REM - Bad Day

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 11 / 11 / 2003

Label: Wea
Format: CDS

intro

Mildly disppointing new single from REM, taken from their hits singles album, 'In Time'

‘Bad Day’ is REM’s first new single in two years, and comes from their new Greatest Hits package, ‘In Time’, which features their Warner Brothers hit singles from 88’s ‘Green’ up until this one. ‘Bad Day’ comes on 2CDs and one 7”.The 7” is the same as CD1. ‘Bad Day’ was written by the original 4 piece REM, so it predates 99’s ‘Up’ album,after which long-term drummer Bill Berry quit the band. It sounds in feel like 87’s ‘It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)’. Michael Stipe’s vocal is very up front, Peter jangles his Rickenbacker and Mike Mills’ bass is very punchy. In other words it is classic REM. The B Sides are a bit of a let down, and feature two covers, the first being Athens, Georgia band Magnapop’s ‘Favourite Writer'. Michael produced the original back in ‘91. but ,while the REM version is faster, it is not, however,a great song. The other cover is ‘Out in the Country’, which was recorded originally by Arlo Guthrie. It sounds here like it could be Mike Mills on vocals and has a jazzy, country feel. The last number ‘Adagio’ is a new number and is an instrumental and is completely unlike any other REM recorded work to date. It is completely classical in feel and very different. If you’re not a hardcore fan though, it would be better getting the album instead.

Track Listing:-