Radio Free Europe ('83 David Letterman Performance) - REM

We should all bring the same level of love and excitement for our jobs that bassist Mike Mills brings to REM’s 1983 debut performance on Letterman. REM’s “Radio Free Europe” was already among my favorite REM songs (“Imitation of Life” is another), but encountering this performance from the band’s younger days just makes the song go, in the words of JJ Fad, Supersonic. It’s actually the 41 year anniversary of this Letterman episode this month, and it’s fun to see the fresh-faced, pre-mega-fame-weary, skinny kids in the band rip through this track in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Peter Buck seems like he’s struggling to stay on a balance beam. Bill Berry, wearing a John Cougar style sleeveless T, can hardly be contained behind the drum kit. And even grumpy ole Michael Stipe looks like he might be enjoying himself.

But it’s bassist Mills who steals the show. Dressed down in all black and Chuck Taylors, Mills attacks his bass and the show floor, jumping and bobbing and jerking about. Plus he does double duty, singing backup. He’s also smiling, beaming. This is what joy looks like. This is what loving your job looks like.

Of course, Mills’ job is playing in a rock band on national TV — on David Letterman’s show — to promote his first full length album that critics love. There’s a lot in that sentence to be joyful about. But 1983 Mike Mills energy is infectious and hypnotic to watch and hear. In this performance, you are practically watching a star being born. I’m guessing that most of you weren’t allowed to stay up late to watch Letterman when this debuted, so watching this now is kinda like seeing an actual star. REM exploded onto the scene 41 years ago, and we get to see it shine today.

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Class of ‘90 rulez.