This episode unravels how such an unusual, musically different band like R.E.M. was able to enter the mainstream, and how queer desire was woven covertly throughout their music before lead singer Michael Stipe even came out. Stevie Knipe of the band Adult Mom and of R.E.M. megafandom joins Sasha Geffen to unpack the influence of the band, from mandolins to the indie genre today. Tune in for a conversation about the explosive music scene in Athens, Georgia in the eighties, erotic Tumblrs, swimming while gay, witholding lyrics, and a suspiciously silly (read: drunk) acoustic video.