Okay, enough doom and gloom for me this week. It's time for another foray into the depths of punk/alternative rock from the 1980's. Let me tell a story.
Once upon a time there was a really good band from Georgia that was known as REM. This band has very little in common with the mega-stars you know. For example, before signing with a major label, you could tell from his accent that REM's lead singer was from, you know, the South.
As REM was gaining fans in the underground from coast to coast, in far off Los Angeles, a 60s pop revival was all the rage in that city's underground. Called the "Paisley Underground" and featuring bands like The Three O'Clock, Green on Red, The Dream Syndicate and The Bangles (yes, the same band), this movement brought the fun of jangly guitars and sharp dressing to a whole new generation.
As such things go, REM's label, the legendary IRS Records, casted about for a proper opening band for REM's upcoming national tour. Being hip and clued in, they chose the leading band of the Paisley Underground, the Three O'Clock.
For night after night, REM sat backstage, drinking too-warm beer, and listened to the Three O'Clock kick out their 60's sound. One night, in a fit of drink-fueled comedy, REM decided to "out-Three O'Clock the Three O'Clock" and write their own Paisley Underground song.
The result was REM's first national hit, "Superman."
First, here is a sample of the Three O'Clock's Sound, with "Jet Fighter Man."
Now, here is REM's "Superman"
OMG, talk about Karma. I didn't even see your post until after I posted mine. And I mentioned you in mine. Pure Karma!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love REM's music. They are, I think, the most perfect pop band ever.
Losing My Religion is my all time most perfect pop song.
ReplyDeleteThw Three O'Clock were awful. They may have had some remote melody or riff that REM stole but apart from that they were missing tune, instrument playing ability, and most importantly, Michael Stipe.
ReplyDeleteAlthough they may not be my favorite band, I've listened to more than my fair share of REM over the years. Superman is definitely in my top five favorite REM tunes (up there with We Walk, Radio Free Europe, It's the End of the World as We Know it, and The One I Love). I really liked the album Green, but mostly because I was in college when it came out. Stand got a bit overplayed IMHO.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, just a couple of days ago I was checking out the upcoming acts for one the little hole-in-the-wall venues I go to now and then and saw a listing for some band called The Baseball Project. Never heard of them but I instantly recognized a couple of the band mates: Michael Mills and Peter Buck. I think I'll have to check them out...
Thank goodness you and Fay upstaged the opening band...I'd much rather listen to REM and Randy Travis!
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