R.E.M.’s ninth album, Monster, was released at a time when the band were coming off the peak of their mainstream success. The deluxe edition package also includes previously unreleased demos, a complete live performance, recorded from the Monster tour in Chicago on June 3, 1995, plus a Blu-ray disc which features the band’s tour documentary “Road Movie,” five original music videos, as well as the complete remastered Monster album in 5.1 surround sound and hi-resolution audio. EXPLICIT Version: [2 CD]

When Monster was released in 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 expanded 2-CD edition offers the original album remastered, plus a special 2019 remix from producer Scott Litt. The lift-top box set also features liner notes by journalist Matthew Perpetua—with new insight from band members—and archival photographs, as well as imagined cover art.

Highlights 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)