Vinyl LP pressing. Digitally remastered edition. R.E.M.'s ninth album, ?Monster, was released in September 1994. At that time, the members of R.E.M. were at a crossroads in their career. Singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry were decompressing from the massive commercial and critical success of 1991's Out of Time and 1992's Automatic for the People. In just a few years, the Athens, GA, four-piece had become one of the biggest, most recognizable bands in the world. It had also been six years since the group had toured. By the time that work began on Monster, they were itching to end their self-imposed hiatus and get back on the road. The band was also looking for a sonic shake-up. While R.E.M.'s last two albums were full of ballads, acoustic rock songs and intricate arrangements, the group was ready to record something grittier, brasher and highly playable on stage. Highlights include the singles "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?, " "Crush with Eyeliner, " "Star 69, " "Strange Currencies, " "Tongue, " and "Bang and Blame."