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{{inprogress}}
{{Infobox Album {{Infobox Album
| Name = New Adventures in Hi-Fi | Name = New Adventures in Hi-Fi
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| Cover = REMNewAdventuresInHiFi.jpg | Cover = REMNewAdventuresInHiFi.jpg
| Released = {{start date|1996|9|9}} | Released = {{start date|1996|9|9}}
| Recorded = 1995–1996, ], ], ], ] (live recordings); ], ], ], Phoenix (soundcheck recordings); ] (dressing room recording); ], ] (studio recordings); John Keane Studio, ], Louie's Clubhouse, ] (mixing) | Recorded = 1995–1996, ] in ], (studio recordings); ], in ] on November 16, 1995; ] in ] on October 3, 1995; ] in ] on June 6 or 7, 1995; and ] in ] on November 4, 1995 (live recordings); ] in ] on November 18, 19, or 21, 1995; ] in ] on November 7, 1995; ] in ] on November 15, 1995; Desert Sky Mall in Phoenix on November 4, 1995 (soundcheck recordings); ] in ] on October 12, 13, or 14, 1995 (dressing room recording); John Keane Studio in ] and ] in ] (]); ] in ] (])
| Genre = ] | Genre = ]
| Length = 65:33 | Length = 65:33
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| This album = '''''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'''''<br/>(1996) | This album = '''''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'''''<br/>(1996)
| Next album = '']''<br/>(1998) | Next album = '']''<br/>(1998)
| Misc = | Misc = {{Singles
{{Singles
| Name = New Adventures in Hi-Fi | Name = New Adventures in Hi-Fi
| Type = studio | Type = studio
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| Single 6 date = {{start date|1997}} | Single 6 date = {{start date|1997}}
}} }}
| Misc = {{Extra album cover 2 {{Extra album cover 2
| Upper caption = New Adventures in Hi-Fi | Upper caption = New Adventures in Hi-Fi
| Type = studio | Type = studio
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==Composition and recording== ==Composition and recording==
The album was recorded during and after the tour in support of ''Monster'' in 1995. The material on the album mixed the acoustic, ], feel of much of '']'' and '']'' with the rock sound of ''Monster'' and '']''. Guitarist Peter Buck said that the band tried so hard to be a rock band again with ''Monster'', but it just didn't quite work out.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} They stopped trying, and they ended up putting together their most rock and roll record to date. They have cited ]'s 1973 album '']'' as a source of inspiration.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} The album was recorded during and after the tour in support of ''Monster'' in 1995. The material on the album mixed the acoustic, ], feel of much of '']'' and '']'' with the rock sound of ''Monster'' and '']''. The band have cited ]'s 1973 album '']'' as a source of inspiration.<ref name="young">{{citation |last=McDonough |first=Jimmy |title=Shakey - Neil Young Biography |page=399}}</ref>


The band noted that they borrowed the recording process for the album from ], who recorded some of the basic tracks for '']'' while on tour and who were supporting the band in 1994 and 1995. R.E.M. brought along ] to capture their live performances, and used the recordings as the base elements for the album. As such, the band's touring musicians ] and ] ended up appearing on throughout the album with ] contributing violin to "Electrolite." After the tour was over, the band went into the ] and recorded four additional tracks, "How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us," "E-Bow the Letter," "Be Mine," and "New Test Leper." ] came to the sessions and contributed vocals on "E-Bow the Letter." The band noted that they borrowed the recording process for the album from ], who recorded some of the basic tracks for '']'' while on tour and who were supporting the band in 1994 and 1995. R.E.M. brought along ] to capture their live performances, and used the recordings as the base elements for the album. As such, the band's touring musicians ] and ] ended up appearing on throughout the album with ] contributing violin to "Electrolite." After the tour was over, the band went into the ] and recorded four additional tracks, "How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us," "E-Bow the Letter," "Be Mine," and "New Test Leper." ] came to the sessions and contributed vocals on "E-Bow the Letter."


==Singles and b-sides==
Although it reached #2 in the ]<ref name=allmusicalbumcharts>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fxfpxq9hldke |title=allmusic (((New Adventures in Hi-Fi > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums))) |accessdate=2005-08-07 }}</ref>, spending 22 weeks on the charts, and topped the ] <ref name=UKT40>{{cite web |url=http://www.everyhit.com |title=UK Top 40 Hit Database |accessdate=2005-08-07 }}</ref> (20 weeks on chart) as well as #1 on the Australian Charts, ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' began the band's sales decline in the United States. The first single "E-Bow the Letter" was cited as an unusual choice for radio.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} It subsequently received only modest radio airplay in the U.S. and peaked at #49 on the U.S. charts.<ref name=allmusicsinglescharts>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fxfpxq9hldke |title=allmusic (((New Adventures in Hi-Fi > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles))) |accessdate=2005-08-07 }}</ref> In the UK, however, the single became the band's biggest hit at that point, reaching #4.<ref name=UKT40 /> As of March 2007, ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' has sold 994,000 units in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-03-07-REM-rock-hall_N.htm |title=R.E.M.: A 25-year rockin' role. |last=Gunderson |first=Edna |accessdate=2007-03-10 |work=USA Today |date=2007-03-07 }}</ref>
''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' consisted of material written during some of the same sessions as ''Monster'' and its following promotional tour; consequently, there were few outtakes or left-over tracks for inclusion as b-sides.


;"E-Bow the Letter"
In 2005, Warner Brothers Records issued an expanded two-disc edition of ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' which includes a CD, a ] disc containing a ]-channel ] mix of the album done by ], and the original CD booklet with expanded liner notes.
*"Tricycle" – 1:59 Recorded during soundcheck at the ], ], United States on September 22, 1995.
*"Departure" (Rome soundcheck version) – 3:35 Recorded during soundcheck at the ], ], ] on February 22, 1995.
*"Wall of Death" (]) – 3:07 Taken from the Richard Thompson tribute album, '']''.

;"Bittersweet Me"
*"Undertow" (Live) – 5:05 Recorded at the ], Atlanta, Georgia on November 18, 1995. Taken from the live performance video, ].
*"Wichita Lineman" (]) – 3:18 Recorded at ], ], United States on September 15, 1995.
*"New Test Leper" (Live acoustic) – 5:29 Recorded at Bad Animals Studio, Seattle, United States on April 19, 1996.

;"Electrolite"
*"The Wake-Up Bomb" (Live) – 5:07 Recorded at the Omni Theater, Atlanta, Georgia on November 18, 1995. Taken from the live performance video, Road Movie.
*"Binky the Doormat" (Live) – 5:01 Recorded at the Omni Theater, Atlanta, Georgia on November 18, 1995. Taken from the live performance video, Road Movie.
*"King of Comedy" (] remix) – 5:36

;"How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us"
*"Love Is All Around" (]) – 3:04 Previously released on the 1996 soundtrack for '']''.
*"Sponge" (]) – 4:08 Previously released on the Chesnutt benefit album '']'' in 1996.
*"Be Mine" (Mike on the Bus Version) - 4:54

"Revolution" was also released from these sessions - initially on the '']'' soundtrack and later on disc two of '']''.

;Other singles
"New Test Leper" and "The Wake-Up Bomb" were released as promotional singles for the album; the former had a music video directed by ] and ]. All five videos from the album would later be collected on '']''.

The R.E.M. fan club releases a single every Christmastime, with two singles recorded during these sessions: 1996's "Only in America" (originally by ])/"]" (a ] cover) and 1997's R.E.M. original "Live for Today" was backed with ]'s "Happy When I'm Crying".

==Critical reception==
According to Peter Buck, when Warner Bros. heard the album that was to take them to the top - ''Out Of Time'' - they were dumbfounded: "You think the one with the lead mandolin should be the first single?!" On hearing New Adventures…, he says, the same people proclaimed, "Hey, there's three Top 10 records on here!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/on_second_thought/rem-new-adventures-in-hi-fi.htm |title=On Second Thought: R.E.M. - New Adventures in Hi-Fi |last=Cooper |first=Colin |accessdate=2007-09-17 |work=Stylus Magazine |date=2004-06-01 }}</ref>

Critical reaction to the album was mostly positive. Several publications lauded the album for its rich diversity, including '']'', '']'', and '']'' and ] from ] says "in its multifaceted sprawl, they wound up with one of their best records of the '90s." At the same time, however some publications including '']'', criticized the album's empty and flat sound caused by recording in arenas and soundchecks.

===Awards===
''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' has since appeared on several lists compiling the best albums of the 1990s or all time.
*'']: Top 60 Albums 1993-2003 (#20)<ref name="magnet">Magnet Tenth Anniversary issue, January 2003</ref>
*'']'': The 100 Greatest Albums of Our Lifetime 1993-2006 (#20)

It was also features on several year-end best-of lists for 1996:
*'']'' (#11)
*'']'' (#28)
*''Magnet'' (#26)
*''Mojo'' (#4)
*'']'' (#16)
*'']'' (unranked)
*'']'' (French edition) (#2)
*'']'' (#4)
*'']'' (#11)
*'']'' (#11)


==Track listing== ==Track listing==
All songs written by ], ], ] and ].<ref name=album>R.E.M. ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' (Warner Bros. Records, 1996).</ref> All songs written by ], ], ] and ]:

#"]" – 4:31 <small>''] ]''</small>
#"]" – 4:31
#"The Wake-Up Bomb" – 5:08 <small>'']''</small>
#"The Wake-Up Bomb" – 5:08
#"]" – 5:26 <small>''Seattle Studio''</small>
#"]" – 5:26
#"Undertow" – 5:09 <small>'']''</small>
#"Undertow" – 5:09
#"]" – 5:23 <small>''Seattle Studio''</small>
#"]" – 5:23
#"Leave" – 7:18 <small>''] ]''</small>
#"Leave" – 7:18
#"Departure" – 3:28 <small>'']''</small>
#"Departure" – 3:28
#"]" – 4:06 <small>''] Soundcheck''</small>
#"]" – 4:06
#"Be Mine" – 5:32 <small>''Seattle Studio''</small>
#"Be Mine" – 5:32
#"Binky the Doormat" – 5:01 <small>'']''</small>
#"Binky the Doormat" – 5:01
#"Zither" – 2:33 <small>''] ]''</small>
#"Zither" – 2:33
#"So Fast, So Numb" – 4:12 <small>''] Soundcheck''</small>
#"So Fast, So Numb" – 4:12
#"Low Desert" – 3:30 <small>''Atlanta Soundcheck''</small>
#"Low Desert" – 3:30
#"]" – 4:05 <small>''Phoenix Soundcheck''</small>
#"]" – 4:05


Like most R.E.M. albums, the vinyl release has custom side names. Since this was released as a double album on the vinyl release, the whole records are called different names. Record 1 (tracks 1-6) is called the "Hi side" and Record 2 (tracks 7-14) the "Fi side." Like most R.E.M. albums, the vinyl release has custom side names. Since this was released as a double album on the vinyl release, the whole records are called different names. Record 1 (tracks 1-6) is called the "Hi side" and Record 2 (tracks 7-14) the "Fi side."
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==Personnel== ==Personnel==
;"How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us" ;"How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us"
:Recorded at ] in ], ]
*] – ], ], "]"<ref>The "Ennio Whistle" is the two-note main theme melody of ]'s score for ]'s 1966 ] '']''</ref> *] – ], ], "]"<ref>The "Ennio Whistle" is the two-note main theme melody of ]'s score for ]'s 1966 ] '']''</ref>
*] – ], ], ], ] *] – ], ], ], ]
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;"The Wake-Up Bomb" ;"The Wake-Up Bomb"
:Recorded live at the ], in ], United States on November 16, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"New Test Leper" ;"New Test Leper"
:Recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, United States
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"Undertow" ;"Undertow"
:Recorded live at the ] in ], United States on October 3, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"E-Bow the Letter" ;"E-Bow the Letter"
:Recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, United States
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – ] guitar, ] *Peter Buck – ] guitar, ]
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;"Leave" ;"Leave"
:Recorded at a soundcheck at the ] in ], United States on November 18, 19, or 21, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion, ], synthesizer *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion, ], synthesizer
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"Departure" ;"Departure"
:Recorded live at ] in ], United States on June 6 or 7, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"Bittersweet Me" ;"Bittersweet Me"
:Recorded at a soundcheck at the ] in ], United States on November 7, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"Be Mine" ;"Be Mine"
:Recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, United States
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Bass guitar *Peter Buck – Bass guitar
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;"Binky the Doormat" ;"Binky the Doormat"
:Recorded live at the ] in ], United States on November 4, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion, backing vocals *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion, backing vocals
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"Zither" ;"Zither"
:Recorded in the ] of ] in ], United States on October 12, 13, or 14, 1995
*Bill Berry – Bass guitar *Bill Berry – Bass guitar
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
Line 155: Line 213:


;"So Fast, So Numb" ;"So Fast, So Numb"
:Recorded at a soundcheck at the ] in ], United States on November 15, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"Low Desert" ;"Low Desert"
:Recorded at a soundcheck at the Omni Theater in Atlanta, United States on November 18, 19, or 21, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drums and percussion *Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
*Peter Buck – Guitar *Peter Buck – Guitar
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;"Electrolite" ;"Electrolite"
:Recorded at a soundcheck the Desert Sky Mall in Phoenix, United States on November 4, 1995
*Bill Berry – Drum kit, percussion *Bill Berry – Drum kit, percussion
*Peter Buck – ] *Peter Buck – ]
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*Michael Stipe – Vocals *Michael Stipe – Vocals


===Technical crew=== ;Technical crew
*] – assistant engineer, Athens *] – assistant engineer, Athens
*] – assistant engineer, Seattle *] – assistant engineer, Seattle
*] – assistant engineer, Los Angeles *] – assistant engineer, Los Angeles
*] – recording engineer, Seattle *] – recording engineer, Seattle
*] – recording and mixing engineer *] – recording and ] engineer
*] – mixing engineer *] – mixing engineer
*]/Gateway Mastering – mastering *]/Gateway Mastering – ]
*] – recording engineer, Los Angeles *] – recording engineer, Los Angeles
*] – technical assistance *] – technical assistance
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*] – tour recording engineer *] – tour recording engineer


==Singles and b-sides== ==Chart performance==
Although it reached #2 in the ]<ref name=allmusicalbumcharts>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fxfpxq9hldke |title=allmusic (((New Adventures in Hi-Fi > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums))) |accessdate=2005-08-07 }}</ref>, spending 22 weeks on the charts,<ref name="billboardweeks">{{Cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=305&cfgn=Albums&cfn=The+Billboard+200&ci=3026134&cdi=7159427&cid=02%2F22%2F1997 |title=New Adventures in Hi-Fi on Billboard.com |publisher='']'' |accessdate=2009-03-13}}</ref> and topped the ] <ref name=UKT40>{{cite web |url=http://www.everyhit.com |title=UK Top 40 Hit Database |accessdate=2005-08-07 }}</ref> (20 weeks on chart) as well as #1 on the Australian Charts, ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' began the band's sales decline in the United States. The first single "E-Bow the Letter" received only modest radio airplay in the U.S. and peaked at #49 on the U.S. charts.<ref name=allmusicsinglescharts>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fxfpxq9hldke |title=allmusic (((New Adventures in Hi-Fi > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles))) |accessdate=2005-08-07 }}</ref> In the UK, however, the single became the band's biggest hit at that point, reaching #4.<ref name=UKT40 /> As of March 2007, ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' has sold 994,000 units in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-03-07-REM-rock-hall_N.htm |title=R.E.M.: A 25-year rockin' role. |last=Gunderson |first=Edna |accessdate=2007-03-10 |work=USA Today |date=2007-03-07 }}</ref>
''New Adventures'' consisted of material written during the same sessions and tour as ''Monster''; consequently, there were few outtakes or left-over tracks for inclusion as b-sides.

==="E-Bow the Letter"===
*"Tricycle" – 1:59 Recorded during soundcheck at the Riverport Amphitheater, St. Louis, Missouri on ], ].
*"Departure" (Rome soundcheck version) – 3:35 Recorded during soundcheck at the Paleur, Rome, Italy on ], ].
*"Wall of Death" (]) – 3:07 Taken from the Richard Thompson tribute album, '']''.

==="Bittersweet Me"===
*"Undertow" (Live) – 5:05 Recorded at the ], Atlanta, Georgia on ], ]. Taken from the live performance video, ].
*"Wichita Lineman" (]) – 3:18 Recorded at The Woodlands, Houston, Texas on ], ].
*"New Test Leper" (Live acoustic) – 5:29 Recorded at Bad Animals Studio, Seattle, Washington; ], ].

==="Electrolite"===
*"The Wake-Up Bomb" (Live) – 5:07 Recorded at the Omni Theater, Atlanta, Georgia on ], ]. Taken from the live performance video, Road Movie.
*"Binky the Doormat" (Live) – 5:01 Recorded at the Omni Theater, Atlanta, Georgia on ], ]. Taken from the live performance video, Road Movie.
*"King of Comedy" (808 State remix) – 5:36

==="How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us"===
*"Love Is All Around" (]) – 3:04 Previously released on the 1996 soundtrack for '']''.
*"Sponge" (]) – 4:08 Previously released on the Chesnutt benefit album '']'' in 1996.
*"Be Mine" (Mike on the Bus Version) - 4:54

"Revolution" was also released from these sessions - initially on the '']'' and later on disc two of '']''.

===Other singles===
"New Test Leper" and "The Wake-Up Bomb" were released as promotional singles for the album; the former had a music video directed by ] and ]. All five videos from the album would later be collected on '']''.


;Album
The R.E.M. fan club releases a single every Christmastime, with two singles recorded during these sessions: 1996's "Only in America" (originally by ])/"]" (a ] cover) and 1997's R.E.M. original "Live for Today" was backed with ]'s "Happy When I'm Crying".

==Critical reception==
Among fans of the band the record is considered among their best and is a highlight of the middle R.E.M. career. <ref></ref> ] says that ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' is his favorite of their albums.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} According to Peter Buck, when Warner Bros. heard the album that was to take them to the top - ''Out Of Time'' - they were dumbfounded: "You think the one with the lead mandolin should be the first single?!" On hearing New Adventures…, he says, the same people proclaimed, "Hey, there's three Top 10 records on here!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/on_second_thought/rem-new-adventures-in-hi-fi.htm |title=On Second Thought: R.E.M. - New Adventures in Hi-Fi |last=Cooper |first=Colin |accessdate=2007-09-17 |work=Stylus Magazine |date=2004-06-01 }}</ref>

Critical reaction to the album was mostly positive. Several publications lauded the album for its rich diversity, including '']'', '']'', and '']'' and ] from ] says "in its multifaceted sprawl, they wound up with one of their best records of the '90s." At the same time, however some publications including '']'', criticized the album's empty and flat sound caused by recording in arenas and soundchecks.

==Charts==
===Album===
{|class="wikitable" {|class="wikitable"
! Year ! Year
Line 234: Line 262:
! Position ! Position
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| ] |]
| 2 |2
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| ] |]
| 1 |1
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| ] |]
| 1 |1
|- |-
|} |}


===Singles=== ;Singles
{|class="wikitable" {|class="wikitable"
! Year ! Year
Line 255: Line 283:
! Position ! Position
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "E-Bow the Letter" |"E-Bow the Letter"
| ''Billboard'' Modern Rock Tracks |''Billboard'' Modern Rock Tracks
| 2 |2
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "E-Bow the Letter" |"E-Bow the Letter"
| ''Billboard'' Mainstream Rock Tracks |''Billboard'' Mainstream Rock Tracks
| 15 |15
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "E-Bow the Letter" |"E-Bow the Letter"
| ''Billboard'' Hot 100 |''Billboard'' Hot 100
| 49 |49
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "E-Bow the Letter" |"E-Bow the Letter"
| ] |]
| 23 |23
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "Bittersweet Me" |"Bittersweet Me"
| ''Billboard'' Modern Rock Tracks |''Billboard'' Modern Rock Tracks
| 6 |6
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "Bittersweet Me" |"Bittersweet Me"
| ''Billboard'' Mainstream Rock Tracks |''Billboard'' Mainstream Rock Tracks
| 7 |7
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "Bittersweet Me" |"Bittersweet Me"
| ''Billboard'' Top 40 Mainstream |''Billboard'' Top 40 Mainstream
| 28 |28
|- |-
| 1996 |1996
| "Bittersweet Me" |"Bittersweet Me"
| ''Billboard'' Hot 100 |''Billboard'' Hot 100
| 46 |46
|- |-
| 1997 |1997
| "Electrolite" |"Electrolite"
| ''Billboard'' Hot 100 |''Billboard'' Hot 100
| 96 |96
|- |-
| 1997 |1997
| "The Wake-Up Bomb" |"The Wake-Up Bomb"
| ''Billboard'' Mainstream Rock Tracks |''Billboard'' Mainstream Rock Tracks
| 30 |30
|- |-
|} |}
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! Date ! Date
|- |-
| RIAA – U.S. |RIAA – U.S.
| Gold |Gold
| ], ] |November 18, 1996
|- |-
| RIAA – U.S. |RIAA – U.S.
| Platinum |Platinum
| ], ] |November 18, 1996
|- |-
| BPI – U.K. |BPI – U.K.
| Platinum |Platinum
| ], ] |September 1, 1996
|-
|}

==Release history==
Like all R.E.M. albums since 1988's '']'', ''New Adventures in Hi-Fi'' was released in a special edition packaging containing a 64-page hardcover book designed by ], featuring photos from the ''Monster'' tour. In 2005, Warner Brothers Records issued an expanded two-disc edition of the album which includes a CD, a ] disc containing several new audio mixes of the album (]-channel ], high resolution, AC3, Dolby Stereo, and DTS 5.1) done by ], and the original CD booklet with expanded liner notes. In addition, the DVD includes a video documentary, lyrics, and a photo gallery.

{|class="wikitable"
! Region
! Date
! Label
! Format
! Catalog
|-
|Worldwide
|{{start date|1996|9|9}}
|]
|], ], ]
|46320
|-
|]
|{{start date|1996|9|10}}
|Warner Bros.
|Compact Disc
|46321
|-
|Worldwide
|{{Startdate|2005|03|01}}
|Warner Bros.
|Compact Disc and DVD-Audio
|73950
|- |-
|} |}
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==External links== ==External links==
*
* *
*{{MusicBrainz album|id=a86a8e82-f730-435d-9497-aee39f595d2c|name=New Adventures in Hi-Fi}}
:*{{MusicBrainz album|id=c035899b-5449-4acb-8a45-cb8a0785a31d|name=Disc one from the LP release of New Adventures in Hi-Fi}}
:*{{MusicBrainz album|id=272da244-c91c-4035-8068-a2a52605c137|name=Disc two from the LP release of New Adventures in Hi-Fi}}


{{s-start}} {{s-start}}
{{succession box {{succession box
| before = '']'' by ] | before = '']'' by ]
| title = ] | title = ]
| years = ] ] – ] ] | years = ], ] – ], ]
| after = '']'' by ] | after = '']'' by ]
}} }}
{{succession box {{succession box
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] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
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] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
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] ]
] ]
]
] ]

Revision as of 03:25, 14 March 2009

Untitled

New Adventures in Hi-Fi is the tenth full-length studio album by the American band R.E.M. It was their fifth major label release for Warner Bros. Records, released on September 9, 1996 in Europe and Australia and the following day in the United States. New Adventures in Hi-Fi was the last album recorded with founding member, drummer Bill Berry - who left the band amicably the following year - original manager Jefferson Holt and long-time producer Scott Litt.

Composition and recording

The album was recorded during and after the tour in support of Monster in 1995. The material on the album mixed the acoustic, country rock, feel of much of Out of Time and Automatic for the People with the rock sound of Monster and Lifes Rich Pageant. The band have cited Neil Young's 1973 album Time Fades Away as a source of inspiration.

The band noted that they borrowed the recording process for the album from Radiohead, who recorded some of the basic tracks for The Bends while on tour and who were supporting the band in 1994 and 1995. R.E.M. brought along eight-track recorders to capture their live performances, and used the recordings as the base elements for the album. As such, the band's touring musicians Nathan December and Scott McCaughey ended up appearing on throughout the album with Andy Carlson contributing violin to "Electrolite." After the tour was over, the band went into the Bad Animals Studio and recorded four additional tracks, "How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us," "E-Bow the Letter," "Be Mine," and "New Test Leper." Patti Smith came to the sessions and contributed vocals on "E-Bow the Letter."

Singles and b-sides

New Adventures in Hi-Fi consisted of material written during some of the same sessions as Monster and its following promotional tour; consequently, there were few outtakes or left-over tracks for inclusion as b-sides.

"E-Bow the Letter"
"Bittersweet Me"
  • "Undertow" (Live) – 5:05 Recorded at the Omni Theater, Atlanta, Georgia on November 18, 1995. Taken from the live performance video, Road Movie.
  • "Wichita Lineman" (Jimmy Webb) – 3:18 Recorded at The Woodlands, Houston, United States on September 15, 1995.
  • "New Test Leper" (Live acoustic) – 5:29 Recorded at Bad Animals Studio, Seattle, United States on April 19, 1996.
"Electrolite"
  • "The Wake-Up Bomb" (Live) – 5:07 Recorded at the Omni Theater, Atlanta, Georgia on November 18, 1995. Taken from the live performance video, Road Movie.
  • "Binky the Doormat" (Live) – 5:01 Recorded at the Omni Theater, Atlanta, Georgia on November 18, 1995. Taken from the live performance video, Road Movie.
  • "King of Comedy" (808 State remix) – 5:36
"How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us"

"Revolution" was also released from these sessions - initially on the Batman & Robin soundtrack and later on disc two of In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003.

Other singles

"New Test Leper" and "The Wake-Up Bomb" were released as promotional singles for the album; the former had a music video directed by Lance Bangs and Dominic DeJoseph. All five videos from the album would later be collected on In View: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003.

The R.E.M. fan club releases a single every Christmastime, with two singles recorded during these sessions: 1996's "Only in America" (originally by Jay & The Americans)/"I Will Survive" (a Gloria Gaynor cover) and 1997's R.E.M. original "Live for Today" was backed with Pearl Jam's "Happy When I'm Crying".

Critical reception

According to Peter Buck, when Warner Bros. heard the album that was to take them to the top - Out Of Time - they were dumbfounded: "You think the one with the lead mandolin should be the first single?!" On hearing New Adventures…, he says, the same people proclaimed, "Hey, there's three Top 10 records on here!"

Critical reaction to the album was mostly positive. Several publications lauded the album for its rich diversity, including Rolling Stone, Q, and Mojo and Stephen Thomas Erlewine from All Music says "in its multifaceted sprawl, they wound up with one of their best records of the '90s." At the same time, however some publications including Melody Maker, criticized the album's empty and flat sound caused by recording in arenas and soundchecks.

Awards

New Adventures in Hi-Fi has since appeared on several lists compiling the best albums of the 1990s or all time.

  • Magnet: Top 60 Albums 1993-2003 (#20)
  • Mojo: The 100 Greatest Albums of Our Lifetime 1993-2006 (#20)

It was also features on several year-end best-of lists for 1996:

Track listing

All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe:

  1. "How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us" – 4:31
  2. "The Wake-Up Bomb" – 5:08
  3. "New Test Leper" – 5:26
  4. "Undertow" – 5:09
  5. "E-Bow the Letter" – 5:23
  6. "Leave" – 7:18
  7. "Departure" – 3:28
  8. "Bittersweet Me" – 4:06
  9. "Be Mine" – 5:32
  10. "Binky the Doormat" – 5:01
  11. "Zither" – 2:33
  12. "So Fast, So Numb" – 4:12
  13. "Low Desert" – 3:30
  14. "Electrolite" – 4:05

Like most R.E.M. albums, the vinyl release has custom side names. Since this was released as a double album on the vinyl release, the whole records are called different names. Record 1 (tracks 1-6) is called the "Hi side" and Record 2 (tracks 7-14) the "Fi side."

Personnel

"How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us"
Recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, United States
"The Wake-Up Bomb"
Recorded live at the North Charleston Coliseum, in Charleston, United States on November 16, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Nathan December – Guitar
  • Mike Mills – Bass guitar, backing vocals, organ
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"New Test Leper"
Recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, United States
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Mike Mills – Bass guitar, backing vocals, organ
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"Undertow"
Recorded live at the Fleet Center in Boston, United States on October 3, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Nathan December – Guitar
  • Mike Mills – Bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"E-Bow the Letter"
Recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, United States
"Leave"
Recorded at a soundcheck at the Omni Theater in Atlanta, United States on November 18, 19, or 21, 1995
"Departure"
Recorded live at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, United States on June 6 or 7, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Nathan December – Guitar
  • Mike Mills – Fuzz bass, backing vocals, Farfisa organ
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"Bittersweet Me"
Recorded at a soundcheck at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis, United States on November 7, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Scott McCaughey – Piano
  • Mike Mills – Bass guitar, organ, Mellotron
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"Be Mine"
Recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, United States
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Bass guitar
  • Mike Mills – Guitar, backing vocals, keyboards
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"Binky the Doormat"
Recorded live at the Desert Sky Mall in Phoenix, United States on November 4, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion, backing vocals
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Nathan December – Guitar
  • Scott McCaughey – Farfisa organ
  • Mike Mills – Fuzz bass, backing vocals, keyboards
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"Zither"
Recorded in the dressing room of The Spectrum in Philadelphia, United States on October 12, 13, or 14, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Bass guitar
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Nathan December – Tambourine
  • Scott McCaughey – Autoharp
  • Mike Mills – Bass guitar, organ
  • Michael Stipe – Count in
"So Fast, So Numb"
Recorded at a soundcheck at the Orlando Arena in Orland, United States on November 15, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Scott McCaughey – Piano
  • Mike Mills – Bass guitar, backing vocals, organ
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"Low Desert"
Recorded at a soundcheck at the Omni Theater in Atlanta, United States on November 18, 19, or 21, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drums and percussion
  • Peter Buck – Guitar
  • Nathan December – Slide guitar
  • Scott McCaughey – Piano
  • Mike Mills – Bass guitar, organ
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
"Electrolite"
Recorded at a soundcheck the Desert Sky Mall in Phoenix, United States on November 4, 1995
  • Bill Berry – Drum kit, percussion
  • Peter Buck – Banjo
  • Andy Carlson – Violin
  • Nathan December – Guiro
  • Mike Mills – Piano
  • Michael Stipe – Vocals
Technical crew

Chart performance

Although it reached #2 in the U.S., spending 22 weeks on the charts, and topped the UK Album Charts (20 weeks on chart) as well as #1 on the Australian Charts, New Adventures in Hi-Fi began the band's sales decline in the United States. The first single "E-Bow the Letter" received only modest radio airplay in the U.S. and peaked at #49 on the U.S. charts. In the UK, however, the single became the band's biggest hit at that point, reaching #4. As of March 2007, New Adventures in Hi-Fi has sold 994,000 units in the U.S.

Album
Year Chart Position
1996 Billboard 200 2
1996 UK Albums Chart 1
1996 ARIA Albums Chart 1
Singles
Year Single Chart Position
1996 "E-Bow the Letter" Billboard Modern Rock Tracks 2
1996 "E-Bow the Letter" Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks 15
1996 "E-Bow the Letter" Billboard Hot 100 49
1996 "E-Bow the Letter" ARIA Singles Chart 23
1996 "Bittersweet Me" Billboard Modern Rock Tracks 6
1996 "Bittersweet Me" Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks 7
1996 "Bittersweet Me" Billboard Top 40 Mainstream 28
1996 "Bittersweet Me" Billboard Hot 100 46
1997 "Electrolite" Billboard Hot 100 96
1997 "The Wake-Up Bomb" Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks 30

Certifications

Organization Level Date
RIAA – U.S. Gold November 18, 1996
RIAA – U.S. Platinum November 18, 1996
BPI – U.K. Platinum September 1, 1996

Release history

Like all R.E.M. albums since 1988's Green, New Adventures in Hi-Fi was released in a special edition packaging containing a 64-page hardcover book designed by Chris Bilheimer, featuring photos from the Monster tour. In 2005, Warner Brothers Records issued an expanded two-disc edition of the album which includes a CD, a DVD-Audio disc containing several new audio mixes of the album (5.1-channel surround sound, high resolution, AC3, Dolby Stereo, and DTS 5.1) done by Elliot Scheiner, and the original CD booklet with expanded liner notes. In addition, the DVD includes a video documentary, lyrics, and a photo gallery.

Region Date Label Format Catalog
Worldwide September 9, 1996 (1996-09-09) Warner Bros. Compact Disc, cassette tape, double LP 46320
United States September 10, 1996 (1996-09-10) Warner Bros. Compact Disc 46321
Worldwide March 1, 2005 (2005-03-01) Warner Bros. Compact Disc and DVD-Audio 73950

References

  1. McDonough, Jimmy, Shakey - Neil Young Biography, p. 399
  2. Cooper, Colin (2004-06-01). "On Second Thought: R.E.M. - New Adventures in Hi-Fi". Stylus Magazine. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
  3. Magnet Tenth Anniversary issue, January 2003
  4. The "Ennio Whistle" is the two-note main theme melody of Ennio Morricone's score for Sergio Leone's 1966 spaghetti Western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
  5. "allmusic (((New Adventures in Hi-Fi > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums)))". Retrieved 2005-08-07.
  6. "New Adventures in Hi-Fi on Billboard.com". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-03-13. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ "UK Top 40 Hit Database". Retrieved 2005-08-07.
  8. "allmusic (((New Adventures in Hi-Fi > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles)))". Retrieved 2005-08-07.
  9. Gunderson, Edna (2007-03-07). "R.E.M.: A 25-year rockin' role". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-03-10.

External links

Preceded byComing Up by Suede UK number one album
September 21, 1996 – September 27, 1996 		Succeeded byK by Kula Shaker
Preceded byNo Code by Pearl Jam Australian ARIA Albums Chart number-one album
September 22, 1996 – September 28, 1996 		Succeeded byThe Very Best of Toni Childs by Toni Childs
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