R.E.M. have officially released “Fascinating,” a song recorded in Nassau, Bahamas’ Compass Point Studios in 2004, which was originally intended for the group’s 2001 album Reveal, and 2004 album Around The Sun,before eventually reaching the cutting room floor. Proceeds from this previously unreleased track will be sent to Mercy Corps’ Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas.
This track, while taking some sonic cues from the band’s 2004 work, is a ballad with plenty of lush instrumentation that provoke and emotional experience for the audience. Themes of isolation are present in the song’s lyrics, that are backed by electric guitars, and a strong backing orchestral and piano line.
Hurricane Dorian was a powerful cyclone that hit the Caribbean and parts of the southern United States toward the end of August, causing intense damage to Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands, making around 70,000 people homeless. This was one of the strongest hurricanes in the region in over a decade.
“I have been fortunate to spend many weeks working and playing in the Bahamas, making friends and lots of music there.”Michael Stipe stated in a press statement. “It breaks my heart to see the damage wrought by Hurricane Dorian. Please help us and Mercy Corps do what we can to alleviate the suffering caused by this catastrophe.”
Stipe also uploaded the following message on Instagram, promoting the organization:
R.E.M. will be re-releasing their classic Monster as part of a 25th anniversary box set later this year.
Leave a Comment