In 1991, R.E.M.'s "Out of Time" elevated the band from Athens cult heroes to global superstars.
Hits “Losing My Religion” and “Shiny Happy People” remain synonymous with the quartet, five years after deciding to “call it a day” as a band, and the album that spawned the songs has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.
On Nov. 18, fans can relive the majesty of "Out of Time" with a 25th anniversary reissue – or, rather, three reissues in various forms.
The 2-CD set will feature a remastered version of the original album along with demo versions of every album track, as well as demos for two non-album B-sides and a previously unreleased song.
A 3-LP set offers remastered vinyl versions of the original album and the demos.
And the deluxe anniversary edition will offer four CDs containing the remastered album, demos, recordings from the band's performance at Mountain Stage in 1991 (a rarity for the time, since the band did not tour to promote “Out Of Time”), and a Blu-Ray disc with hi-resolution audio and 5.1 Surround Sound versions of “Out Of Time.” Also included will be all of the music videos from the album and the 1991 electronic press kit, “Time Piece,” which features in-studio footage and exclusive performances.
All of the reissue demos were recorded at John Keane Studio in Athens in early 1990 and include early instrumental passages for “Losing My Religion” and a version of “Radio Song” with drummer Bill Berry on lead vocals for a verse.
“Out of Time” was the first R.E.M. album to top both the U.S. and U.K. charts. As well, Berry, Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Peter Buck nabbed seven Grammy nominations for the album, winning for best alternative music album, best short form video and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal (both for “Losing My Religion”).
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