portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Thursday, September 28, 2017



On this day in music history: September 27, 1994 - “Monster”, the ninth album by R.E.M. is released. Produced by Scott Litt and R.E.M., it is recorded at Kingsway Studios in New Orleans, LA, Crossover Soundstage in Atlanta, GA, Criteria Studios in Miami, FL, Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, CA from April - May 1994. Marking a dramatic shift away from the quieter tone of the bands two previous albums, “Monster” features more loud, aggressive guitar driven material. The band experiences numerous set backs during the recording sessions, with drummer Bill Berry and bassist Mike Mills becoming ill on different occasions, bringing a halt to recording. Once recording starts again in Miami, sessions are stopped once again when lead singer Michael Stipe has to have emergency dental surgery. These events put the band way behind schedule in completing the album, leading to tensions that nearly cause R.E.M. to break up. The first single “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?”, whose title is inspired by an incident in which CBS news anchor Dan Rather is victim of an unprovoked attack by two mentally disturbed men shouting the phrase at him. “Monster” spends two weeks at number one on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified 4x Platinum in the US by the RIAA.


Well because I bought it when it came out and really enjoyed the more heavy rock and guitar driven sound and every time they step up a gear it grabs my attention, check the affect of 'Living Well is The Best Revenge' on Accelerate - fine album as is 'Monster'

Turn it up would be my best advice

thanks to the most excellent Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves  On this day in Music History

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