R.E.M. is an American rock band formed in Athens, GA, in 1980. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's unclear vocals. After considering names like "Twisted Kites", "Cans of Piss", and "Negro Wives", the band settled on "R.E.M.", which Stipe selected at random from a dictionary. R.E.M. was pivotal in the creation and development of the alternative rock genre. Allmusic stated, "R.E.M. marks the point when post-punk turned into alternative rock." Throughout R.E.M.'s career, its members have sought to highlight social and political issues. The band has helped raise funds for environmental, feminist and human rights causes, and has been involved in campaigns to encourage voter registration. Since the late 1980s, R.E.M. has been involved in the local politics of its hometown of Athens, GA. Buck explained to Sounds in 1987, "Michael always says think local and act local—we have been doing a lot of stuff in our town to try and make it a better place." The band has often donated funds to local charities and to help renovate and preserve historic buildings in the town.
www.remhq.com
Smelly Dog
No comments:
Post a Comment