R.E.M.’s 'Monster' gets the deluxe reissue treatment in November

Craft Recordings announces a 25th anniversary reissue of R.E.M.’s ninth album, Monster.

Remastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, the title will be available on various physical formats, as well as digitally, on November 1. A five-CD, one-Blu-ray deluxe box set will include the original album, a special 2019 remix from Monster producer Scott Litt, a CD of previously unreleased demos from the album and a complete live 1995 performance captured in Chicago.

The accompanying Blu-ray will offer 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 will be packaged in a five-and-a-half-inch portfolio book, featuring liner notes by journalist Matthew Perpetua—with new insight from band members—and archival photographs.

An expanded edition of Monster, offering the original album and the 2019 remixed version, will also be available on two 180-gram vinyl LPs or two CDs, both featuring reimagined cover art by longtime R.E.M. designer Chris Bilheimer. The remastered album will also be available as a standalone 180-gram vinyl LP, with Bilheimer’s original Monster art.

Digital editions of the album will mirror the complete deluxe audio content—remastered, remixed and live— available across all streaming and download platforms. Digital breakouts will also offer the remastered and remixed album in hi-resolution (88.1/24).

An advance single release of “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? (Remix)” is available to stream or download today: listen and pre-save the album here. In this remix, original Monster producer Scott Litt offers a new take on the song, giving fans a new way to experience the single which launched Monster around its original release.

Click here to pre-order #Monster25 as a Deluxe Box Set, on CD or LP. Special bundles available at the Official R.E.M. store.

Click here to stream “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth? (Remix)” and pre-save the album.