However, the impact of those blogs remains. They proved to record labels that a massive market existed for deep-cut archival material. Years later, R.E.M. would begin releasing massive, multi-disc anniversary deluxe editions of their classic albums, incorporating many of the exact demos, live shows, and B-sides that were once preserved exclusively by bloggers.
These sites often required specialized knowledge to navigate, and the "exclusivity" created a sense of community among collectors searching for the ultimate R.E.M. collection. The Evolution of R.E.M. Archiving rem discography blogspot exclusive
Long before Murmur won Rolling Stone’s Album of the Year over Michael Jackson’s Thriller , R.E.M. was a regional sensation. Blogspot exclusives frequently featured the legendary Cassette Set tape from 1981, containing early, unpolished versions of "Radio Free Europe" and "Sitting Still" recorded at Drive-In Studios. Collectors could trace the evolution of their songwriting through raw, hiss-heavy tape transfers that showcased a frantic, post-punk energy missing from their polished studio work. 2. The Annual Fan Club Holiday Singles However, the impact of those blogs remains