Wendell Gee

Single infobox |
Name = Wendell Gee


Artist = R.E.M.
from Album = Fables of the Reconstruction
Released = September 1985
Format = 7", 7" double pack, 12" (Holland), 12" (UK)
Recorded = 1985
Genre = College rock
Length = 2:56
Label = I.R.S.
Producer = Joe Boyd
Last single = "Driver 8"
(1985)
This single = "Wendell Gee"
(1985)
Next single = "Fall on Me"
(1985)

"Wendell Gee" was the third and final single issued by R.E.M. from their third studio album "Fables of the Reconstruction" in 1985. It was released in Europe only, in two 7" and two 12" formats.

Wendell Gee was the proprietor of Wendell Gee's Used Cars in Pendergrass, Georgia. He died on November 25, 1995, aged 69. [ [http://people2.clarityconnect.com/webpages6/ronhenry/real.htm Real People in R.E.M. lyrics] ]

Instrumentally, the song was almost entirely composed and performed by Mike Mills, with Michael Stipe supplying the lyric and vocal. Peter Buck hated the song when it was initially recorded, claiming its only redeeming feature was his banjo solo, and it was only included on the album at the last minute. With Buck's objections being such, the song was very rarely played live, even on the European leg of the Reconstruction tour where it had been released as a single. Buck has since revised his view of the song, saying "I must admit, I was wrong. I don't love it, but I like it." Fact|date=February 2007

Track listings

All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe unless otherwise indicated.

(7")
# "Wendell Gee" - 3:02
# "Crazy" (Pylon) - 3:05

(7" Double Pack and 12" - Holland)
# "Wendell Gee" - 3:02
# "Crazy" (Pylon) - 3:05
# "Ages of You" - 3:44
# "Burning Down" - 4:13

(12" - UK)
# "Wendell Gee" - 3:02
# "Crazy" (Pylon) - 3:05
# "Driver 8" (live)¹ - 3:30

Notes

¹ Recorded at the Music Hall, Seattle, Washington; June 27, 1984.

Charts

References