R.E.M. Calls It Quits

Bands break up everyday, but when a band has been together for 30 years, I think it is important to reflect for a few minutes on said band. I have loved R.E.M since the first time I heard them. They are one of those rare groups that was able to produce great songs and albums over a long period of time and never really had a dry spell. One of the other great things about them is they were a band that sounded like their albums but without lip syncing. When you went to a R.E.M. show you knew you were going to get everything from the group and that included real vocals. I don't think you get the same energy when there are backing tracks and lip syncing. It is just not the same thing. You might get a good show but you are not going to get that live whatever happens happens kind of vibe. If you go see a Britney Spears show, it might be good, but it is kind of like a ride at a theme park. You buy an expensive ticket, buy some souvenirs, wait in line and get on a ride which is pleasant but the outcome is pretty much known from the beginning and the experience is the same for every rider. That is not how music is supposed to be and R.E.M knew it.