79 replies to this topic

[robertandrews]

A new story entry has been added:

Quote

In an interview with Virgin Radio, Michael Stipe confirmed new Accelerate track Hollowman will be a single. Asked about the track by presenter Ben Jones, Michael said he wasn't sure where it came from but "it's not autobiographical" and is concerned with having one's feet nailed to the floor. Asked whether it will be a future single: "Yes, it will; I'm working on the video right now."

[Caniglia]

I have to admit, I'm a little bummed out they chose Hollow Man as possibly the next single.

[gert74]

Although it's not my favorite song of accelerate, I can imagine they chose this one, as it's the most radiofriendly song (together with I'm gonna dj). I'm glad they didn't choose Until the day is done.

I wonder if it will get any airplay, it seems to be that only the first single of an album of R.E.M. can count on any.

[The Wrong Child]

Great choice.  Can't wait to see what they had in mind for the video.

This isn't "Wanderlust" or "Aftermath"... this is freakin "HOLLOW MAN!"

[jstecker22]

I knew it! Predicted it at the listening party... :p

Although, with time I've grown to really love "Man-sized Wreath" and would prefer that as the next single... oh well.

[falls.to.climb.]

Terrible choice. God damn. Fuck.. R.E.M. are just like the Democrats; they always find a way to fuck things up.

We have a great rock album here so lets take the MOST poppy song and make it the second single. A lot of folks here may enjoy the song but it's not going to go over well at all on radio, the alternative stations simply wont play it.. it's pop music, it's a fine song, but folks will take this as a catchy but annoying song that gets stuck in their hand in the same vein as Shiny Happy People.

Don't get me wrong; I like the song, but I like the song a lot more as a non-single.

Man-Sized Wreath should have been next.. would have sold a boatload.

[Radiohoofd]

It really is impossible to predict these things.  Losing My Religion & Drive don't exactly sound like Smash Hit Singles either.

[MurmursAdministrator]

falls.to.climb. said:

Terrible choice. God damn. Fuck.. R.E.M. are just like the Democrats; they always find a way to fuck things up.

We have a great rock album here so lets take the MOST poppy song and make it the second single. A lot of folks here may enjoy the song but it's not going to go over well at all on radio, the alternative stations simply wont play it.. it's pop music, it's a fine song, but folks will take this as a catchy but annoying song that gets stuck in their hand in the same vein as Shiny Happy People.

Don't get me wrong; I like the song, but I like the song a lot more as a non-single.

Man-Sized Wreath should have been next.. would have sold a boatload.

You think that they made this decision without getting the opinions of radio programmers?

You have a lot to learn about how the industry works.

Its the best choice of a single (even though I voted for Man Sized Wreath).

[Pariah Shite]

It's not autobiographical? So, can we just get this straight... Michael hasn't ever had his foot nailed to the floor? Cool!

I think Hollow Man will be a great single. It's the song, I think, after Song for the Submarine and Houston that people will automatically be drawn to for repeat listens. It's got an inward and an outward quality that makes it engaging and hard to pin down. Hear that on the radio and you'll stop to listen.

[TheCrackedJack]

Radiohoofd said:

It really is impossible to predict these things.  Losing My Religion & Drive don't exactly sound like Smash Hit Singles either.

They do to me and they especially did at the time.  Remember that Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and other bands produced smash hits in the early 90's.  Big rock singles were much different than they are now.

Personally, I think Hollow Man will go nowhere.  It's the most generic song on the album.

[Pariah Shite]

TheCrackedJack said:

Personally, I think Hollow Man will go nowhere.  It's the most generic song on the album.

It is? What genre? I'm curious because in fact I think it's the not-falling-into-genre quality that will make it live on the airwaves...

[Wildwings]

I adore the song, although I'd have pinned Man-Sized Wreath as the next single.  I wonder how it will go over with the general public though?  Anyway, I can't wait for the video for this one!

Oh and at least it isn't about having your head nailed to the floor... I suppose Dinsdale Piranha wasn't involved with this one then. :p

[MurmursAdministrator]

REMFMFAN said:

I do too but only because, as Peter has even admitted, R.E.M. don't have hit singles anymore.

BUT they still make incredibly good albums...as Accelerate proves.

Its not a singles market! Radio likes the song, the video will kick butt and all will be good in the world.

I'd have thought the amount of other things besides radio that go attention for Accelerate would make evident to people that radio isn't the be all end all format anymore.

[Uncle Remus]

Who is coaching these guys these days? "Hollow Man" as the next single? This song ain't gonna do shit.  "Supernatural Superserious" barely made the Top 100 in the UK or elsewhere, and that was even after an absolute shitload of pre-release hoopla and publicity; did it even make the Top 100 in the US? I heard in on the radio in the US for, like, about a week--then nothing. "Hollow Man" sounds like Michael has a big loogie stuck in his throat. Sometimes I think the guys WANT to fail. Oh well. Not my call. And the band doesn't owe their fans anything. If this song is a hit, I'll suck my own dick.

[Pariah Shite]

Uncle Remus said:

If this song is a hit, I'll suck my own dick.

:eek:

Now, we've got that in writing. Everyone, rush out as soon as it's released and BUY IT! (Five copies each) ;)

[TheCrackedJack]

Pariah Shite said:

It is? What genre? I'm curious because in fact I think it's the not-falling-into-genre quality that will make it live on the airwaves...

Pop-Rock is what it is.  

Piano, soft verse and poppy chorus.  Listen to any pop station and almost every "rock song" they play will sound like this.  See The Fray, Augustana, Keane, and those other crappy bands.  

For the record I Accelerate is one of my favorite records out of the all so far, but this song is no good.

[Pariah Shite]

TheCrackedJack said:

Pop-Rock is what it is.  

Piano, soft verse and poppy chorus.  Listen to any pop station and almost every "rock song" they play will sound like this.  See The Fray, Augustana, Keane, and those other crappy bands.  

For the record I Accelerate is one of my favorite records out of the all so far, but this song is no good.

Thanks for the reply :)

I'm not sure I agree with your definition. Though if I did, I'd say you identify a niche that by your terms ('Listen to any pop station and almost every "rock song" they play will sound like this') kind of says it was a wise choice.

I'm not familiar with Augustana, but I know I haven't heard anything from Keane or The Fray that has Hollow Man's variation of tone. I'm fascinated that (whilst not autobiographical) it has such a quality of emotional integrity that - in itself - makes it quite captivating. Far from being the norm I feel it's quite startling as a single.