Album Information:

About R.E.M.:

R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. The band consisted of lead vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry until Berry’s departure in 1997. R.E.M. is considered one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time, with a sound that was a blend of jangling guitar riffs, melodic bass lines, and Stipe’s distinctive vocal style.

R.E.M. got their start as a college band, playing small gigs around Athens. They released their first single, “Radio Free Europe,” in 1981. The single was a hit on college radio stations and helped the band land a record deal with I.R.S. Records. R.E.M.’s debut album, “Murmur,” was released in 1983 and received critical acclaim. The album addressed themes of alienation and isolation and became a touchstone for a generation of fans.

Over the course of their career, R.E.M. released 15 studio albums, including classics like “Reckoning” (1984), “Fables of the Reconstruction” (1985), and “Document” (1987). In 1991, the band released “Out of Time,” which was their biggest commercial success to date. The album featured the hit singles “Losing My Religion” and “Shiny Happy People” and earned R.E.M. three Grammy Awards.

In 1992, R.E.M. released “Automatic for the People,” which is widely considered to be one of their best albums. The album addressed mortality and grief, with themes of loss and mourning throughout. The album included the hit singles “Everybody Hurts” and “Man on the Moon.” It was a critical and commercial success, cementing R.E.M.’s place as one of the greatest bands of their time.

In 1997, drummer Bill Berry left the band, and R.E.M. continued on as a three-piece. They released several more albums, including “Up” (1998), “Reveal” (2001), and “Accelerate” (2008). In 2011, R.E.M. announced that they were breaking up, and they played their final show together in September of that year.

R.E.M. is one of the most important and beloved rock bands in history, with a legacy that has influenced countless musicians. Their music was a combination of literary lyrics, catchy melodies, and innovative production techniques, and their influence can still be heard in the music of today’s alternative artists.

About the album New Adventures In Hi-Fi:

New Adventures In Hi-Fi is the tenth album by the American rock band R.E.M., released in 1996. Produced by Scott Litt and the band, the album was recorded on the road during the Monster tour using the portable recording technology of the time.

Musically, the album is characterized by its eclectic mix of acoustic and electric guitars, unconventional percussion, and Peter Buck’s signature mandolin playing. It opens with the uptempo rocker “How The West Was Won And Where It Got Us”, which is followed by the melancholy yet beautiful “The Wake-Up Bomb”. The third song, “New Test Leper”, has a stripped-down country feel, while “Undertow” features a driving beat and catchy chorus that makes it a standout.

Throughout the album, singer Michael Stipe’s lyrics are introspective and often deal with themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for identity. “Bittersweet Me” is a biting commentary on fame and celebrity, while “E-Bow The Letter” features a haunting guest vocal by Patti Smith and deals with the loss of a friend.

Other standout tracks include “Electrolite”, a dreamy ballad with a memorable melody and gorgeous harmonies, and “Leave”, a catchy and upbeat tune that features Mike Mills on lead vocals.

Overall, New Adventures In Hi-Fi is a masterful album that showcases R.E.M.’s versatility, creativity, and willingness to take risks. It’s a must-listen for any fan of the band or of alternative rock in general.

Members:

R.E.M. was an American rock band that formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. The band was composed of four key members: Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Bill Berry (drums).

Michael Stipe (vocals): Born on January 4, 1960 in Decatur, Georgia, Stipe grew up in Collinsville, Illinois before moving to Athens, Georgia in 1978 to attend the University of Georgia. In 1980, he formed R.E.M. with Buck, Mills, and Berry, and served as the band's primary lyricist and frontman. Stipe's distinctive vocal style and poetic lyrics became synonymous with the band's sound, which blended elements of folk, rock, and alternative music. In addition to his work with R.E.M., Stipe is also known as an activist and visual artist.

Peter Buck (guitar): Born on December 6, 1956 in Berkeley, California, Buck grew up in Emory, Texas before attending high school in Atlanta, Georgia. He played in several local bands before co-founding R.E.M. with Stipe, Mills, and Berry. Buck's jangly guitar style was a key element of the band's sound, and he also served as one of its primary songwriters. In addition to his work with R.E.M., Buck has collaborated with a number of other artists and released several solo albums.

Mike Mills (bass guitar, backing vocals): Born on December 17, 1958 in Orange County, California, Mills grew up in Macon, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia with Stipe and Berry. He joined R.E.M. as its bassist and backing vocalist, contributing to the band's harmonies and melodic sensibility. Mills also played keyboards and guitar on many of the band's recordings, and wrote several songs for the group. In addition to his work with R.E.M., Mills has released several solo projects and worked as a producer.

Bill Berry (drums): Born on July 31, 1958 in Duluth, Minnesota, Berry grew up in Macon, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia with Stipe and Mills. He co-founded R.E.M. with his friends and served as the band's drummer and occasional backing vocalist. Berry's driving rhythms and solid beats provided the backbone for many of the band's early recordings. He left R.E.M. in 1997 to pursue other interests, but continued to work on music projects and run a farm in Georgia.

Track List for New Adventures In Hi-Fi:

Sure, here is the requested list of tracks for R.E.M.'s album New Adventures In Hi-Fi, along with their play time and a description of each:

1. How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us - 4:31
This opening track builds up slowly with a haunting piano melody accompanying Michael Stipe's vocals. The lyrics seem to be about the disillusionment with the American Dream, and the shifting societal values reflecting the post-Cold War era.

2. The Wake-Up Bomb - 5:08
The Wake-Up Bomb begins with a loud explosive sound and then hits you with a hard-driving rock anthem that blends feedback and sonic experimentation. The song features a catchy chorus and features Peter Buck's swirling guitar riffs.

3. New Test Leper - 5:26
With a softer and more melodic tone, this track is a contemplative take on the themes of isolation and disillusionment. The song features some beautiful harmonies and acoustic guitar riffs by Peter Buck.

4. Undertow - 5:09
Undertow is a driving rocker with funky guitar riffs and a pulsing bass line. Michael Stipe's impassioned vocals are backed by a chorus of female voices, giving the song a sense of urgency.

5. E-Bow the Letter - 5:22
This track features an otherworldly sound, beginning with a slowly chiming guitar plucking that gives way to an ethereal, synth-and-piano driven sound that accompanies Patti Smith's guest vocals. The song's lyrics are cryptic and poetic, but seem to convey themes of longing and communication.

6. Leave - 7:19
Leave is a slower and more introspective track with a brooding, dreamy sound. The song features some of the most poetic lyrics on the album, with Stipe seeming to contemplate the feeling of being left behind in a world that is constantly changing.

7. Departure - 3:28
This track is a driving rock song with a dirty guitar riff and a catchy, sing-along chorus. Departure is a short and punchy track that features Michael Stipe's signature political commentary.

8. Bittersweet Me - 4:06
A highlight of the album, Bittersweet Me is a catchy and upbeat rock song that features a jangly guitar riff and a soaring chorus. The song's lyrics are less cryptic than others on the album, conveying a feeling of frustration with the everyday grind of life.

9. Be Mine - 5:33
This track is a slow-burning ballad that features some of Michael Stipe's most vulnerable and emotive vocals on the album. The song features a simple guitar melody that builds to a crashing climax, accentuated by Peter Buck's soaring guitar riffs.

10. Binky the Doormat - 5:01
Binky the Doormat is a playful and catchy rock song, featuring a bouncing bass line and a sing-along chorus. The song's lyrics are whimsical and slightly surreal, touching on themes of identity and self-doubt.

11. Zither - 2:34
This short instrumental track is a haunting, atmospheric soundscape featuring acoustic guitar, clanging percussion and eerie sound effects.

12. So Fast, So Numb - 4:12
With a driving punk-rock energy, this track features a fast-moving guitar riff and a shouted, anthemic chorus. The song's lyrics are overtly political, addressing the societal inequalities and the disillusionment with American culture.

13. Low Desert - 3:32
Low Desert is a slow-burning ballad that builds to a soaring chorus. The song features some of the most passionate and emotive vocals on the album, with Stipe's voice soaring over acoustic guitar and a restrained rhythm section.

14. Electrolite - 4:05
This album-closing track is a slow and dreamy ballad that features a beautiful piano melody and some of the most poetic lyrics on the album. The song's lyrics touch on themes of nostalgia, memory, and hope for the future. Overall, New Adventures In Hi-Fi is a beautifully textured and thought-provoking album, showcasing R.E.M. at the height of their musical and lyrical powers.

Discography for R.E.M.:

Sure, here is a complete discography of R.E.M., including all albums, singles, and other releases in chronological order:

Albums:
- Murmur (1983)
- Reckoning (1984)
- Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)
- Lifes Rich Pageant (1986)
- Document (1987)
- Green (1988)
- Out of Time (1991)
- Automatic for the People (1992)
- Monster (1994)
- New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)
- Up (1998)
- Reveal (2001)
- Around the Sun (2004)
- Accelerate (2008)
- Collapse into Now (2011)

Singles:
- Radio Free Europe (1981)
- Talk About the Passion (1983)
- So. Central Rain (1984)
- Can't Get There from Here (1985)
- Driver 8 (1985)
- Fall on Me (1986)
- Superman (1986)
- The One I Love (1987)
- It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) (1987)
- Stand (1988)
- Pop Song 89 (1989)
- Get Up (1991)
- Shiny Happy People (1991)
- Losing My Religion (1991)
- Near Wild Heaven (1991)
- Radio Song (1991)
- Drive (1992)
- Man on the Moon (1993)
- The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite (1993)
- Everybody Hurts (1993)
- Nightswimming (1994)
- Find the River (1994)
- What's the Frequency, Kenneth? (1994)
- Bang and Blame (1994)
- Strange Currencies (1995)
- E-Bow the Letter (1996)
- Bittersweet Me (1996)
- Electrolite (1997)
- How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us (1998)
- Daysleeper (1998)
- Lotus (1998)
- At My Most Beautiful (1999)
- Suspicion (2003)
- Animal (2004)
- Leaving New York (2004)
- Aftermath (2007)
- Supernatural Superserious (2008)
- Hollow Man (2008)
- Überlin (2011)
- Mine Smell Like Honey (2011)

Other Releases:
- Chronic Town EP (1982)
- Dead Letter Office (1987)
- Eponymous (1988)
- The Best of R.E.M. (1991)
- In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003 (2003)
- Unplugged: The Complete 1991 and 2001 Sessions (2014)

I hope that helps!