Back in the early '80s, R.E.M. were at the cutting edge of indie rock cool. Still, they didn't let their underground cred get in the way of their affection for pop, and this perhaps explains why an old recording of an ABBA cover has now emerged online.
The band performed ABBA's single "Does You Mother Know?" back in 1984, reportedly during the tour to promote their sophomore LP Reckoning, which came out in spring of that year. While an indie rock band covering a tune by ABBA could easily be interpreted as ironic, this is actually a fairly faithful rendition that doesn't appear to be a joke. Okay, maybe the bass solo which is supported by blasts on a whistle that starts at 2:49 is a bit goofy.
Thanks to Consequence of Sound for the tip.
The band performed ABBA's single "Does You Mother Know?" back in 1984, reportedly during the tour to promote their sophomore LP Reckoning, which came out in spring of that year. While an indie rock band covering a tune by ABBA could easily be interpreted as ironic, this is actually a fairly faithful rendition that doesn't appear to be a joke. Okay, maybe the bass solo which is supported by blasts on a whistle that starts at 2:49 is a bit goofy.
Thanks to Consequence of Sound for the tip.
