R.E.M. have assembled a new, five-track EP centered around their classic 1981 single “Radio Free Europe” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the original Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcasts. It also comes ahead of tomorrow’s (May 3) World Press Freedom Day.
The project is led by a new remix of the song by previous R.E.M. producer Jacknife Lee, a video for which is also out now. A limited orange vinyl 10-inch pressing will be released Sept. 12, with proceeds benefiting RFE/RL, which broadcasts news in 27 language to 23 countries living under free speech restrictions.
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The EP was overseen by original producer Mitch Easter and includes his 1981 recordings of “Radio Free Europe,” the b-side “Sitting Still,” a demo for “Wh. Tornado” and the apocryphal, previously unreleased remix “Radio Free Dub.”
“Whether it’s music or a free press, censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe,” says R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe. Added bassist Mike Mills, “Radio Free Europe’s journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you’re doing your job when you make the right enemies. Happy World Press Freedom Day to the ‘OG’ Radio Free Europe.”
“Radio Free Europe” was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2009.
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