This article is from the R.E.M. FAQ, by Ron Henry (rgh3@cornell.edu) with numerous contributions by others.
The choice of whether to include a song on an album is one only the band
itself can really comment on, but recall that `Revolution' really dates
back to the time of Monster's release (some of the "possible song names" on
the album notes of Monster refer to versions of "Revolution", so it really
should be considered an outtake of that album.) Besides, most of the song's
many contemporary political references (O.J., Ollie North, etc.) had become
outdated by the time of the release of NAIHF, and this is also a likely
reason for the song not having been included. (Nonetheless, I'd look for it
as a track on a future maxi-single release.)
 
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