Friday 18 February 2011

Song Of The Day 18/02/2011: REM - Wall Of Death

This is a cover of the Richard Thompson song from 'Shoot Out The Lights', released on the tribute album 'Beat The Retreat' in 1994. Although this was well after REM had abandoned their college rock roots to focus on a more mainstream audience, they really put their old 80s jangle to good use. A much more mellow, laid-back version than Thompson's original, it has taken out all the dual vocals and a lot of the more intricate guitar playing and replaced it with layers of jangle and slide guitar. It really shouldn't work, and to be honest I still prefer the original, but the release of this version as the B-side to 'E-Bow The Letter' has definitely introduced a good few REM fans to the genius that is Richard Thompson, which can only be a good thing.

R.E.M. – Wall Of Death

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