Radio Free Europe

Summer Of 1981 – July 8 – R.E.M. Released Brilliant Debut Single ‘RADIO FREE EUROPE’ Today 45 Years Ago

Posted on by JL

Every day of this summer we go back to the same summer day somewhere in history

8 July 2026

R.E.M. (1980–2011, 15 albums) released superb debut single
RADIO FREE EUROPE, today 45 years ago, on 8 July 1981.

It peaked at #25 in the US.

In 1983, the band re-recorded the song
for their debut album Murmur.

“We’re calling out in transit
Calling out in transit
Radio Free Europe”

Discography

R.E.M. Released Their Jangly Debut Masterstroke LP ‘MURMUR’ 40 Years Ago

Posted on by JL

Back in time

12 April 2023

Band: R.E.M.
Active: 1981-2011

Album: MURMUR – debut LP
Released: 12 April 1983,
40 years ago today.
Score: #36 in the US

Pitchfork: “There’s a historical component to Murmur that often gets lost: In 1983, R.E.M. sounded unique. No bands were combining these particular influences in this particular way, which made this debut sound not only new but even subversive: a sharp reimagining of rock tropes.” Score: 10/10.

TUTV: The supreme start of a supreme career.

The sublime single Radio Free Europe.

MURMUR on Spotify.

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R.E.M: Bio – Discography