Greatest Band in the World -- And Now I Have Proof!

My favourite band, R.E.M., has just been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I'm glad they received the recognition, considering what they've done for music: they were an integral part of the creation of the underground college rock movement in the 80s; they paved the way for such bands to be recognized in the mainstream and almost single-handedly forced the adoption of the catch-all term 'alternative music'; showed how bands could maintain their integrity in the face of greedy 80s music executives (by doing things like refusing to tour in support of not one -- but two! -- million-selling albums: Out of Time and Automatic for the People, for those who don't know); showed how bands can continue to evolve instead of stagnating on the same sound, even if it means a substantial decrease in record sales; and to continue the tradition of layering music with political activism. In fact, their rendition of John Lennon's "#9 Dream" is the lead single off of the new Lennon tribute album, the proceeds of which are going to the Campaign to Save Darfur.

They did it for the music and not the money or the chicks or the blow. Speaking of, Van Halen was also inducted into the Hall at the same time. So maybe the hall doesn't know everything.

Get in touch with the R.E.M. inside you! Here are videos and songs on their website: REMHQ.