05 March, 2024

Bill Berry plays a mean ride cymbal

I have been listening to a lot of R.E.M. lately. While I know Document is considered by many older fans to be their Duke, to use a Genesis analogy (i.e. - a new sound overtaking the old), I love it. "Disturbance at the Heron House" is a favorite but also this song, "Lightnin' Hopkins". I just adore this song. Layers of wonderfully melodic guitar, great vocals, hoppin' bass, and Bill Berry's fantastic drumming. This song just smokes! Listen to Berry's work on the ride during the "chorus" after Stipe yells "crow!"

There's a bluesy grittiness here yet the song is far away from the blues. Listen at 00:51 in - they're cookin'!

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