Throughout its long history, R.E.M. frequently took part in initiatives encouraging its fans, and young people in general, to exercise their right to vote. Now, 13 years after the influential alternative-rock group’s breakup, the band still is promoting getting involved in the democratic process.
Videos by American Songwriter
On Tuesday, September 17, R.E.M. released a digital compilation titled We Are Hope Despite the Times to coincide with National Voter Registration Day, Constitution Day, and Citizenship Day. The 18-track collection features songs that they hope will inspire listeners “to stay informed, engaged, and vote” during the 2024 election season.
The tunes, which come from various albums in the R.E.M. catalog, boast such topical themes as the importance of activism and social responsibility.
The playlist’s title is taken from a lyric featured in “These Days,” a song from R.E.M.’s 1986 album Lifes Rich Pageant. Interestingly, 16 of the compilation’s 18 tracks come from three albums—the aforementioned Lifes Rich Pageant, Document (1987), and Green (1988).
Among the well-known R.E.M. songs of the album are “Pop Song ’89,” “Fall on Me,” “Drive,” “Stand,” and “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).”
We Are Hope Despite the Times is available now via various popular streaming services and as a digital download. In conjunction with the compilation’s release, R.E.M. is encouraging fans to visit Vote.gov or Headcount.org, where can register to vote or update their registration.
R.E.M.’s History Supporting Voter’s Rights and Other Causes
R.E.M.’s involvement with voting rights initiatives dates back to the early 1990s, when the band was among the first artists to partner with Rock the Vote. The campaign helped inspire a greater turnout of young people voting in the 1992 U.S. presidential election. The group also participated in the Vote for Change Tour, and used their music to bring awareness to such causes and issues as environmental justice, human rights, gun control, and alternative energy.
Other R.E.M.-Related News
R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills has been taking part in a series of Big Star tribute concerts celebrating the 50th anniversary of the influential Memphis rock band’s second album, Radio City. Four upcoming U.S. shows are left on the trek—on October 1 in Memphis, October 5 in San Francisco, and October 7 and 8 in Los Angeles. The tour then will head to Europe in late October for several concerts.
Meanwhile, R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck and ex-Screaming Trees drummer Barett Martin will be participating in a new monthlong tour of Brazil by Brazilian musician/producer Nando Reis. The trek kicks off this Friday, September 20, in Macapa, Brazil.
The outing will promote Reis’ new three-LP set, Uma Estrela Misteriosa, which features musical contributions from Buck and Martin. The project was produced by Martin.
We Are Hope Despite the Times Track List:
- “Turn You Inside-Out”
- “Pop Song ’89”
- “These Days”
- “I Believe”
- “Fall on Me”
- “Welcome to the Occupation”
- “World Leader Pretend”
- “Drive”
- “Begin the Begin”
- “Finest Worksong”
- “Exhuming McCarthy”
- “Just a Touch”
- “Cuyahoga”
- “Disturbance at the Heron House”
- “Swan Swan H”
- “Ignoreland”
- “Stand”
- “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
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