Wendell Gee

"Wendell Gee"
Song

"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. Like all of the previous singles R.E.M. had released, "Wendell Gee" failed to chart on the UK Singles Charts.

Wendell Gee was the proprietor of Wendell Gee's Used Cars in Georgia. He died on November 25, 1995, aged 69.

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 it's only redeeming feature was his banjo solo, and it was only included on the album at the last minute. With Peter'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. Peter has since revised his view of the song, saying "I must admit, I was wrong. I don't love it, but I like it."

Track listings

(7")

1. 'Wendell Gee'
2. 'Crazy'

(7" Double Pack and 12" - Holland)

1. 'Wendell Gee'
2. 'Crazy'
3. 'Ages of You'
4. 'Burning Down'

(12" - UK)

1. 'Wendell Gee'
2. 'Crazy'
3. 'Driver 8' (live, June 27, 1984)