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Michael Stipe, isolated, introduces new song

Michael Stipe stays socially isolated but introduces a demo of a new song called "No Time for Love Like Now." CONTRIBUTED: MICHAEL STIPE
Michael Stipe stays socially isolated but introduces a demo of a new song called "No Time for Love Like Now." CONTRIBUTED: MICHAEL STIPE
By Bo Emerson
March 29, 2020

Michael Stipe, former lead singer of R.E.M., is taking his own advice and staying isolated during the coronavirus crisis, but he is still creating.

The co-writer of “It’s The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” introduced a new song on Sunday, a demo of a somber collaboration with Aaron Dessner.

The song is called “No Time For Love Like Now,” and on a new YouTube video Stipe sings it into the camera, accompanied by a Prince-like backing track of keyboards and synth drums.

The lyrics include (apparently) the phrase “lockdown memories can’t sustain.” They seem appropriate for this time and place.

R.E.M.’s 1987 million-seller “It’s the End of the World As We Know It” resurfaced this spring during the global pandemic, and Stipe released an updated version serving as a COVID-19 safety video.

About the Author

Bo Emerson is an Atlanta native and a long-time AJC feature and news writer.

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