Alligator Aviator Autopilot Antimatter

Album: Collapse Into Now (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This propulsive rocker features Peaches on vocals ("as the inner voice of teenage testosterone," Michael Stipe said). The band hooked up with the Canadian Electro-diva after vocalist Stipe bumped into her in a Berlin bar.
  • Stipe's stream-of-conscious lyrics are summed up by the nonsensical song title. It compares with another R.E.M. track with scattergun words, "It's the End of the World As We Know It."
  • The song features added guitar from veteran musician/producer and long-time Patti Smith collaborator Lenny Kaye. Said Peter Buck to Mojo magazine: "Lenny nailed it. I'm really proud that I get to play with a guy who's been such a big influence on my life. With the exception of the Beatles and Stones, anyone I've ever respected since 1972 I've played with: Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Patti Smith, Warren Zevon, Roger McGuinn, I've played with The Replacements, Husker Du, John Fogerty... to have actually been on stage playing guitar with these guys - man, how lucky did I get?"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."