I first got turned on to REM when an older high school kid who was a lifeguard at the pool where I worked in the concession stand played Pretty Persuasion in the guard house. Oh, was I in love with that guy!!

My HS friend remembers them from little bars while he was at GA in Athens...

There is video on YouTube of REM playing Pretty Persuasion at The Old Grey Whistle Test (British music show) Michael Stipe has long hair. So good