R.E.M. | Stand

Somewhat unusual among R.E.M.‘s often somber output, 1989’s “Stand” features double direct whole-step modulations (2:30 and 2:48) towards the end of this bouncy, catchy Top 10 hit.

Guitarist Peter Buck described it as “without a doubt, […] the stupidest song we’ve ever written. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though.” He humbly compared the song to The Kingsmen’s “Louie, Louie” in terms of lyrical content.

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