Top Ten Male Vocalists – #2 – Michael Stipe
More than any other performer on this list, Michael Stipe uses his voice as an instrument. The sound of his singing is as important an element of R.E.M.’s sound as Peter Buck’s guitars, Mike Mills’ bass and keyboards and Bill Berry’s drums.
Driving that point home is that fact that on R.E.M.’s early albums, you can hardly tell what the hell Stipe is singing but everything still works perfectly. His mumbles (and murmurs) convey the emotional message of those songs as well as any lyrics could.
I’m kind of surprised that 30 years into his career Stipe has never branched off and recorded a solo album, but I think it ties back to this whole “voice as part of the band” thing. He could certainly do other songs justice backed by other musicians, but there’s a certain alchemy that comes with this group of men performing together.
That’s particularly true of the interplay between Stipe’s lead vocals and Mills’ backup vocals (showcased nicely in this song, as in much of R.E.M.’s early work). I think the sound of those voices blending is the key ingredient to “classic” R.E.M.
I love the way Stipe’s voice can soar, but I also love the way he hits the low notes. It’s in those moments that a hint (or sometimes more than a hint) of his southern accent creeps in and his songs sound simultaneously like classic alternative rock and something you might hear played in a barn on a starry night.
I think that’s it… R.E.M.’s music, at its best, feels not like something you listen to, but more like a place you go. And Michael Stipe’s voice is the way you get there.
Bargain buildings, weights and pulleys
Feathers hit the ground before the weight can leave the air
Buy the sky and sell the sky and tell the sky and tell the sky
Don’t fall on me (what is it up in the air for) (it’s gonna fall)
Fall on me (if it’s there for long) (it’s gonna fall)
Fall on me (it’s over its over me) (it’s gonna fall)
There’s the progress we have found (when the rain)
A way to talk around the problem (when the children reign)
Building towered foresight (keep your conscience in the dark)
Isn?t anything at all (the statues in the park)
Buy the sky and sell the sky and bleed the sky and tell the sky
(repeat chorus)
Don’t fall on me
Well I could keep it above
But then it wouldn’t be sky anymore
So if I send it to you youve got to promise to keep it whole
Buy the sky and sell the sky and lift your arms up to the sky
And ask the sky and ask the sky
Meet Me In Montauk 
Whew! As we were discussing your list last night, suddenly we (Dana?) got the notion that you might not include Michael Stipe on this list. I believe I threatened to boycott the blog forever if that were to happen.
So I can’t tell you how relieved I am that I will be able to continue to start each day with Meet in Montauk!
After that admission, it’s pretty clear that I’m happy to see Stipe on this list. I like your image of R.E.M.’s music as a place and Stipe’s voice the means to get there, but I’d like to tweak it just a bit. As the old cliche promises, “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” I’m not sure Stipe’s voice ever gets you to a final destination, but I do agree that he provides a hell of a ride.
Thank you for including him 🙂
As Amy suggested, I was working up a theory as to why you are choosing certain artists on this list over others, but your inclusion of Stipe punctures my theory.
I wholeheartedly agree with Stipe’s selection on your list and I think your explanation as to what makes his voice so special (along with Amy’s tweaking) is right on the money.
Incidentally, Stipe qualifies under my test for great vocalists as well because I’m pretty sure I would be drawn to anything he sang. In fact, I remember the first time I heard his backup vocals on the Indigo Girls’ “Kids’ Fears,” It was like a jolt of wonderfulness injected into that song.
I couldn’t find Stipe singing a lame children’s song to underscore my point, but I did find Stipe singing “Furry Happy Monsters” The original song was lame enough, so I think this qualifies. Not a good song, but is it not improved just by the fact that Stipe is singing it? I think so!
Punctured or not, I’d like to hear the theory!
Oh, I never share punctured theories:)