Four years ago today, I saw R.E.M.'s first post-election show, in New York City. While one of the best gigs I've ever seen by the band, the atmosphere was somber and frustrated: The gig started with a frenetic "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," if that's any indication.
Tonight in Santiago, Chile, the band announced Barack Obama's win from the stage -- and then launched into a jubilant "I Believe," from 1986's Life's Rich Pageant. The band had video up within two hours. I think its celebratory tone sums up much of the country's mood on this historic, overwhelming night, when Barack Obama became president of the United States.
