R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck has teamed up with some other veteran alternative rock artists to record a cover of “Shape of Things to Come.” The tune served as the theme song of one of Buck’s favorite music-related films, the 1968 dystopian comedy/drama Wild in the Streets.
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Last year, Peter discussed the cult classic during an appearance on the Revolutions Per Movie podcast, a show hosted by his friend Chris Slusarenko that focuses on rock ‘n’ roll-themed films. In an online post, Peter explained that he recorded the song as a tribute to the movie and the podcast.
Pylon frontwoman Vanessa Briscoe and Camper Van Beethoven bassist Victor Krummenacher also contributed to the track, which is available exclusively as a limited-edition flexidisc at Patreon.com/RevolutionsPerMovie.
Those who sign up as a member of the Revolutions Per Movie podcast, for either $5 or $10 a month, will receive the flexidisc, color stickers, exclusive bi-weekly or weekly content, and more. Members also will be able to listen to the podcast ad-free.
More About Wild in the Streets and “Shape of Things to Come”
Buck described Wild in the Streets as “a crazy teen revolution rock flick.” The film tells the story of a fictional rock star named Max Frost who becomes a powerful political figure in the U.S., focusing on giving young people the right to vote. Frost’s influence leads to the oppression of everyone over 30 years of age.
In the film, “Shape of Things to Come” is a hit song by Frost and his band, The Troopers. The song was written by the real-life hitmaking married songwriting duo of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The tune was recorded by session musicians and featured a singer named Harley Hatcher on lead vocals.
Credited to Max Frost and the Troopers, “Shape of Things to Come” peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1968.
Buck’s Other Recent Musical Endeavors
In November 2024, Silverlites, a new band featuring Buck, Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur, and former Screaming Trees drummer Barrett Martin, released a self-titled debut album.
Buck and Martin have worked together on various recording projects over the years, including with the groups Tuatara and The Minus 5. They also both recently collaborated with Brazilian musician/producer Nando Reis on Reis’ latest album, the three-LP set Uma Estrela Misteriosa. In addition, Peter and Barrett accompanied Reis on a lengthy tour of Brazil in the fall of 2024.
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