R.E.M. is a band who began in the era of vinyl, saw its alleged end and witnessed the format’s revival as well. Vinyl certainly has a very big proponent in Michael Stipe, who can trace much of his musical inspiration to trips to record stores in Athens, GA.

Michael Stipe loves records.  Before R.E.M. began, Stipe was a regular customer at Wuxtry Records in Athens, GA., a company that’s been buying and selling records in Georgia for over 35 years.

Since the band has so much love and respect for vinyl, R.E.M. takes great pride in the vinyl they release. Their last studio album is no exception. We featured a cut from it today on Vinyl Vineyard.

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