Bryan Wawzenek is a freelance journalist who writes for Diffuser.fm and Ultimate Classic Rock. He learned more from a three-minute record than he ever learned in school. His mind is racing, as it always will. Don't start him talking, he could talk all night. The sunshine bores the daylights out of him. Don't touch him, he's a real live wire. Most things he worries about never happen anyway. But he's been smiling lately, thinking about the good things to come.
Bryan Wawzenek
30 Years Ago: Warren Zevon, R.E.M. and an All-Star Cast Team Up for ‘Sentimental Hygiene’
After going five years without releasing an album, Warren Zevon returned with R.E.M. as his band on 'Sentimental Hygiene,' released in August 1987.
Shakers and Saxophones Get Thrown Into R.E.M.’s ‘Fireplace’
In writing the cryptic 'Fireplace,' R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe was inspired by a 200-year-old speech by Mother Ann Lee, leader of the Shakers.
How R.E.M. Scored a Big Hit with the Brutal ‘The One I Love’
If 'Document' was the turning point for R.E.M., then “The One I Love” served as the hinge. The song was released as the album's lead single in August 1987,
How R.E.M. Mixed Dreams, T.V. and Politics on ‘It’s the End of the World as We Know It’
R.E.M. brought together a variety of experiences to create the second 'Document' single and one of the most famous songs in the band's catalog.
R.E.M.’s Cover of Wire’s ‘Strange’ Speaks to the Moment
One of only two times R.E.M. has included a cover on one of their studio albums, "Strange" found the band updating the sludgy Wire song.
R.E.M.’s ‘Disturbance at the Heron House’ Tackles Orwell and Reagan
Michael Stipe was inspired by 'Animal Farm' to create an animalized revolution put down by the Reagan administration.
Moon the Loon: Keith Moon’s 25 Craziest Antics
Keith Moon took rock ’n’ roll excess and made it into something approaching performance art.
R.E.M.’s Anger Comes Into Focus on ‘Welcome to the Occupation’
The second track on 'Document' was the third R.E.M. song about U.S. intervention in Central and South America. It was the band's most direct repudiation yet.
25 Years Ago: Frances Bean Cobain Born to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love
Amidst uncertainty about her parents drug habits, Frances Bean Cobain was born to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love on Aug. 18, 1992.
40 Years Ago: The Police’s Classic Lineup Plays Their First Show
In the summer of '77, the Police traded their founding guitarist for Andy Summers and played their first gig with their famous lineup in Birmingham, England.