9. R.E.M. - Country Feedback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJLOAjsamEE Country Feeback is one of the many R.E.M. songs that Michael Stipe has claimed to be his favourite, but this one has a weightier case than some, in particular the version that they performed in live shows throughout the early 2000's. The song is bookmarked with a beautiful spoken excerpt from 2001 track 'Chorus And The Ring', and a guitar solo from Peter Buck that is stunning in both its simplicity and effectiveness. Stipe often took to kneeling at Buck's feet in deference when he was performing it-it's a fitting gesture, and one that is very R.E.M. Upon R.E.M.'s graceful retirement a couple of years ago, I spent a lot of time trawling through a bulk lot of their live performances in search of the quintessential R.E.M. performance. While much of their 80's shows had a manic energy and iconic moments, it is probably the maturity and elegance of their reading of Country Feedback that I return to time and time again.
Barry Marshall
Contributor
I am a freelance writer, currently residing in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. I was raised by wolves in the woodlands of Northumberland, but am still posher than Colin Firth having dinner with The Queen. I write all of my pieces by swallowing a cocktail of scrabble tiles and vodka, then regurgitating them over my jotter. Hope this explains the typos.
See more from
Barry