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-LP edition offers the original album remastered, plus a special 2019 remix from producer Scott Litt. The set also features liner notes by journalist Matthew Perpetua—with new insight from band members—and archival photographs, as well as re-imagined cover art.

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

LP 1 – Monster (Remastered)
A1. What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?
A2. Crush With Eyeliner
A3. King Of Comedy
A4. I Don’t Sleep, I Dream
A5. Star 69
A6. Strange Currencies
B1. Tongue
B2. Bang And Blame
B3. I Took Your Name
B4. Let Me In
B5. Circus Envy
B6. You

LP 2 – Monster (Remixed)
A1. What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? (Remix)
A2. Crush With Eyeliner (Remix)
A3. King Of Comedy (Remix)
A4. I Don’t Sleep, I Dream (Remix)
A5. Star 69 (Remix)
A6. Strange Currencies (Remix)
B1. Tongue (Remix)
B2. Bang And Blame (Remix)
B3. I Took Your Name (Remix)
B4. Let Me In (Remix)
B5. Circus Envy (Remix)
B6. You (Remix)

Please note: This is a distributed title (which means another label pressed this release), so we do not have any extra jackets for this release in case of minor damage by the USPS in transit. To clarify, It will come packaged in a full-color jacket (as pictured) sealed with plastic wrap UNLESS requested in the comment section of your order to "open the album & place outside of the jacket prior to shipping." This is a good way to prevent potential seam splits along the top of the jacket due to careless handling by the post office, and this service is free of charge. If you forget to write in the comments of your order about shipping outside of the jacket, PLEASE EMAIL US WITH YOUR ORDER NUMBER and ask us to update the notes on your order to ship outside of the jacket. Release days are hectic, especially the first few hours, so please give ample time for a response. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!