R.E.M. and 'My So-Called Life'

With the news that R.E.M. is breaking up, James Poniewozik warns at Time.com: "For the next day or two, those of us who attended college in the '80s and '90s are going to be insufferable." He explains why and points in part to the interface of the band's music with generational markers such as "My So-Called Life," and in particular the appearance of "Everybody Hurts" at 3:50 in this clip from the show's pilot.

R.E.M. announcement: "We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished."

Rolling Stone story and photo gallery