S3E15: MJ Region 8v9(R.E.M./Talking Heads)

Alright, '80s college radio lovers, buckle up because we've got ourselves a certified alt-rock-pocalypse brewing! In this corner, it’s our 8-seed, R.E.M.'s caffeinated stream-of-consciousness ramble, “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” that somehow made the end times sound like the most fun you could possibly have—a song so densely packed with rapid-fire references that even Michael Stipe probably forgets half the lyrics mid-performance. And squaring off against them, our 9-seed challenger: Talking Heads' paranoid funk masterpiece, “Burning Down the House,” that turned anxiety into the most danceable nervous breakdown ever committed to tape. Both bands were the thinking person's new wave darlings, both songs became iconic '80s anthems in completely different ways, both bands were Deni’s darlings. So which track better embodies the decade's perfect blend of intellectual weirdness and undeniable catchiness? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the80sest.substack.com