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R.E.M. is one of the most influential rock bands in American music history, with a legendary arc that took them from college radio punks in the early 80s to critical darlings and arena rockers with multiple smash albums throughout the 90s. But what happened after that? This week Justin shares a thesis about the final phase of R.E.M.\u2019s career, during which the band signed an $80 million contract with Warner Brothers \u2013 and it all went downhill from there. As we take a close look at Michael Stipe\u2019s creative output and public persona, we recoil at how even our favorite artists can succumb to the poisonous influence of money and fame.

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