I went through a period where I was really tired of seeing and reading about myself.

Super casual music listeners. That's most of the people in the world. And you have to understand, that's why Top 40 radio exists. It's not there for people who seek out music and who love music.

Sometimes before we make a record I go back and listen to a few. It's equally humbling and uplifting.

I'm afraid of everything. I'm not a naturally courageous person.

In fact, a lot of critics seemed to consider R.E.M. the first American music since the '60s to break out on its own and develop a stand-alone sound.

Love, love will be my strongest weapon

We made part of the record in Miami, and I would go down to the beach, and not 20 feet from the water I see a fish that is at least seven feet long swimming close to the shore. I did not go back in the ocean the entire month.