The multiple-award winning American alternative rock concertantes, the esteemed R.E.M. have announced a 25TH anniversary reissue of their glorious mid-1990s “New Adventures in Hi-Fi ”
This was the band’s tenth studio album (the fifth release for Warner Bros. Records,) which was, famously, the last album they recorded with founding member, drummer, Bill Berry (who left the band amicably the following year) and with long-time producer Scott Litt.
The material on the acclaimed album mixed the acoustic, country rock feel of much of Out of Time and Automatic for the People with the rock sound of Monster and Lifes Rich Pageant. The album is said to be vocalist/lyricist Michael Stipe’s favorite long player. Radiohead singer Thom Yorke has cited the recording as a major influence on his own work.
The special bonus-filled reissue is set for release on October 29th 2021.
Available now, ahead of the album, is the advance single “Leave – Alternate Version.” Originally recorded for the A Life Less Ordinary soundtrack, the single offers an incantatory, uncluttered, and hypnotic version of New Adventures track “Leave,” for which Michael Stipe re-recorded the vocals.
Stipe says, “I actually might prefer this version to the one that’s on the record…Well, I wouldn’t say I prefer it, it just tells a different story with the lyric.”
The (new) alternative version of “Leave” (audio shared below) is a faltering chatter of half-tones, stooping beats, discomforting imagery and etiolated vocals that tend to infuscate against the poignant intimacy found in the conspicuous rawness of the moment. Incredible!
Where did the years go?
The 25th anniversary of R.E.M.’s tenth studio album, New Adventures in Hi-Fi is due October 29th
Words: @neilmach 2021 ©
Main photo: Chris Bilheimer ©
Link: https://www.facebook.com/REMhq