R.E.M. – STAND
(WARNERS)
This was actually the
first R.E.M. song that I properly fell in love with. I heard it in the era of “Out Of Time” and
those songs were OK, a bit hippy not necessarily the alternative offering I was
being told to believe they were, but this was something different.
As ever being
objectionable in his selections this track was regularly played by Danny Baker on his show
seemingly as a gesture that he had been into the band long before the current
crop of MTV chart hits helped the band find and expand its audience.
“Stand” is a
reassuring bounce of a movement. The
composition is one designed to empower and encourage. In execution the music isn’t entirely
different to that of “Shiny Happy People” but the measured sentiments and wiser
chosen words feel a world away from such blatant pop sensibilities. Before you realise it, you have been
subjected to a rally call.
Like most great songs
this one is memorised from the off. The
songwriting is tight and the hooks bold.
The chorus is punctuated by one big solo syllable word and the rest just
naturally follows. As Michael Stipe
offers instruction the echoing response of Mike Mills emphasises the
command. With application there is
promise of a better future. There can be
no faulting a track that repeatedly requests/commands that the listener think
about their circumstances.
Opening sounding like
a fairground carousel it is not subtle but sometimes it is not necessary. This song will ease your day.
Thesaurus moment:
mount.
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