R.E.M. to Release ‘Automatic for the People’ 25th Anniversary Edition

Nov. 10 will be the release date for a 25th anniversary edition of R.E.M.‘s 1992 album Automatic for the People. Although it was reported back in April that the project was in the works, the band made the news official today in a press release.
“I think it’s our most cohesive record,” said bassist Mike Mills. “It’s the strongest from first to last.” Singer Michael Stipe mused on the record’s overall themes of loss, adding, “Mortality is a theme that writers have chosen to work with throughout time. It speaks of the fragility and beauty of life and living life to the fullest in the present moment. It happens all too quickly and we all know that.”

In addition to the original remastered record, there will also be a second disc featuring a benefit concert R.E.M. played for Alternative NRG – Greenpeace at the 40 Watt Club on Nov. 19, 1992, one of the few full shows they performed in the early ’90s. A third compact disc will consist of demos the band recorded for the album. The Blu-ray will contain surround mixes of the record, as well as the song “Photograph,” which was found on the Born to Choose benefit album, seven videos and the original electronic press kit. The 60-page book will be filled with unreleased photos by Anton Corbijn and Melodie McDaniel, as well as liner notes by Tom Doyle, who interviewed all four members of the band. 

They produced the above trailer, which combines interviews with footage of the band recording Automatic. R.E.M. also offered “Mike’s Pop Song,” one of those demos, for streaming or purchase via several services, which can be accessed here.

You can pre-order Automatic for the People in several formats, including a two-CD set that has only the album and the concert, and on 180-gram vinyl. All pre-orders come with an immediate download of “Mike’s Pop Song.” Several merchandise bundles are also available. Full details can be found at the band’s web store.

R.E.M., ‘Automatic for the People’ 25th Anniversary Edition Track Listing
Disc 1: The Album

1. “Drive”
2. “Try Not to Breathe”
3. “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite”
4. “Everybody Hurts”
5. “New Orleans Instrumental No. 1″
6. “Sweetness Follows”
7. “Monty Got a Raw Deal”
8. “Ignoreland”
9. “Star Me Kitten”
10. “Man on the Moon”
11. “Nightswimming”
12. “Find the River”

Disc 2: 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA, Nov. 19, 1992

1. “Drive”
2. “Monty Got a Raw Deal”
3. “Everybody Hurts”
4. “Man on the Moon”
5. “Losing My Religion”
6. “Country Feedback”
7. “Begin the Begin”
8. “Fall on Me”
9. “Me in Honey”
10. “Finest Worksong”
11. “Love Is All Around”
12. “Funtime”
13. “Radio Free Europe”

Disc 3: Automatic Demos

1. “Drive” (Demo)
2. “Wake Her Up” (Demo) (“The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite”)
3. “Mike’s Pop Song” (Demo)
4. “C To D Slide 13″ (Demo) (“Man on the Moon”)
5. “Cello Scud” (Demo) (“Sweetness Follows”)
6. “10K Minimal” (Demo) (“Find the River”)
7. “Peter’s New Song” (Demo)
8. “Eastern 93111″ (Demo)
9. “Bill’s Acoustic” (Demo)
10. “Arabic Feedback” (Demo) (“Fruity Organ”)
11. “Howler Monkey” (Demo) (“Ignoreland”)
12. “Pakiderm” (Demo)
13. “Afterthought” (Demo)
14. “Bazouki Song” (Demo) (“Monty Got a Raw Deal”)
15. “Photograph” (Demo)
16. “Michael’s Organ” (Demo) (“Everybody Hurts”)
17. “Pete’s Acoustic Idea” (Demo)
18. “6-8 Passion & Voc” (Demo) (“Try Not to Breathe”)
19 . “Hey Love” (Mike Voc / Demo) (“Star Me Kitten”)
20. “Devil Rides Backwards” (Demo) (“Big Talk”)

Disc 4 – Blu-Ray (Dolby Atmos and Hi-Resolution Mixes & Videos)

1. “Drive”
2. Try Not to Breathe”
3. “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite”
4. “Everybody Hurts”
5. “New Orleans Instrumental No. 1″
6. “Sweetness Follows”
7. “Monty Got a Raw Deal”
8. “Ignoreland”
9. “Star Me Kitten”
10. “Man on the Moon”
11. “Nightswimming”
12. “Find the River”
13. “Photograph”

Videos
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“Drive”
“The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite”
“Everybody Hurts”
“Man on the Moon”
“Nightswimming” (British Version)
“Find the River”
“Nightswimming” (R Version)
‘Automatic for the People ‘Press Kit