When is a cover song better than the original? Only you can decide. This week R.E.M. takes on the Troggs’ “Love Is All Around.” MAGNET’s Edward Fairchild pulls the pin. Take cover!
Mike Mills’ singing has always been R.E.M.’s secret weapon. His understated, tender and honest delivery—mostly by way of background harmony—fills out the band’s sound and helps pull the hooks of Michael Stipe’s lead. It’s what takes R.E.M. from being a good band to being one of the best ever. It’s a rare treat for Mills to take the lead vocal on a song, as he did for this cover of the Troggs’ “Love Is All Around” filmed in 1991 for MTV’s Unplugged series. Later that year, Mills, Peter Buck and Bill Berry collaborated with the Troggs on Athens Andover.
The Cover:
The Original:
