R.E.M. and Memories

I'm sorry to the childhood friends who have recently contacted me from Athens, GA, but it's true: I consider myself a Michigander first and foremost, but Athens holds a place in my heart. I was somewhat surprised when I actually got emotional about the breakup of R.E.M. even though almost everyone who followed them expected this news because they had officially fulfilled the terms of their contract. I guess that it's a sign of aging. I don't know. Also, ironically, I was just thinking about my grandmother minutes before I heard the news. She moved away from Athens last month because she is dying and needs extensive care elsewhere. She was the last relative who lived there, even though at one point almost all of my mom's huge family lived there.

Anyway, I will post a list of my favorite R.E.M. songs tomorrow for MY ULTIMATE R.E.M. COMPILATION. You can throw that away or do what you want with it.

For now, check this out. It's a documentary about Athens that includes bits about the band's origins. There was a version on Youtube that had no commentary. Now I can find only a version that has recent director commentary. Anyway....