In 1986, Dan Rather was attacked by William Tager in New York City, who believed that Rather had been taken control of by the media. Whilst beating Rather, Tager repeatedly shouted, "Kenneth, what is the frequency?"

According to Michael Stipe, this song is more about someone desperately trying to understand what motivates youth culture but coming up empty handed over and over again.

Most importantly this song contains the line:

you said that irony was the shackles of youth

Which is so sad because it's true.

I've always secretly hoped I would somehow turn "what's the frequency?" into slang for "what's going on?" but it just feels unnatural to say. It sounds cool, but... it hasn't got that west coast vibe.

Have a fun Monday.