Previously Unreleased R.E.M. Track to Aid Bahamas Relief Efforts
R.E.M. has released a previously unheard song to support relief efforts in the Bahamas. “Fascinating” was recorded in 2004 at Nassau’s Compass Point Studios and was originally scheduled to appear on 2001’s Reveal before it was cut at the last minute.
“It’s really beautiful,” bassist/keyboardist Mike Mills said of the song. “It has a flute, oboe arrangement, but it made the record too long… and something had to go.”
The song is now available to stream or download via Bandcamp for $2, which will benefit global organization Mercy Corps’ Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas. R.E.M. spent two months in the Bahamas for a creative retreat during their career, which Mills says was an important time.
“I have been fortunate to spend many weeks working and playing in the Bahamas, making friends and lots of music there,” he explained. “It breaks my heart to see the damage wrought by Hurricane Dorian. Please help us and Mercy Corps do what we can to alleviate the suffering caused by this catastrophe.”
“The Bahamas faces a long road to recovery after this devastating hurricane,” says Neal Keny-Guyer, CEO of Mercy Corps. “We’re grateful to have R.E.M. in our global community of humanitarians, sharing their song with the world to help the people of the Bahamas recover and build back even stronger.”
“Fascinating” is available now on Bandcamp.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
