Today’s random selection is a track from R.E.M.’s 2011 album Collapse Into Now, their 15th studio release and the last album they released before breaking up later that year.
Hard to believe it’s been more than a decade since the band split. And any hope of a reunion is likely fruitless, as just last year, Michael Stipe had this to say about the prospect: “We decided when we split up that that would just be really tacky and probably money-grabbing, which might be the impetus for a lot of bands to get back together.”
Honestly, I’d be fine with a tacky, money-grabbing new release from R.E.M.
Collapse Into Now received very positive reviews, including from me, upon its release. It was described as a return to form for a band that had lost its way a bit in the 2000s.
I haven’t revisited the album much since then, but re-reading my thoughts on it has me wanting to give it another listen. In fact, I think I’ll dive into R.E.M.’s whole catalog again (in my personal time, not necessarily on the blog).
It’s been awhile since I’ve spent time with one of my favorite bands. It will be nice to catch up.
I feel like an alligator
Climbing up the escalator
Climbing up the escalator, I feel strong
[Verse 2: Michael Stipe & Peaches]
I feel like an aviator, pilot bet you wouldn’t buy it
I’m feeling violent betcha beady eye in
Turn up and fly it, beat
[Chorus: Michael Stupe & Peaches]
Hey, hey, alligator you have got a lot to learn
I have got, have got a lot to learn
[Verse 3: Michael Stipe & Peaches]
I feel like an autopilot
I’m heroic strong and silent
I feel like a rage coming under my hood
I feel good and calm like a robot would
I feel like an autopilot
I feel like an autopilot
I am not a hater hater, hater, hater, hater
[Chorus: Michael Stipe & Peaches]
Hey, hey, alligator you have got a lot to learn
I have got, have got a lot to learn
[Bridge: Peaches]
I feel like a contradiction
I’m a walking science fiction
I don’t know which way to turn
I have got a lot to burn
I got a lot a lot to burn
[Verse 4: Michael Stipe & Peaches]
If I didn’t like the way you stared at me
If I didn’t like the way you stared at me
I could knock you sideways
I could knock you blind
I could show your found to the lost and find
I am not an agitator
I feel like an alligator
Climbing up the escalator
[Chorus: Michael Stipe & Peaches]
Hey, hey, alligator you have got a lot to learn
I have got, have got a lot to learn
You’ve got so much to learn
You’ve got a lot to learn
Meet Me In Montauk 
Not sure what was going on with me 11 years ago that I missed the post with your review and therefore failed to comment, particularly where you and Amy had a big back and forth that day! Now I know why I am labeled “frequent” and not “constant” commentator!
I guess I never did run out and buy this album. 😢