I hate this arrangement. It has a sort of sprightly feel (sorry I don't know correct music terms, more staccato maybe?) whereas the original was languid, the notes melting into each other, evoking summer in the South
I am a huge R.E.M. fan and a professional cellist. This arrangement, while executed by fine musicians, makes me sick. It is vapid and empty. The spirit in Michael’s singing and the song overall is just plain missing. Whoever orchestrated this arrangement-seriously-a flute? For fucks sake. And here, Ladies and Gentlemen, is a prime example of why people don’t listen to classical music.