U2's Bono says they're so good they make him sick - and REM truly are back on form with their 12th album, Reveal. Michael Stipe and Mike Mills chat exclusively to worldpop about life (it's cool) love (Britney's No 1) and why they're championing global warming (yikes) ...

REM reveal ...
...Why they like philandering wives and friendly monkeys.
worldpop: What are your favourite moments?
Stipe: I like the philandering wife in the background with the gardener.
Mike Mills: And the tree falls down! I like the old man that walks up the stairs as he's singing the song. He was a really nice man.

worldpop: Our favourite snapshot of the video is Peter's little monkey friend Tyler with the fancy wig.
Stipe: The ape was named Tyler? Well, we never met so how would I know?
Mills: He was very friendly. He was actually the easiest one to work with on the whole set.

...What the new single and album are all about.
worldpop: Tell us about the single. What's the meaning behind the lyrics?
Stipe: I have a little story about it cos I wrote the thing but my interpretation is probably the least important. That's the beauty of music: Everyone who hears it can put in and take out what they want. I guess you could say the song is talking about vulnerability and one's ability to express that or not.

worldpop: You said last year that, 'If Up is like Mars, Reveal is like Neptune ...' What's that all about?
Stipe: That was an early quote. I think they pulled me out of bed for that one. What I was trying to say is that Up, sonically, was a departure as a band because we were becoming a three-piece. Mars is pretty far away from the sun but Neptune is a bit further still. (Hmmm, OK ...)

worldpop: What are your favourite tracks on the album other than Imitation Of Life?
Mills: That's not our favourite song. I think I've Been High is one of my favourites. It's a very different song for us and I really like the vocals. It's a departure for Michael. It's very brave and very vulnerable.
Stipe: That's my second favourite song on the record. Saturn Returns is my favourite.

worldpop: Why?
Stipe: I don't have to have a reason!

...Who in pop rocks their world - Britney step forward, please.
worldpop: Have you been influenced by the massive wave of hip hop rap and nu-metal from the likes of Eminem and Limp Bizkit?
Stipe: I like parts of the Emimen record. I think Dr Dre is an amazing producer. Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys ... they're really nice disposable, manufactured radio songs and I really like that stuff.

worldpop: And the nu-metal wave?
Stipe: As for Limp Bizkit or Korn, frankly there's not enough there to hold my attention. That's not to disparage the group or any of their fans, it's just a matter of taste.

worldpop: Would you actually go out and buy Britney's and 'N Sync's albums?
Stipe: I'd probably go and buy their single but I wouldn't go and buy the albums. That would probably be a disappointment. That kind of music is geared more towards one song at a time and it doesn't usually provide entire album's worth of material.


...Which aspects of London they dig most - bring on the global warming.
worldpop: Would you ever do a Madonna and move to London for good?
Mills: If I fell in love with Guy Ritchie I might but other than that no. I love London, it's one of my favourite cities in the world, but I can't stand the rain!
Stipe: I like the sun a lot. If global warming continues and London continues to get hotter and hotter then I expect you'll be seeing a lot more of me.

worldpop: What about foot-and-mouth disease? Doesn't that worry you too?
Stipe: The way I understand it it's kind of like a virus that goes away and it's really not that big a deal so maybe it's a political move on someone's part.
Mills: I thought if you let the animals be they'll get better.

worldpop: Are you actually fans of English culture. Do you watch EastEnders? Do you drink tea a lot?!
Mills: Love tea, can't understand the EastEnders. No, I love British culture, I thoroughly enjoy coming over here whenever I can, walking everywhere and soaking it in, but it's too damp.
Stipe: My father really likes the Britcoms. I like the music and the art. There's some amazing photographers living here right now. The films have got better too. It's a charismatic and thriving place. It has a good energy. It's a good place to create.



Interview: Michelle Garnett

The single Imitation of Life is released 30 April, the album Reveal follows on 14 May.

4/12/2001