What does R.E.M. at the BBC sound like?

A vibrant collection of live performances showcasing R.E.M.'s evolution from early jangle pop to mature alternative rock. Rooted in alternative rock and folk rock. Start with "World Leader Pretend (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991)".

Is R.E.M. at the BBC a good place to start with R.E.M.?

Yes, R.E.M. at the BBC is recommended as a starting point for new R.E.M. listeners. A vibrant collection of live performances showcasing R.E.M.'s evolution from early jangle pop to mature alternative rock. Released in 2018, R.E.M. at the BBC captures pivotal live moments spanning the band's career, from their early days in the 1980s to their later years in the 2000s. By this time, R.E.M. had already disbanded in 2011 after over three decades of influential music-making, making this album a nostalgic look back at their extensive catalogue and dynamic performances.

Who is R.E.M. at the BBC for?

R.E.M. at the BBC works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts, immersive live performance energy and nostalgic connection to past shows.

How many songs are on R.E.M. at the BBC?

R.E.M. at the BBC has 137 tracks, running approximately 461 minutes.

Released 8 years ago this October

R.E.M. at the BBC

R.E.M. · 2018

461 min · 137 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant collection of live performances showcasing R.E.M.'s evolution from early jangle pop to mature alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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World Leader Pretend (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Losing My Religion — This track exemplifies the band's lyrical depth and melodic craftsmanship, capturing both vulnerability and introspection within a captivating performance.
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Man on the Moon — An anthemic tribute to the absurdities of life, this song's performance reflects R.E.M.'s knack for blending thought-provoking lyrics with infectious hooks.
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Everybody Hurts — This emotionally resonant song demonstrates R.E.M.'s ability to connect with audiences, offering solace through its poignant message during a powerful live rendition.
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Radio Song — Incorporating elements of hip-hop and alternative rock, this track showcases R.E.M.'s innovative approach to songwriting and genre blending, particularly in a live setting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

A solid collection of live performances that captures R.E.M.'s evolution but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

Tracks are presented in chronological order, reflecting the band's growth and changes in sound over time.
Several songs are repeated from different sessions, highlighting variations in performance style and arrangement.
The album includes introductions and banter between songs, adding context to the live experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
immersive live performance energy
nostalgic connection to past shows
ideal for long listening sessions
engaging sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer studio recordings only
seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A live compilation showcasing R.E.M.'s evolution, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes: 1980s college rock· nostalgic live performances· absurdities of life
Moods: Nostalgic· Energetic
Career context: Released in 2018, R.E.M. at the BBC captures pivotal live moments spanning the band's career, from their early days in the 1980s to their later years in the 2000s. By this time, R.E.M. had already disbanded in 2011 after over three decades of influential music-making, making this album a nostalgic look back at their extensive catalogue and dynamic performances.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies

New to R.E.M.? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

1 World Leader Pretend (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991) Start here 4:39
2 Fretless (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991) 5:18
3 Half a World Away (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991) 3:36
4 Radio Song (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991) 4:08
5 Losing My Religion (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991) 4:45
6 Love Is All Around (live from Into the Night on BBC Radio 1 / 1991) 3:12
7 Walk Unafraid (live from John Peel studio session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:06
8 Daysleeper (live from John Peel studio session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 3:19
9 Lotus (live from John Peel studio session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:15
10 At My Most Beautiful (live from John Peel studio session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 3:19
11 Bad Day (live from Mark and Lard on BBC Radio 1 / 2003) 4:05
12 Orange Crush (live from Mark and Lard on BBC Radio 1 / 2003) 3:58
13 Man on the Moon (live from Drivetime on BBC Radio 2 / 2003) 5:02
14 Imitation of Life (live from Drivetime on BBC Radio 2 / 2003) 3:44
15 Supernatural Superserious (live from BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge / 2008) 3:25
16 Munich (live from BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge / 2008) 3:18

Disc 2

1 Introduction (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 0:27
2 Losing My Religion (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:44
3 New Test Leper (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 5:54
4 Lotus (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:49
5 Parakeet (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:24
6 Electrolite (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:24
7 Perfect Circle (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:39
8 The Apologist (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:40
9 Band Introductions (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 1:04
10 Daysleeper (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:44
11 Country Feedback (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 7:23
12 At My Most Beautiful (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:14
13 Walk Unafraid (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 4:52
14 Man on the Moon (live from John Peel public session on BBC Radio 1 / 1998) 6:11

Disc 3

1 Second Guessing (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 2:57
2 Hyena (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 2:57
3 Talk About the Passion (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:04
4 West of the Fields (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:07
5 (Don’t Go Back to) Rockville (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 4:29
6 Auctioneer (Another Engine) (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:01
7 So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry) (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 4:51
8 Old Man Kensey (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 4:24
9 Gardening at Night (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:26
10 9‐9 / Hey Diddle Diddle / Feeling Gravity's Pull (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 5:39
11 Windout (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 1:49
12 Driver 8 (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:25
13 Pretty Persuasion (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:33
14 Radio Free Europe (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:49
15 Wendell Gee (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 3:21
16 Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars) (live from Rock City, Nottingham / 1984) 4:47

Disc 4

1 What’s the Frequency, Kenneth? (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:54
2 Crush With Eyeliner (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:42
3 Drive (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:51
4 Turn You Inside Out (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:17
5 Try Not to Breathe (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:50
6 I Took Your Name (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:15
7 Undertow (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 5:16
8 Bang and Blame (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:58
9 I Don’t Sleep, I Dream (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:14
10 Strange Currencies (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:31
11 Revolution (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:20
12 Tongue (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:38

Disc 5

1 Man on the Moon (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 5:47
2 Country Feedback (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 6:50
3 Half a World Away (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:04
4 Losing My Religion (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:54
5 Pop Song 89 (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:27
6 Finest Worksong (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:49
7 Get Up (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 2:55
8 Star 69 (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:01
9 Let Me In (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 4:00
10 Everybody Hurts (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 7:25
11 Fall on Me (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:11
12 Departure (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 3:52
13 It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine) (live from the National Bowl, Milton Keynes / 1995) 5:15

Disc 6

1 Lotus (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:36
2 What’s the Frequency, Kenneth? (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:09
3 So Fast, So Numb (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:47
4 The Apologist (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:36
5 Fall on Me (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 3:26
6 Daysleeper (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 3:29
7 The Wake‐Up Bomb (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 5:01
8 The One I Love (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 3:27
9 Sweetness Follows (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 5:50
10 At My Most Beautiful (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 3:37

Disc 7

1 Losing My Religion (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 5:24
2 Everybody Hurts (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 6:47
3 Walk Unafraid (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:18
4 Star 69 (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 3:05
5 Finest Worksong (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:23
6 Man on the Moon (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 5:44
7 Why Not Smile (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 2:11
8 Crush With Eyeliner (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:40
9 Tongue (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 5:19
10 Cuyahoga (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 4:37
11 It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine) (live from Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival / 1999) 6:58

Disc 8

1 Intro (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 0:47
2 So Fast, So Numb (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 5:13
3 Boy in the Well (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 5:20
4 I Wanted to Be Wrong (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 5:19
5 E‐Bow the Letter (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 5:09
6 Around the Sun (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 5:02
7 Aftermath (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 3:58
8 Losing My Religion (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 4:47
9 Walk Unafraid (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 5:10
10 Leaving New York (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 4:48
11 Imitation of Life (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 4:35
12 Man on the Moon (live from St. James’s Church, London / 2004) 5:34

Disc 9

1 [intro]
2 Moon River (live from Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC 2 / 1984)
3 Pretty Persuasion (live from Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC 2 / 1984)
4 Pop Song 89 (live from The Late Show on BBC 2 / 1989)
5 Orange Crush (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 1989)
6 Losing My Religion (live from The Late Show on BBC 2 / 1991)
7 Half a World Away (live from The Late Show on BBC 2 / 1991)
8 Crush With Eyeliner (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 1995)
9 Man on the Moon (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 1998)
10 Daysleeper (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 1998)
11 Imitation of Life (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 2001)
12 So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry) (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 2001)
13 All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star) (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 2001)
14 Leaving New York (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 2004)
15 Leaving New York (outro) (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 2004)
16 [intro] (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
17 Losing My Religion (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
18 Lotus (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
19 New Test Leper (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
20 Daysleeper (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
21 Electrolite (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
22 At My Most Beautiful (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
23 The Apologist (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
24 Country Feedback (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
25 Parakeet (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
26 So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry) (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
27 Walk Unafraid (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
28 Man on the Moon (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
29 The Passenger (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
30 The Passenger (outro) (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 1998)
31 I've Been High (live from Top of the Pops on BBC 1 / 2001) 3:14
32 Nightswimming (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 2003) 4:16
33 Bad Day (live from Later... with Jools Holland on BBC 1 / 2003) 4:27