R.E.M

Although "Loosing my religion" is what most people would think of when they think R.E.M, they go much further. As legend has it after numerous attempts at arriving at a name, Peter Buck decided to open the dictionary and name the band after the first word his finger points to.

A Band that was at the top of its game in '87-'93 period, they were well known for taking up social and political causes, be it "First we take manhattan.." or "The end of the world as we know it" and "Welcome to occupation" and ofcourse the definitive "Loosing my religion".

"Document"(1987) is their breakthrough album. Although "Out of Time"(1991) put them right on top, "Automatic for people" (1992) is perhaps their most accessible album.

One of the most influential bands from the 80s, influencing alternative bands like Modest mouse, Sonic Youth, Pavement, Live and so on. (Modest mouse citing R.E.M as their inspiration is what made me sit up and take a fresh look at R.E.M. beyond loosing my religion)

Shiny Happy People

Shiny happy people laughing
Meet me in the crowd
People people
Throw your love around
Love me love me
Take it into town
Happy happy
Put it in the ground
Where the flowers grow
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Everyone around love them, love them
Put it in your hands
Take it take it
There's no time to cry
Happy happy
Put it in your heart
Where tomorrow shines
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Trivia: This song was based on a poster "shiny happy people" protesting the killings by Chinese government to suppress the Tiananmen Square uprising.