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.
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.