R.E.M. - Bingo Hand Job: Live at the Borderline 1991 (2019)
Tracklist, Album Covers Images, Info, Fun Facts and Trivia
R.E.M. – Bingo Hand Job: Live at the Borderline 1991 (2019): An Intimate Fan-Club Classic
Released on June 28, 2019, R.E.M.’s Bingo Hand Job captures a rare, intimate live performance at the Borderline Club in London on March 15, 1991. Originally recorded for fan-club distribution, this album was officially released decades later, offering a unique glimpse of R.E.M. in a small venue at the peak of their early ’90s fame.
The performance blends hits, deep cuts, and playful banter, emphasizing the band’s chemistry, spontaneity, and connection with fans.
Album Overview
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Artist: R.E.M.
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Album: Bingo Hand Job: Live at the Borderline 1991
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Release Date: June 28, 2019
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Label: Rhino/Warner Bros. Records
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Genre: Alternative Rock, Live Rock
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Length: 69:18
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Producer: R.E.M. & Jim Scott
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Recorded: March 15, 1991, Borderline Club, London, UK
Background and Recording
This performance took place during the tour for Out of Time, following the massive success of singles like Losing My Religion.
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The Borderline Club, a small 200-capacity venue, allowed the band to connect directly with fans.
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The show was originally recorded as a fan-club exclusive, giving it legendary status before official release.
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The setlist features a mix of:
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Hits from Out of Time
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Earlier favorites from the Green and Document eras
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Covers and playful improvisations
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The album captures R.E.M.’s humor, intimacy, and raw live energy, contrasting with their arena performances of the same era.
Album Credits
R.E.M. Members
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Michael Stipe – Lead Vocals
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Peter Buck – Guitar, Mandolin, Backing Vocals
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Mike Mills – Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
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Bill Berry – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Production Team
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Produced by R.E.M. & Jim Scott
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Mixed and Mastered by Bob Ludwig
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Art Direction & Design: Chris Bilheimer
Cover Art Design
The cover features a photograph of the band performing live in the dimly lit Borderline Club, emphasizing intimacy and the small venue’s atmosphere.
The aesthetic captures the up-close and personal nature of the concert, highlighting the rarity and exclusivity of the performance.
Commercial Performance & Sales
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Primarily targeted at fans and collectors
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Not a mainstream commercial release, but critically acclaimed for historical and performance value
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Preserves a key moment in R.E.M.’s early 1990s live legacy
Popular Tracks
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Losing My Religion – Stripped-down, acoustic-driven, performed with humor and energy.
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Radio Song – Lively, playful rendition with audience interaction.
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Shiny Happy People – Upbeat, fun performance highlighting fan engagement.
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The One I Love – Powerful, intimate, and raw compared to arena versions.
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Pop Song 89 – High-energy, close to studio arrangement but enhanced by live spontaneity.
Critical Reception & Ratings
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Praised for capturing intimacy, spontaneity, and musical cohesion
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Considered a must-have for collectors and fans of early ’90s R.E.M.
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Retrospective ratings: 8–9/10
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Noted for its playful banter, tight performances, and historical importance
Fun Facts About Bingo Hand Job
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🎤 The title “Bingo Hand Job” was a playful, unofficial nickname for the performance before release.
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🎸 Performed in a tiny 200-person venue, a rare opportunity for fans to see R.E.M. in such proximity.
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🌍 This was during the band’s first major tour after Out of Time, bridging college radio roots with international fame.
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🎵 Setlist includes covers and improvisations, rarely heard elsewhere.
Trivia
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Bill Berry is fully present on drums, giving fans a chance to hear classic-era R.E.M. as a quartet in an intimate setting.
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The recording was previously circulated as a fan-club cassette, adding to its legendary status.
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Audience interaction and stage banter make this recording distinct from arena performances.
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The album captures the band’s playful, humorous side, often absent from official live albums.
Did You Know?
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📀 The Borderline Club show was recorded just after R.E.M. had gained massive mainstream exposure with Losing My Religion.
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🌟 The album provides a snapshot of R.E.M. at a pivotal moment: transitioning from alternative darlings to global superstars.
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🔊 Performances include acoustic renditions and live spontaneity, offering a unique take on hits.
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🎶 The album is considered one of the most intimate live recordings in the band’s history.
