiet contemplation, for late-night drives, or for simply appreciating the art of interpretation. Own it to hear how R.E.M. honors their heroes, transforming familiar tunes into something both reverent and uniquely their own, revealing the depth of their musical roots.

Moments Worth Listening For

R.E.M.'s rendition of The Byrds' 'Eight Miles High' likely transforms the psychedelic original into a more jangle-pop, introspective journey, with Peter Buck's guitar weaving intricate lines.

Their take on The Velvet Underground's 'Pale Blue Eyes' would emphasize Michael Stipe's melancholic croon, bringing a profound sense of wistful longing to Lou Reed's iconic lyrics, possibly with a sparser arrangement.

The energy shift in 'Roadrunner' (Jonathan Richman) as R.E.M. injects their signature indie rock drive while maintaining the original's playful, almost naive charm, making it a college rock anthem.

The inclusion of U2's 'One' (with specific instrumentation noted) suggests a powerful, perhaps more raw, interpretation of the anthem, showcasing Stipe's ability to imbue even well-known songs with his unique emotional depth.

Where This Album Departs

How does Covering Them sound next to the rest of R.E.M.'s catalogue?

Nostalgia+2.0σ

The writing leans far further into nostalgia than the rest of the catalogue.

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