Radio Free Europe (song) Article Index for
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Information About

Radio Free Europe (song)




  Cover RadioFreeEuropecoverjpg
  Artist REM
  From Album Murmur
  Released July 1981 , July 1983
  Format 7" , 12" , Cassette
  Recorded 1981 , 1983
  Genre College Rock
  Length 3:48 (Hib-Tone) 4:06 (IRS)
  Label Hib-Tone / IRS
  Producer Don Dixon & Mitch Easter
  Chart Position <ul><li>Hib-Tone: Did not chart</li></ul>
  This Single "'''Radio Free Europe'''"<br/>(1981/83)
  Next Single " Talk About The Passion "<br/>(1983)


"Radio Free Europe" was R.E.M. 's first single, released on Hib-Tone in 1981 . It was also their only release prior to being signed to a record label.

The title was derived from the Radio Station Of The Same Name ; however, the actual lyrics are not directly related to the broadcast service. When played live, vocalist Michael Stipe frequently moved away from the original lyrics, and instead incorporating surnames (such as IRS Records staffer Keith Altomare ) into the song. Stipe's voice was so low-key (almost a mumble) that it would be hard to notice it anyway. The guitar jangles through most of the song and the bass provides a steady melody.

The song was re-recorded in 1983 for R.E.M.'s first album, Murmur , and accompanied with a music video (at the request of MTV ), directed by Arthur Pierson . The video took place in the garden of artist Howard Finster , who would go on to paint the album cover for the band's second album, Reckoning .

The Hib-Tone single only had 1000 copies produced, and most were sent to radio stations and record companies. It can be found on '' Eponymous '', R.E.M.'s first greatest hits album.


TRACK LISTINGS

(1981)
# Radio Free Europe (3:46)
# Sitting Still (3:07)

(1983)
# Radio Free Europe (4:03)
# There She Goes Again (2:49)


EXTERNAL LINKS