Daysleeper

"Daysleeper" is the familiar song from the album, a tale of corporate angst in which a night watchman loses his sanity as the night defines his existence. It's a nice song, a little different from much of REMs work, but one of the highlights of the album.

"Emphysema" is a quirky instrumental that has a lounge-feel. It definitely sounds like a B-side, and of course is a non-album track.

The material on this single is pretty good, but my complaint is that more was not offered to the U.S. audience. Although there are versions of a "Daysleeper" single with four tracks, they are imports.

By the way, the album UP is worth getting.


A very strong Maxi-Single from a fan's perspective   October 29, 2000
Brian Stuart (Boston, MA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This Maxi-Single is excellent from a fan's perspective, but I'm not sure how much it would say to even a casual fan or someone new to R.E.M.'s music. Hopefully, a lot, but the fan's appreciation will be on a very different level.

"Daysleeper" was the first single from the album, Up. A strong effort, with great lyrics relating a tale of a white-color worker giving his all, but getting no where. A very nice post-modern message, but the song has never really clicked with me, although I like the Beatles-esque close to the album. I don't care what Michael Stipe says, his band is very influenced by the Beatles, even if he isn't.

"Emphysema" is a funky little instrumental track, quite daring for a band with only two instrumentalists at this point. As a fan, I get a kick out of this song. R.E.M.'s instrumentals are always so wonderfully eclectic, and this is no exception. Still, most folks don't care for Rock instrumental, particularly experimental ones.

"Sad Professor" is a live, studio recording of one of the best songs from Up. Its even better here. The very quiet feeling is very well suited to the song. The piano is absolutely a joy to listen to, and perfectly matchs Michael Stipe's singing. The song has a very organic feel. It is not all quiet, nor all loud. Very emotional, but also very introspective. The lyrics are amazing, with effective story-telling as well as underlying meanings.

The version of "Why Not Smile" you will find here is just SO much better than the version found on the album, it, alone, can demand this single's purchase. The album track had a cluttered trance-like feel, but here you hear the simplicty this song really demands. A love song in its own way, if not a romantic one, it has such a beautiful little message that comes across so well with the beautiful singing and simple acoustic guitar. An organ and electric guitar also sneak in at times to further adorn the recording, but never detract from it. The final organ fade at the end is incredible. I love this song, and I love this version. If you are an R.E.M. fan, I'm sure you'll want to hear it.


Amazing!   April 19, 1999
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

REM has done it again. Lyrically, Michael Stipe poetically describes the life of someone often forgotten in American pop culture -- the blue-collar worker. Musically, Buck and Mills have once again created something innovative and inspiring. Add this song to an endless list of REM wonders!


Excellent, lilting track   March 27, 1999
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Beautiful lyrics - Stipey is on top form, as ever. The music gets into you, and we can all sympathise, can't we? Great first-time listening, and stays great.