R.E.M.’s ninth album, Monster, was released at a time when the band were coming off the peak of their mainstream success. This box set includes 5 CDs, 1 Blu-ray in 5.5″ portfolio book with tipped-on cover photo, craft sleeves for discs, and booklet (80-page TBD) featuring extensive new liner notes and archival photographs EXPLICIT Version Title: [5 CD + 1 Blu-ray]

September 1994, the members of R.E.M. were at a crossroads in their career. Singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry were decompressing from the massive commercial and critical success of 1991’s Out of Time and 1992’s Automatic for the People. In just a few years, the Athens, GA, four-piece had become one of the biggest, most recognizable bands in the world. It had also been six years since the group had toured. By the time that work began on Monster, they were itching to end their self-imposed hiatus and get back on the road. The band was also looking for a sonic shake-up. While R.E.M.’s last two albums were full of ballads, acoustic rock songs and intricate arrangements, the group was ready to record something grittier, brasher and highly playable on stage.

Celebrating Monster’s 25th anniversary, this 5-CD/1-Blu-ray deluxe box set includes the original album remastered, a special 2019 remix from producer Scott Litt, a disc of previously unreleased demos from the album and a complete live 1995 performance captured in Chicago. The accompanying Blu-ray offers Monster in both hi-resolution audio and 5.1 Surround Sound, as well as a host of video content: the 90-minute film Road Movie, which documents R.E.M.’s 1995 tour, and all six music videos from Monster. The collection is packaged in a 5.5″ portfolio book, featuring liner notes by journalist Matthew Perpetua—with new insight from band members—and archival photographs. The package also features reimagined cover art.

Highlights off the album include the singles “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?,” “Crush with Eyeliner,” “Star 69,” “Strange Currencies,” “Tongue,” and “Bang and Blame.”

Monster (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition)