In deference to last night's wild weather at Jones Beach, R.E.M. opened its show with Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and its own "So. Central Rain." Michael Stipe said that they thought about doing the lovely "I'll Take the Rain," but "it's seven minutes long and kind of plodding." Aww. They really could have done an entire weather-themed, water-related set and been just fine. Should we talk about the weather? Aye, aye, aye.
Top 5 R.E.M. Water-Related Songs (a.k.a. Some Suggestions for Next Time):
5. "I'll Take the Rain" (Live at 99X)
4. "Undertow"
3. "Find the River"
2. "Nightswimming"
1. "So. Central Rain"
BONUS SONG: "Cuyahoga" (My favorite river. Sorry, Mississippi. Also, my favorite R.E.M. song ever.)