Want to create an interactive transcript for this episode?
Podcast: What the Riff Next Gen
Episode: 2004 - September: R.E.M. "Around the Sun"
Description: R.E.M. put out a multitude of hits in college, modern, and alternative rock genres in the 80's and 90's. Â By the time that Around the Sun, the group's 13th studio album was released, the band was experiencing changes in personnel and struggles with focus. Â Drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997 and was replaced by Bill Reiflin. Â While Reiflin would be the regular percussionist for the band until their dissolution in 2011, he would not be considered a member of the band like Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass, keyboards), or Michael Stipe (vocals). Â From a commercial standpoint the...