R.E.M.
Monster
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1994 European original. Light creasing, plays NM-. Monster marked a bold sonic departure for the Athens, Georgia band, embracing a louder, grittier alternative rock sound after the introspective, acoustic-driven albums like Automatic for the People. Produced by Scott Litt and the band, Monster is notable for Peter Buck’s heavily distorted, tremolo-laden guitar work and Michael Stipe’s raw, often androgynous vocal delivery. The record explores themes of celebrity, identity, and loss, most poignantly on “Let Me In,” a tribute to Kurt Cobain. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and spawned the hit singles “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” and “Bang and Blame.” Vinyl collectors value original 1994 pressings for their distinctive orange art and textured sleeve, while the 25th Anniversary Edition (released in 2019) boasts a remastered LP and additional demo material for deeper listening. With its energetic, live-in-the-studio feel, *Monster* captures the band’s evolution and willingness to experiment, making it a rewarding listen for fans attuned to R.E.M.’s changing soundscape. The album’s analog warmth and dense layering shine on vinyl, offering music lovers a fuller appreciation of its dynamic production and the group’s creative risk-taking during the mid-‘90s alternative rock surge.