R.E.M., the famous alternative rock band from the 80’s disbanded after 31 years. The bandmates apparently left on amicable terms, and felt it was just to call it quits. The group laid the framework for both the alternative and indie genres that became popular in the 90’s and 2000’s. The band released fifteen major albums, many of which were milestones of ingenuity. R.E.M. was officially inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.Rob Cavallo, the chairman of Warner Brothers Records, said “To call R.E.M. one of the greatest bands in contemporary music is an understatement.” Personally I will miss R.E.M. greatly. I may not be the biggest fan of specifically the band, but their departure from music represents a greater trend in musical style. Highly talented and individual bands from the 80’s and 90’s are becoming a part of history, replaced by corporate cloned pop culture acts. R.E.M.’s retirement marks the end of a great era of music, now thought of as outdated. The skill and style of bands like R.E.M. are now a thing of the past. Depressing to say the least, it leaves me wondering what the state of music will be like in anther ten years, and if I will ever be able to listen to most radio stations without cringing. Here is a music video of one of R.E.M.’s most famous songs: Losing My Religion…..

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