I have nothing but not so kind things to say about Stipe's dancing in that Harbour Coat video, but the song itself sounded great. Anyways, I want to play as well:
REM's first television appearance on Letterman in 1983. I don't know what's more awesome, Dave's hair, promoting an LP, how the whole band looks like kids, name dropping Hershel Walker, bands playing two songs on late night shows, Stipe hiding so he doesn't have to be interviewed, or So. Central Rain being so new that it hadn't been named yet.
YouTube - REM - Radio Free Europe
YouTube - REM - So. Central Rain
Both songs sound flippin' fantastic.
I love these early Letterman clips.
I remember when I bought Eponymous back in the day, the liner notes said So. Central Rain was first played on Letterman, and I remember thinking how cool it would be to see it again. Thank you Youtube.
Its interesting to contrast this with their next appearance on Letterman in 1995 when the played Crush With Eyeliner. I remember watching this one live.
YouTube - REM - "Crush w/ Eyeliner" LIVE 1995 (Video quality kinda sucks)
They seem like an entirely different band, esp. Stipe.