Mike Mills and REM at the R&R HOF

deesonic · #1 03-12-2007, 10:28 PM

You know, I always really liked REM. Not nearly as much as my wife who rates them her all-time favorite though. We both went to school at UGA in Athens (me for grad, her for undergrad) and had the opportunity to run into various members of REM at pubs and various events. Oddly enough, I've never seen REM in concert, although I did see Stipe get on stage with Patti Smith (another HOF inductee) for a few songs at the 40 Watt once.

Anyway, it really took me back seeing REM perform tonight and I realized how much I miss when REM mattered. They are quite a good band when they're doing what they do best, folky-country fried rock instead of the electronic excursions they've gotten into in recent years. At least they got together up there and gave it hell like in the old days. Wish I could say the same for Van Halen (God, did Scott Weliand sound terrible or what?).

And so Mike Mills... I never really thought of him as one of my "bass heroes" or whatever even though I've always respected him and his talent. But I was really impressed with him on the HOF tonight. Thought his tone was wonderful and very thumpy and out front for a change. (and yes, melodic as always. You're right, sb69coupe)

And the Stooges cover with Patti at the end was a nice touch.

Maybe I'll have to dig out 'Murmur,' 'Fables,' and 'Reckoning' for my ride to work tomorrow morning. Been listening to Black Sabbath and Bad Brains enough I suppose.

sb69coupe · #2 03-12-2007, 10:33 PM

I totally agree with you, Mills is underrated. His playing on the earlier albums was very melodic and carried alot of the songs. His backing/accompanying vocals were a huge part of the REM sound as well. I'm really glad they played "Gardening at Night", that took me back to about 1986 when I first got turned on to them.

scottice · #3 03-12-2007, 10:37 PM

I'm watching the grand finale right now. Good show. REM have never been one of my favorites... but I do like at least 3 songs from each album and they are indeed solid. Mike's playing did sound good and his backing vocals are what really drew me to the band... I'm not the biggest Stipe fan. They do balance the band nicely together though.

James Hart · #4 03-13-2007, 06:32 AM

Mike Mills has been a big influence on me. Great player

KPJ · #5 03-13-2007, 06:45 AM

Mike Mills is a great player to look to for inspiration. Very melodic, supportive lines. He also had one of the best bass quotes I recall seeing. He said that when trying to come up with a bassline, he would think "What would John McVie do?"

driver800 · #6 03-13-2007, 07:43 AM

I was really into r.e.m. for quite a while starting around 82 when I first heard Chronic Town.

They combined opposing elements of musical naivete and experience to create a very different approach for the time. Stipe and Buck had limited musical knowledge/ability but brought a fresh energy to it. Mills and Berry were more experienced and helped hold it together, keeping it from being a mess. I always thought the composition of the band and atypical roles of guitar and bass was similar to The Who.

Mills really provided much of the melody through his bass lines and background vocals. Some really beautiful stuff. I still listen to "Chronic Town" and "Murmur" regularly.

dave64o · #7 03-14-2007, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPJ

Mike Mills is a great player to look to for inspiration. Very melodic, supportive lines. He also had one of the best bass quotes I recall seeing. He said that when trying to come up with a bassline, he would think "What would John McVie do?"

I always liked his bass lines and thought they were a major component of R.E.M.'s sound. I'm also impressed that he'd give such a wise response. John McVie is a great example of a "play for the song" type of player.

deepestend · #8 05-15-2007, 09:46 AM

Anyone know what equipment Mills uses these days?

Dr. Cheese · #9 05-15-2007, 10:07 AM

I have liked REM ever since "Radio Free Europe." I too was UGA when they started. The music scene at the time was pretty polarized with white students pretty much calling any funk or dance music "disco" as a putdown, and most blacks having very little interest in rock. Despite that, I observed REM from distance and even up close. I remember Pete Buck used to work at Wuxtry, local used record shop, and I remember when he had got a new ESP or Schecter Telecaster that he was playing while at the cash register in the shop. I also remember when "Radio Free Europe" was released as their first big single, and they did a free concert at the field between some dorms on campus. I could tell by the vibe, they were going to be big. By the time I got to grad school, two years later, they were going gold and tearing up the college circuit.

I know those memories have nothing to do with Mike Mills specifically, but I too think he is a great player! I spent more than a little time trying to pick up a few of his lines back in the day.

scottice · #10 05-15-2007, 10:16 AM

Excellent story her Doctor!

slackdaddy · #11 05-15-2007, 10:23 AM

Every now and then I do a little work for REM loading/unloading gear. I believe that Mike Mills uses an Ampeg SVT that looks like a reissue to me but I am not sure. I remember seeing a P-Bass and a Rick out on a stand near his amp. I don't know if that is just his practice gear or what. I have a great deal of respect for those guys.

sincity · #12 05-15-2007, 10:49 AM

Speaking of The RHOF show. Did you notice how blasted Peter Buck was on the stage.

He slammed a glass of wine, with his back turned to the audience, when at the podium, and was totally pissed that he could not hear himself on stage once they started playing.

In fact, did you see, after the 3rd song, when he threw his VOX amp into the front row seats, taking out some knee caps in the process.

All in all, a great acceptance speech & performance.

**MAJOR METAL** · #13 05-16-2007, 06:12 PM

One solid player and a new favorite of mine.

RudeMood · #14 05-17-2007, 10:13 AM

I thought he was hammered too. Almost looked like he didn't really want to be there. And yes, his amp launch at the end could have broken some toes...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sincity

Speaking of The RHOF show. Did you notice how blasted Peter Buck was on the stage.

He slammed a glass of wine, with his back turned to the audience, when at the podium, and was totally pissed that he could not hear himself on stage once they started playing.

In fact, did you see, after the 3rd song, when he threw his VOX amp into the front row seats, taking out some knee caps in the process.

All in all, a great acceptance speech & performance.

driver800 · #15 05-17-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RudeMood

I thought he was hammered too. Almost looked like he didn't really want to be there. And yes, his amp launch at the end could have broken some toes...

Yes, it was totally irresponsible, reckless and stupid.

But when Rock and Roll ceases to be that, it is dead. Rock on Peter!