R.E.M. — New Test Leper
Album: New Adventures in Hi-FiAvg rating:
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Length: 5:20
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I can't say that I love Jesus
That would be a hollow claim
He did make some observations
And I'm quoting them today
"Judge not lest ye be judged."
What a beautiful refrain
The studio audience disagrees
Have his lambs all gone astray?
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
"You are lost and disillusioned!"
What an awful thing to say
I know this show doesn't flatter
It means nothing to me
I thought I might help them understand
But what an ugly thing to see
"I am not an animal."
Subtitled under the screen
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
When I tried to tell my story
They cut me off to take a break
I sat silent five commercials
I had nothing left to say
The talk show host was index-carded
All organized and blank
The other guests were scared and hardened
What a sad parade
What a sad parade
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
That would be a hollow claim
He did make some observations
And I'm quoting them today
"Judge not lest ye be judged."
What a beautiful refrain
The studio audience disagrees
Have his lambs all gone astray?
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
"You are lost and disillusioned!"
What an awful thing to say
I know this show doesn't flatter
It means nothing to me
I thought I might help them understand
But what an ugly thing to see
"I am not an animal."
Subtitled under the screen
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
When I tried to tell my story
They cut me off to take a break
I sat silent five commercials
I had nothing left to say
The talk show host was index-carded
All organized and blank
The other guests were scared and hardened
What a sad parade
What a sad parade
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Comments (79)add comment
Having hosted a live internationally broadcast TV talk show, I really can relate to this song.
Pretty glad that R.E.M. WAS an American rock band.
Chewie wrote:
100% agree. Favourite album is Automatic for the People, this is certainly my second favourite. I'm surprised it's so underrated!
Severely underrated album, imho, and actually my second favourite from R.E.M. :)
100% agree. Favourite album is Automatic for the People, this is certainly my second favourite. I'm surprised it's so underrated!
cosmicjoe wrote:
Get a decent pair of headphones
I listen to a lot of music on my laptop. Can anyone suggest the best sound system? I currently have a Logitech THX.
Get a decent pair of headphones
I also like this song a lot Bill, I guess you also have good taste :)
I listen to a lot of music on my laptop. Can anyone suggest the best sound system? I currently have a Logitech THX.
coy wrote:
yeah not only that but blessed are the humble blessed are the meek blessed are those who feel their heart for they shall know god blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see light blessed are those who don't get pissed off for they shall live in the kingdom of heaven
my father was a preacher
So... Your'e the son of a preacher man? :-)
8->9 for this beautiful sentiment and emotional song
Preach, and AMEN, and LLRP
yeah not only that but blessed are the humble blessed are the meek blessed are those who feel their heart for they shall know god blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see light blessed are those who don't get pissed off for they shall live in the kingdom of heaven
my father was a preacher
So... Your'e the son of a preacher man? :-)
8->9 for this beautiful sentiment and emotional song
Preach, and AMEN, and LLRP
Love it! Like @Chewie, this is from my second fav REM album
This is slightly better than most of their post-good-period music that I've heard, but still kind of dull.
I love REM, but this is totally "meh" for me.
I like the rotating speaker/leslie effect on the arpeggiated guitar part during the chorus.
Don't think a good rem song is going to happen in my lifetime. And stipe pretending he's got aids all those years ago, and the guitarist with his "do you know who I are" malarkey on a plane. Got no time for them
Bill called this irreverent. I disagree, unless it’s irreverent against hypocritical followers. It’s definitely not anti-Jesus.
Love it, BTW.
Severely underrated album, imho, and actually my second favourite from R.E.M. :)
spigolli wrote:
I suppose every band has to lose their Bernie Taupin.
Or every Bernie Taupin loses his magic for awhile.
c.
I suppose every band has to lose their Bernie Taupin.
c.
Call me a heretical old hag of a witch. I don't care. Well, I lie. I kinda do (care). But I just gave an R.E.M. song a 2. Hey, I never thought it'd happen either. But lawdy how patience with the precious gets very limited the older one gets.
1985's quirky, 'Can't Get There From Here' single was a promising, and interesting introduction to these guys. Since then, well...
kurtster wrote:
On a Boy Scout trip to earn our canoeing merit badge, we were canoeing down the Colorado (more like drifting) starting at the dam below Bullhead City and heading south. The second or third night we made it to Needles and pulled ashore and pitched camp. It was a Saturday night so a few of us decided we would hike into town and see what it was like. You could see the other end of town from the beginning of the town. The Denny's was the old A Frame style set in between Rt 66 where it split up into one way traffic on either side as it went through the town. I don't remember what any of us did there, prolly got a milkshake and used a real bathroom for the first time in a few days, but we got arrested for curfew violations ... 9 pm on a summer Saturday night in 1967 walking back to camp. We got rides in squad cars the rest of the way back to camp and a mild chewing out. That was my big day in Needles. Been through it a couple of times since, but not since I 40 got built have I actually stopped in town. Oh, we did get our merit badges in spite of the trouble we got into. Good old Troop 8 from Corona del Mar, California.
The other highlight of that trip was a late evening rest stop in a bar in Searchlight, Nevada on the way to the river. They had pinball machines that paid money instead of replays. Only time I ever saw that. When Pinball Wizard broke, it had an entirely different meaning to me. Yeah, maybe I could make a living playing pinball. But moving from Philly where I was when the song came out back to Nevada to do that simply wasn't going to happen. Worrying about the draft and going to school took precedence. And so it goes ...
I enjoyed this story, thanks kurtster!
On a Boy Scout trip to earn our canoeing merit badge, we were canoeing down the Colorado (more like drifting) starting at the dam below Bullhead City and heading south. The second or third night we made it to Needles and pulled ashore and pitched camp. It was a Saturday night so a few of us decided we would hike into town and see what it was like. You could see the other end of town from the beginning of the town. The Denny's was the old A Frame style set in between Rt 66 where it split up into one way traffic on either side as it went through the town. I don't remember what any of us did there, prolly got a milkshake and used a real bathroom for the first time in a few days, but we got arrested for curfew violations ... 9 pm on a summer Saturday night in 1967 walking back to camp. We got rides in squad cars the rest of the way back to camp and a mild chewing out. That was my big day in Needles. Been through it a couple of times since, but not since I 40 got built have I actually stopped in town. Oh, we did get our merit badges in spite of the trouble we got into. Good old Troop 8 from Corona del Mar, California.
The other highlight of that trip was a late evening rest stop in a bar in Searchlight, Nevada on the way to the river. They had pinball machines that paid money instead of replays. Only time I ever saw that. When Pinball Wizard broke, it had an entirely different meaning to me. Yeah, maybe I could make a living playing pinball. But moving from Philly where I was when the song came out back to Nevada to do that simply wasn't going to happen. Worrying about the draft and going to school took precedence. And so it goes ...
I enjoyed this story, thanks kurtster!
Proclivities wrote:
I spent a week between Needles and Barstow one afternoon; I didn't see Grandpa though.
On a Boy Scout trip to earn our canoeing merit badge, we were canoeing down the Colorado (more like drifting) starting at the dam below Bullhead City and heading south. The second or third night we made it to Needles and pulled ashore and pitched camp. It was a Saturday night so a few of us decided we would hike into town and see what it was like. You could see the other end of town from the beginning of the town. The Denny's was the old A Frame style set in between Rt 66 where it split up into one way traffic on either side as it went through the town. I don't remember what any of us did there, prolly got a milkshake and used a real bathroom for the first time in a few days, but we got arrested for curfew violations ... 9 pm on a summer Saturday night in 1967 walking back to camp. We got rides in squad cars the rest of the way back to camp and a mild chewing out. That was my big day in Needles. Been through it a couple of times since, but not since I 40 got built have I actually stopped in town. Oh, we did get our merit badges in spite of the trouble we got into. Good old Troop 8 from Corona del Mar, California.
The other highlight of that trip was a late evening rest stop in a bar in Searchlight, Nevada on the way to the river. They had pinball machines that paid money instead of replays. Only time I ever saw that. When Pinball Wizard broke, it had an entirely different meaning to me. Yeah, maybe I could make a living playing pinball. But moving from Philly where I was when the song came out back to Nevada to do that simply wasn't going to happen. Worrying about the draft and going to school took precedence. And so it goes ...
I spent a week between Needles and Barstow one afternoon; I didn't see Grandpa though.
On a Boy Scout trip to earn our canoeing merit badge, we were canoeing down the Colorado (more like drifting) starting at the dam below Bullhead City and heading south. The second or third night we made it to Needles and pulled ashore and pitched camp. It was a Saturday night so a few of us decided we would hike into town and see what it was like. You could see the other end of town from the beginning of the town. The Denny's was the old A Frame style set in between Rt 66 where it split up into one way traffic on either side as it went through the town. I don't remember what any of us did there, prolly got a milkshake and used a real bathroom for the first time in a few days, but we got arrested for curfew violations ... 9 pm on a summer Saturday night in 1967 walking back to camp. We got rides in squad cars the rest of the way back to camp and a mild chewing out. That was my big day in Needles. Been through it a couple of times since, but not since I 40 got built have I actually stopped in town. Oh, we did get our merit badges in spite of the trouble we got into. Good old Troop 8 from Corona del Mar, California.
The other highlight of that trip was a late evening rest stop in a bar in Searchlight, Nevada on the way to the river. They had pinball machines that paid money instead of replays. Only time I ever saw that. When Pinball Wizard broke, it had an entirely different meaning to me. Yeah, maybe I could make a living playing pinball. But moving from Philly where I was when the song came out back to Nevada to do that simply wasn't going to happen. Worrying about the draft and going to school took precedence. And so it goes ...
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
I spent a week between Needles and Barstow one afternoon; I didn't see Grandpa though.
It sits between Needles and Barstow, California.
Both featured in "The Grapes of Wrath" about where Grandpa died..
Both featured in "The Grapes of Wrath" about where Grandpa died..
I spent a week between Needles and Barstow one afternoon; I didn't see Grandpa though.
That's Amboy Crater on the album cover.
It is just off "old" Route 66... near the town of Amboy...
It sits between Needles and Barstow, California.
Both featured in "The Grapes of Wrath" about where Grandpa died..
It is just off "old" Route 66... near the town of Amboy...
It sits between Needles and Barstow, California.
Both featured in "The Grapes of Wrath" about where Grandpa died..
the leprose voice fits the lyrics fine...
More_Cowbell wrote:
because music is a competition?
Very Nice. REM is a musical leader, maybe that is why they are a target to the 'haters' out there.
because music is a competition?
(former member) wrote:
This song be berry berry good...
Channeling Chico again?
This song be berry berry good...
Channeling Chico again?
excellent... we be dancing...
sirdroseph wrote:
I suppose every band has to lose their Bernie Taupin.
REM is like Elton John. Magnificent for years and then all of the sudden they woke up one day sometime in the early to mid 90's, lost it and have sucked out loud since! For Elton it happened around 1977, for the Stones 1981 or thereabouts, strange how that happens.
This is one of the first suckage albums!
This is one of the first suckage albums!I suppose every band has to lose their Bernie Taupin.
After listening to the lyrics I am forced to bump this up to a 7.
coy wrote:
yeah not only that but blessed are the humble blessed are the meek blessed are those who feel their heart for they shall know god blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see light blessed are those who don't get pissed off for they shall live in the kingdom of heaven
my father was a preacher
JC was anything but humble. If there is one take-away from his preaching, it is this: rock the boat. Your post signifies the reverse.
I have been working on a recent project to catch up on REM, to be a REM completist in other words, because there are some gaps in my collection. One thing that has struck me is the numerous references to the New Testament in REM's later work. Interesting.
yeah not only that but blessed are the humble blessed are the meek blessed are those who feel their heart for they shall know god blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see light blessed are those who don't get pissed off for they shall live in the kingdom of heaven
my father was a preacher
JC was anything but humble. If there is one take-away from his preaching, it is this: rock the boat. Your post signifies the reverse.
I have been working on a recent project to catch up on REM, to be a REM completist in other words, because there are some gaps in my collection. One thing that has struck me is the numerous references to the New Testament in REM's later work. Interesting.
Nurse_Jenks wrote:
Judge not, lest ye be judged . . . what a beautiful refrain
yeah not only that but blessed are the humble blessed are the meek blessed are those who feel their heart for they shall know god blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see light blessed are those who don't get pissed off for they shall live in the kingdom of heaven
my father was a preacher
Judge not, lest ye be judged . . . what a beautiful refrain
yeah not only that but blessed are the humble blessed are the meek blessed are those who feel their heart for they shall know god blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see light blessed are those who don't get pissed off for they shall live in the kingdom of heaven
my father was a preacher
sirdroseph wrote:
Judge not, lest ye be judged . . . what a beautiful refrain
REM is like Elton John. Magnificent for years and then all of the sudden they woke up one day sometime in the early to mid 90's, lost it and have sucked out loud since! For Elton it happened around 1977, for the Stones 1981 or thereabouts, strange how that happens. This is one of the first suckage albums!
This is one of the first suckage albums!Judge not, lest ye be judged . . . what a beautiful refrain
REM is like Elton John. Magnificent for years and then all of the sudden they woke up one day sometime in the early to mid 90's, lost it and have sucked out loud since! For Elton it happened around 1977, for the Stones 1981 or thereabouts, strange how that happens. This is one of the first suckage albums!
This is one of the first suckage albums!Way better than most of REM's popular stuff, which makes it a 5.
Shiny Happy People! = 1
Shiny Happy People! = 1
Not for me. Boring.
These guys have so many outstanding tracks... but this one never did it for me.
BEST EVER, the version on the cdsingle for Bittersweet Me is even better..
I like a lot of REM songs but this one just bores the crap out of me.
Sorry.
A really fantastic, under-appreciated album.
E-Bow The Letter is my favorite from this disc.
E-Bow The Letter is my favorite from this disc.
Don't like it!
Bokey, you're making progress! We're all very proud.
bokey wrote:
I didn't know it was REM for sure until I looked so I guess it doesn't suck.
Very Nice. REM is a musical leader, maybe that is why they are a target to the 'haters' out there.
pushkinjim wrote:
Oh how this just SUCKS! PUKE! 
Ban REM!
So, wait, I'm not sure if I understand from this and the dozen or so other comments you've made on REM songs. Do you like REM or not? Can't tell, really!
Ban REM!Oh how this just SUCKS! PUKE!
Ban REM!
Ban REM! I didn't know it was REM for sure until I looked so I guess it doesn't suck.
jbtidwell wrote:
I think this is the best album of their later work - it has some really rockin' songs on it too.
Agreed, though I also love "Monster."
flyfree wrote:
What a treat! I haven't heard this in ages. I need to revisit this album.
I think this is the best album of their later work - it has some really rockin' songs on it too.
the first millisecond i thought this was 'elderly woman behind the counter in a small town' ... "I seem to recognize ..."
Whirlpool wrote:
Old REM is the best.
I still remember the face I made, when I listened to REM the first time. Back in 1985 or '86 I think...
The album was 'Life's rich pageant'...
It's still one of my 5 albums to take with me on a lonely island.
Old REM is the best.
artisfree wrote:
GRRR. It's a strong personal bias, one that even I don't understand. But the frequent use of REM is the ONLY reason I turn the volume down on radioparadise.
HARK!! A voice of reason from the past. From before "The Time Of Peace and Not This Horrible Song Again" as the blissful 2 -1/2 year period when this terror slept undisturbed is known among the faithful.
Perhaps this call for reason resulted in the time of happiness?
What unspeakable sin did mankind commit in order to have this song awakened from the foul ,putrid depths in which it had lain all those (2 -1/2 ) years?
Oh hey - a post-IRS REM tune I actually like! Nice!
MKW wrote:
I'm still waiting after 21 years for something to better " Wolves Lower" , from Chronic Town.
If you don't think they ever did better than that, then I suggest you stop waiting.
MKW wrote:
I'm still waiting after 21 years for something to better " Wolves Lower" , from Chronic Town. When played the proper way , the windows rattle .
Trying...
Sorry: REM - Carnival of Sorts
Sorry: REM - Gardening at Night
Sorry: REM - Wolves, Lower
Again, with being placed on LRC??
flyfree wrote:
What a treat! I haven't heard this in ages. I need to revisit this album.
Exactly, because this album has some really good songs on it. This is the best and one of the best by R.E.M overall, IMHO.
This is a new REM tune for me and quite like it! Chalk up another first thanks to RP 
What a treat! I haven't heard this in ages. I need to revisit this album.
This song is very similar to an earlier REM song - "Try Not To Breathe". Breathe is much better imo.
Have played several REM albums into the dust but don't know this one. Cool song.
great album. but, I'd love to hear "E-bow the letter"
haven't heard this one before. i quite like it.
Just saw these guys in KC a week ago. Wow.
New Adventures is one of the most underrated albums of all time in my opinion. There's some really great stuff on there that nobody has ever heard.
one of my favorite bass lines ever! so melodic. 
CoolbeaN wrote:
I don't understand REM fanatics. Yes all of their stuff is pretty good. But nothing outstanding. Alot of it sounds the same. They pump out CD's like CRAZY! How many of them are there now?
By my count: 1 EP (5 songs), 12 full albums, an album of b-sides, and several songs on movie soundtracks. Really, not all that much when you consider the clock started almost 25 years ago. I guess they average a new album every couple of years, which is respectable.
Oh, by the way, I'm one of those fanatics :)
I really like the lyrics of this song. A great commentary on the media and religion.
I\'m still waiting after 21 years for something to better \" Wolves Lower\" , from Chronic Town. When played the proper way , the windows rattle .
I don\'t understand REM fanatics. Yes all of their stuff is pretty good. But nothing outstanding. Alot of it sounds the same. They pump out CD\'s like CRAZY! How many of them are there now?