E-Bow The Letter

This was the lead single from R.E.M.'s tenth studio album.

Patti Smith sang backing vocals on this song, a life-changing experience for Peter Buck. He explained in the liner notes for the hits compilation In Time: "I first saw Patti Smith perform in 1976, and I remember thinking that I would gladly give 10 years off my life to be the bass player for her group. I know Michael was equally as inspired by Patti, and when he came up with a Ronettes-style vocal chorus, it was obvious who we had to call. It was such an incredible experience watching Patti sing this song - a song we wrote! I had all the cliche reactions; chills ran up and down my spine, the hair stood up on the back on my neck, etc. My life did not flash before my eyes, but it was a close thing."

Jem Cohen filmed R.E.M. in Los Angeles for the music video, while guest Patti Smith was filmed on location in Prague. The clip has the guys performing in a room romantically lit with strings upon strings of white lights.