Rare R.E.M. Demo Tape Surfaces -- Listen

Just like any other breakup, the mixtapes get returned and one can't help but reminisce about how it all began. Well, that's kind of what happened with R.E.M.

Only two weeks after the news of R.E.M.'s demise broke, a dedicated fan brought to light a rare 1981 "cassette set" demo tape of the band that was reportedly delivered to labels and clubs 30 years ago.

According to The Power of Independent Trucking, R.E.M hooked up with producer Mitch Easter in April of '81 and recorded three tracks: 'Radio Free Europe,' 'Sitting Still' and ' White Tornado.'

The demo features two previously unheard versions of each song, with titles hand-scribbled on the tape, and can be downloaded in full here. Only 400 tapes were produced three decades ago but now you can have a digital version all your own.

In the meantime, head over to Slicing Up Eyeballs to hear an original mix of 'Radio Free Europe.'