Tag: R.E.M.

The Paperboy Cometh

Sitcoms. It seems like they come and go. You could make the argument that they are “dead”, but every once in a while one comes along that is really unique. Case in point: “Get a Life” with Chris Elliott.

Most people know Elliott from his ridiculous characters on David Letterman’s show, but he has also appeared in other shows and movies like “Schitt’s Creek”, “There’s Something About Mary”, and more. “Get a Life” put Elliott in the driver’s seat of his own project. The premise is Chris Peterson is a 30-year-old paperboy who still lives with his parents (played by Bob Elliott and Elinor Donahue.) The rest revolved around his misadventures like getting a driver’s license, going up against a Robocop-like paperboy, and trying to save his childhood playground while simultaneously breaking a world record for having stuff piled on top of him.

A short version of R.E.M.’s song “Stand” was used as the show’s theme song during its two season run during 1990-92.

There are some great scenes with Chris’s best friend who is also age 30, but is married with a wife, house, job and two kids. It’s an interesting contrast to Chris who is finished with his “work day” by 9 am. His friend’s wife is a great source of frustration as you can imagine.

During the driver’s license episode, there’s a scene where Chris tries to charm a gruff highway patrol officer using his natural charm which included playing “Billy, Don’t Be A Hero” on the car radio.

I can’t think of another reason to include this bizarre song by Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods in my blog so here it is.

I saw “Get a Life” described as an “anti-sitcom” someplace, which seems to be appropriate. Writers for the show included Chris Elliott, Adam Resnick, David Mirkin, Charlie Kaufman, and Bob Odenkirk.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Falling Back

Well it’s Daylight Saving Time for most of us. Last year I mentioned how different states embrace or deny the whole concept. I guess it depends on where you are or where you live. Personally, I always feel like my internal clock is ready to “fall back” a week or two prior to the actual change. The one song that recently popped into my head (which I think applies here) is “Fall on Me” by R.E.M.

I guess it would be too much to ask the lyric to be “Fall back on me”, but whatever. I was never really into R.E.M. during their heyday, but their music was definitely around. They were very “alternative” — whatever that means. So what does “Fall on Me” mean? What is the song all about?

Apparently, it was inspired by the environmental idea of “acid rain.” I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, but I probably haven’t heard the term since this song was released in 1986. Lead singer Michael Stipe has said the song is basically about oppression, but the “don’t fall on me” lyric was inspired by acid rain.

When I hear certain R.E.M. songs, bassist Mike Mills‘ vocals usually catch my ear. This is a good example of that. I suppose it’s a nice contrast to lead singer Michael Stipe’s vocals.

The real question is, how come nobody ever invented an umbrella to keep acid rain from falling on all of us? It seems like someone would have jumped on the bandwagon at some point. I think $19.95 would be a fair price.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!