[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]R.E.M.[/lastfm] is still broken up and Michael Stipe is still getting older, adding another notch to his tribal birthday belt by turning 52 today. Let’s consider the top 10 R.E.M. songs of all time.

#10. “Leaving New York” (from Around the Sun)

Yeah, Around the Sun generally sucked. But if this song had been recorded 10 years earlier it would be considered a classic today.

#9. “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight” (from Automatic for the People)

For the simple reason that he invented the word “cullajawake-a,” whatever the hell that means.

#8. “Exhuming McCarthy” (from Document)

Typing in tempo, layers of noises and the great Stipe lyrics: “Sharpening stones, walking on coals to improve your business acumen.” It’s a sign of the times.

#7 “Driver 8″ (from Fables of the Reconstruction)

“Walls are built up stone by stone, hills divided one by one.” Paste that over a jangling train song and have them punch your ticket.

#6. “World Leader Pretend” (from Green)

Green was probably their least appreciated record and “World Leader Pretend” a hidden gem. “I sit at my table and wage war on myself.” Indeed.

Sounds good done loudly, too.