THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Micky Dolenz Sings R.E.M. is a four-track EP comprised of songs the legendary Georgia alt-rock band wrote and recorded throughout their career — all reimagined by Monkees member Micky Dolenz and producer Christian Nesmith.
The EP features fresh and completely new arrangements of some of R.E.M.’s most memorable and catchy songs. As Dolenz says: “Once again, this EP reaffirms my long-held conviction that a solid recording always begins with solid material. You don’t get much more solid than R.E.M. What a joy to sing these classics and honor a team of outstanding writers.”
The members of R.E.M. share their reactions to the EP: “These songs are ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE,” says singer Michael Stipe. “Micky Dolenz covering R.E.M. Monkees style, I have died and gone to heaven. This is really something. Shiny Happy People sounds INCREDIBLE (never thought you or I would hear me say that!!!). Give it a spin. It’s wild. And produced by Christian Nesmith (son of Michael Nesmith), I am finally complete.”
Adds bassist Mike Mills: “That voice — one of the main voices of my musical awakening — singing our songs… It is beyond awesome. Let’s help make this as huge as we possibly can. I am beyond thrilled.” Says Peter Buck: “I’ve been listening to Micky’s singing since I was nine years old. It’s unreal to hear that very voice, adding new depth to songs we’ve written ourselves, and inhabiting them so completely.” Adds guitarist Scott McCaughey: “I am blown away! Micky and Christian just take these tracks to unexpected places.”
