91. R.E.M.

Some bands we just expect greatness every time out.  Maybe that is why when bands we hold in high regard fail, it hurts that much more.  We (and we are sure many others) hold R.E.M. in such regard.

R.E.M.’s  “Stand” was a hit in the mold of cheery 60’s Pop songs, and songs like that can become hits…but not from R.E.M..  Michael Stipe and company seemed to put their foot on the gas peddle of bubblegum and the creation was a potpourri of cheese.  They went all out with the band and various nondescript extras dancing while standing in place.  Cute and catchy was not “the R.E.M. way” and thankfully they never did so again.  Likely, they saw their erroneous ways as “Stand” was removed from their set list in later years.