Everybody hurts - R.E.M.

The statement is quite belittling: to say to the thousands of victims of an earthquake, in this case in Haiti: 'Everybody hurts sometimes'. Yet, that's what happening right now: an array of pop stars have recorded a cover version of this sog by R.E.M. I haven't heard it yet, but when Leona Lewis and Mariah Carey are involved, it's bound to be an atrocious track.

So let's go back to the original. Much of the song was written by R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry. He said about the song: 'If you're consciously writing for someone who hasn't been to college, or is pretty young, it might be nice to be very direct. In that regard, it's tended to work for people of a lot of ages.'

My collection: 7" single no. 1916
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, May 22, 1993
Cost: 6,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Everybody hurts' / 'Pop song 89'

Shiny happy people - R.E.M.

Although the intro of 'Shiny happy people' is a lovely melody, it doesn't sit well with the rest of the song, which is a pretty straightforward rock song. I've always had mixed feelings towards this song, but still felt positive enough to buy it when I did.

'Shiny happy people' was the second single from R.E.M.'s 1991 album 'Out of time'. The song features guest backing vocals by Kate Pierson of the B52's who also appeared in the song's music video. The single peaked at number 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 6 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1510
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, August 17, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Shiny happy people' / 'Forty second song'

Losing my religion - R.E.M.

'Losing my religion' was essentially the breakthrough single for the American alternative rock band R.E.M. The song was originally composed by guitarist Peter Buck on a mandolin which he had just bought. The title of the song refers to an expression from the southern region of the USA that means losing one's temper or civility, or 'being at the end of one's rope'.

The single was released in early 1991 as the first single from R.E.M.'s 1991 album 'Out of time'. It reached number 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 19 in the UK singles chart and number 1 in the Dutch Top 40, the only country where the single topped the chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 1401
Found: Free Record Shop, Den Haag, March 16, 1991
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'Losing my religion' / 'Rotary eleven'