Monster (album)

Monster is an album by R.E.M., released in 1994. Designed as a purposely raucous and electric reaction to the acoustic and contemplative Automatic for the People (also exemplified in its loud cover art), Monster was initially warmly-received and became another multi-platinum seller, reaching #1 worldwide. However, its critical stock is considered to have fallen in the years following its release, and its radical artistic change is generally believed to have instigated R.E.M.'s gradual loss of commercial standing in their homeland, the United States.

Related Topics:
R.E.M. - 1994 - Automatic for the People - United States

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Still, there were several hits to be found on Monster, namely: "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?", "Strange Currencies" and "Bang and Blame".

Related Topics:
What's the Frequency, Kenneth? - Strange Currencies - Bang and Blame

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After declining to tour for their last two albums, R.E.M. embarked on a long world tour in 1995, one which would see three of its members hospitalized and, from which, soundcheck recordings would form the basis for their next album, 1996's New Adventures in Hi-Fi.

Related Topics:
1995 - 1996 - New Adventures in Hi-Fi

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The caption "For River" is a dedication to late actor River Phoenix, a friend of Michael Stipe's, who died of a drug overdose of cocaine and heroin on 31 October 1993.

Related Topics:
River Phoenix - Michael Stipe - Drug overdose - Cocaine - Heroin - 31 October - 1993

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In 2005, Warner Bros. Records issued an expanded two-disc edition of Monster which includes a CD and a DVD, as well as the original CD booklet with expanded liner notes.

Related Topics:
2005 - Warner Bros. Records

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