King of Comedy

Album: Monster (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Michael Stipe calls this his "Leonard Cohen copy," due to his unusually dark vocal range and cynical lyrics. In 1991 R.E.M. covered Cohen's hit "First We Take Manhattan" for his tribute album I'm Your Fan.
  • While this is the only song on Monster where a computer was used, the drum part was actually played by a "real" instrument and not by a drum machine, like it appears to be. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - Rostock, Germany, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Zabadak from London, EnglandA version of this was available in Europe on a limited edition 12" with a different 808 State remix on each side.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.