We’re Closer Now Than Light Years To Go.

I really wish that the R.E.M. show that I am seeing in October would come sooner; I’ve been into R.E.M. more right now than I have been for about four years. I needed the break – sometimes it really helps to move away from things so that they can feel fresh again later on.

R.E.M. “Find The River” (live in 1995, from the film Road Movie) – This is one of the most beautiful songs that I know. This version features a slightly different arrangement than usual, with a viola playing the part which is played with an oboe on the studio recording or by an organ on most live performances.

R.E.M. “So. Central Rain” (live in 2001, for MTV Unplugged 2.0) – This plaintive, spare version of the early R.E.M. classic was recorded for the band’s second appearance on MTV Unplugged, but I don’t believe it was ever actually aired on television. The entire 17-song performance is fairly easy to find online, and I highly recommend it. There are some really nice performances in that show, including a similarly solemn and stark reading of “The One I Love,” along with “Cuyahoga,” “Electrolite,” “Sad Professor,” and another pretty version of “Find The River.”