"Begin the Begin" is the first song on R.E.M.'s fourth album, Lifes Rich Pageant. Lead singer Michael Stipe has called it "a song of personal, political activism."[2] Though never released as a single, it appeared frequently in the band's live performances as a song early in the set. It was even used as an opening song in the live performances at their inductions into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame[3] and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[4] The song was also included as the first track on their 2006 compilation And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987.
| "Begin the Begin" | |
|---|---|
| Song by R.E.M. | |
| from the album Lifes Rich Pageant | |
| Released | July 28, 1986 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:28 |
| Label | I.R.S. |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Don Gehman |
As the opening track on Lifes Rich Pageant, the song heralded a new clarity in Stipe's vocals.[5] Written on acoustic guitars in Stipe's home, the original version of the song was a minute longer, with five different choruses, lacking melody and a bridge.[6] Replete with references to Americana and revolution, the title is a pun on Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine".[6]
References edit
- ^ Schumer, Ben (February 26, 2009). "It Starts with an Earthquake: R.E.M.'s Monster". PopMatters.
- ^ Hogan, Peter, The Complete Guide to the Music of REM, page 109. Omnibus Press, 1995. ISBN 0-7119-4901-8
- ^ "R.E.M. inducted into Music Hall of Fame". USAToday.com. September 17, 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2008.
- ^ Cohen, Jonathan (March 13, 2007). "R.E.M., Van Halen Lead Rock Hall's '07 Class". Billboard.com. Retrieved February 10, 2008.
- ^ Hogan, page 32.
- ^ a b Hogan, page 33.