What band received an astounding 80-million dollar recording contract with Warner Bros in 1996, only to tank in popularity soon after? Here’s a hint. They were college-rock darlings of the 80s, and an extremely successful modern-rock band in the early 90s. The answer is REM. At the time of signing, REM was an unstoppable hit making machine with songs like "Everybody Hurts", "Man on the Moon", and "Crush With Eyeliner" topping airplay charts and sales expectations. Who knew that their first album after signing the 80-million dollar 5-album deal, Up, would have a lukewarm response from record buyers and radio programmers. Their following releases didn’t fare well either, and REM would part ways amicably in 2011, and that deal with Warner Brothers? It’s considered by many to be the worst record deal ever made.