R.E.M. Announce Break-Up After 31 Years – JoBo’s Top 6 Favorite R.E.M. Songs

Michael Stipe and the guys in R.E.M. have announced on their official website that they're calling it a day after 31 years as a band. I've put together my top 6 favorite R.E.M. songs...some you may remember some you may have forgotten about. Check it out after the jump!

R.E.M. started out in 1980 and rose through the ranks of the indie-rock bands to become quite the success. I was lucky enough to see them at The Voodoo Experience in New Orleans back in 2008. They were SO much better than I was expecting live. I've dug on their music, but I just never thought they'd have the energy they did in a live performance. Boy was I wrong.

Here's what the band had to say as a whole.

"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." R.E.M.

You can read Michael, Mike, and Peter's individual responses at their official website.

With that being said here are my top 6 favorite R.E.M. songs

LOSING MY RELIGION

There's something just so haunting about this song. You'll probably hear me say this about a couple of the songs on this list. It's just their style. Whether this song is about religion or not (It's not), it still grips you and pulls you in. Here's an unplugged version from 1991 because their label disabled the embed for the official video.

Orange Crush

You might know that Michael Stipe is a bit into social and political activism. Some people say this song is about Agent Orange back in Vietnam. Other say it's not. Hmmm...Definitely a catchy tune.

What's The Frequency, Kenneth?

Two things about this song. It reminds me of straight mid-90's. Love it! Number two, I once heard that Dan Rather was mugged by a crazy guy in Manhattan as he walked down the street. The guy apparently kept hitting Rather, and saying "Kenneth, what's the frequency?". I refuse to look up the real meaning because this one is so awesome. Enjoy.

Man On The Moon

This is my personal favorite R.E.M. song. Perhaps it's because of my fascination with Andy Kaufman, and this song was obviously written with him in mind. It's also a damn fine tune.

Everybody Hurts

You can feel the hurt in Michael Stipe's voice in this song. OUCH! And the video...frickin awesome!

It's The End Of The World As We Know It

Come on! You knew it was coming! This is the first R.E.M. song I remember hearing. And it of course stuck with me. Everyone pretends to sing along to this!!! Readyyyyy GO!

So there's my top 6. R.E.M. has had PLENTY of great songs...What are your favorites???