And I don’t expect anyone can bring about a revolution in the way that Bob Dylan did – and really didn’t – in the 1960s.
~Michael Stipe

Super casual music listeners. That’s most of the people in the world. And you have to understand, that’s why Top 40 radio exists. It’s not there for people who seek out music and who love music.
~Michael Stipe

Eddie Vedder inducts REM Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions 2007:

R.E.M. – Find The River – Live 2003:

From Wikipedia:

Birth name	John Michael Stipe
Born	January 4, 1960 (age 53) Decatur, Georgia, United States
Genres	Alternative rock, college rock,jangle pop
Occupations	Musician, lyricist, producer, visual artist
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Years active	1980–present
Associated acts	R.E.M. Automatic Baby

John Michael Stipe (born January 4, 1960) is an American singer, lyricist and visual artist. He was the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band R.E.M. from their formation in 1980 until their dissolution in 2011.

Stipe is noted and occasionally parodied for the “mumbling” style of his early career as well as his social and political activism. He was in charge of R.E.M.’s visual image; often selecting album artwork and directing many of the band’s music videos. Outside of the music industry, he runs his own film production companies: C-00 and Single Cell Pictures.

R.E.M. – Man On The Moon (Live 2010):

Album of the day:

Reckoning (1984):

 

…Reckoning is clear, which doesn’t necessarily mean that the songs themselves are straightforward. Michael Stipe continues to sing powerful melodies without enunciating, but the band has a propulsive kick that makes the music vital and alive. And, if anything, the songwriting is more direct and memorable than before…
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine (allmuisc.com)

Other January 04:

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