Name: New Adventures In Hi-fi
Brand: R.E.M.

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

7200409

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "7200409"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2007-06-13

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Universal

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0888072004092

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "0888072004092"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

R.E.M.

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry. They gained early attention for their unique guitar style and distinct vocals. R.E.M. released their first single in 1981 and went on to achieve mainstream success with hits like "The One I Love". Known for their political and environmental concerns, they continued to evolve their sound throughout the years. In 2011, R.E.M. disbanded after a successful career spanning over three decades.

One of the pioneers of alternative rock, R.E.M.'s influence can be seen in subsequent acts such as Nirvana and Pavement. Their commercially successful albums "Out of Time" (1991) and "Automatic for the People" (1992) showcased a departure from their established sound. The band's versatility is evident in their more rock-oriented album "Monster" (1994). Despite some changes in musical style, R.E.M. continued to release music into the next decade with mixed critical and commercial success.

In recognition of their impact on the music industry, R.E.M. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Throughout their career, they remained dedicated to touring and promoting important causes while playing large arenas worldwide.

UMC, short for Universal Music Catalogue, is a prominent label under the UK branch of Universal Music. Established around 2016, UMC has been dedicated to preserving and promoting an extensive collection of music from various genres and eras. With its rich catalogue, UMC offers music enthusiasts a diverse range of timeless classics and hidden gems.

In 2023, UMC underwent a rebranding process and emerged as Universal Music Recordings. This new identity further solidifies their position as a leading force in the music industry. As Universal Music Recordings, they continue to curate and release exceptional music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Whether you're seeking iconic hits or discovering lesser-known treasures, UMC (now known as Universal Music Recordings) ensures that the power of music remains accessible to all who appreciate its magic.

Recorded during and immediately following R.E.M.'s disaster-prone Monster tour, New Adventures in Hi-Fi feels like it was recorded on the road. Not only are all of Michael Stipe's lyrics on the album about moving or travel, the sound is ragged and varied, pieced together from tapes recorded at shows, soundtracks, and studios, giving it a loose, careening charm. New Adventures has the same spirit of much of R.E.M.'s IRS records, but don't take the title of New Adventures in Hi-Fi lightly — R.E.M. tries different textures and new studio tricks. "How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us" opens the album with a rolling, vaguely hip-hop drum beat and slowly adds on jazzily dissonant piano. "E-Bow the Letter" starts out as an updated version of "Country Feedback," then it turns in on itself with layers of moaning guitar effects and Patti Smith's haunting backing vocals. Clocking in at seven minutes, "Leave" is the longest track R.E.M. has yet recorded and it's one of their strangest and best — an affecting minor-key dirge with a howling, siren-like feedback loop that runs throughout the entire song. Elsewhere, R.E.M. tread standard territory: "Electrolite" is a lovely piano-based ballad, "Departure" rocks like a Document outtake, the chiming opening riff of "Bittersweet Me" sounds like it was written in 1985, "New Test Leper" is gently winding folk-rock, and "The Wake-Up Bomb" and "Undertow" rock like the Monster outtakes they are. New Adventures in Hi-Fi may run a little too long — it clocks in at 62 minutes, by far the longest album R.E.M. has ever released — yet in its multifaceted sprawl, they wound up with one of their best records of the '90s.

New Adventures In Hi-fi

Music GB