Today’s video of the day is R.E.M. – “Orange Crush” released in 1989.
R.E.M.‘s “Orange Crush” is a powerful song from their 1988 album Green. Known for its political message, it addresses the impact of the Vietnam War. Michael Stipe, the band’s lead vocalist, drew inspiration from his father’s service in Vietnam. The song’s title refers to Agent Orange, a chemical used during the war. The track stands out in R.E.M.’s discography for its bold statement. Released as the lead single from Green, “Orange Crush” made a significant impact. It topped both the Mainstream and Modern Rock Tracks charts in the U.S. as a promotional single. Although it wasn’t commercially released in the U.S., it peaked at number 28 in the UK. This achievement marked the band’s highest chart position in Britain at that time. The band even performed the song on Top of the Pops, further boosting its popularity.
Matt Mahurin directed the music video for “Orange Crush.” The video, filmed in black and white, took home the Best Post-Modern Video award at the MTV Video Music Awards. This win marked R.E.M.’s first VMA victory and was the first song to win in this category. Interestingly, the video does not feature the band members at all. Instead, it uses stark imagery to convey the song’s intense message. Green was a pivotal album for R.E.M., marking their major label debut with Warner Bros. Records. The album features a mix of political songs and introspective tracks, showcasing the band’s range. “Orange Crush” aligns with R.E.M.’s tradition of addressing social and political issues. Other tracks from the album, like “Stand” and “Pop Song 89,” highlight the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds.
In 2003, “Orange Crush” appeared on In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003, a compilation album showcasing their work with Warner Bros. A live version of the song also features on R.E.M. Live, recorded in Dublin in 2005. These releases solidify the song’s place in the band’s legacy. “Orange Crush” remains a standout track in R.E.M.’s catalog. Its haunting lyrics and compelling video continue to resonate with listeners. Through this song, R.E.M. demonstrated their ability to blend music with a powerful message, leaving a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
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