ON THE TURNTABLE: R.E.M. – New Adventures in Hi-Fi

ON THE TURNTABLE: R.E.M. - New Adventures in Hi-Fi

Short, sharp and frank reviews from a confessed vinyl junkie. I’ll be posting my most loved records and most recent purchases right here for your perusal every week.

Brand new re-release of Georgia’s most famous sons’ tenth studio album. Cited as Michael Stipe’s favourite from the bands sublime back catalogue, I certainly agree with the legendary frontman.

The last album to feature founding member Bill Berry, the record has a sombre beauty throughout; it’s far less poppy and immediate than previous albums Automatic For The People and Monster and therein lies its mystery. There are no bright colours here; everything is in black and white; this isn’t Disneyland America. This is the weird, wonderful and sometimes dark USA.

This album also soundtracked a solo trip to South America back when I was in my twenties, so it will always have a special place in my heart. The two standout tracks are not only my favourite R.E.M. tracks, but they’re up there with the best of them, ‘E-Bow The Letter’ and ‘Leave’ are a lesson in ‘How to make perfect road trip music’. An outstanding album from an outstanding band.

Listen to R.E.M. – New Adventures in Hi-Fi – BELOW:

Xsnoize Author
Sean Crossey 86 Articles
Seán is based in Manchester; his favourite artists include James Brown, MF Doom, The National, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Eric B & Rakim, Aretha Franklin, Serge Gainsbourg, John Lennon and Public Enemy. Sean has also been a promoter, DJ and a failed musician. Nowadays he resides in the Northern Quarter of Manchester and is a vinyl junkie, sneaker collector and MCFC fan.

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