R.E.M. celebrates 25 years of ‘Reveal’ with previously unreleased live performance

By the time R.E.M. released Reveal in May of 2001, the alternative rock pioneers had already spent two decades in mainstream music spotlight. They’d gone from college radio darlings in Athens, Georgia to international superstars, surviving the grunge explosion, the rise of CDs, and immense bubblegum pop competition. But, after losing founding drummer Bill Berry in 1997, the real concern was could R.E.M. still be R.E.M. without all four members?

The band’s first attempt at answering that question came with 1998’s Up, an experimental, electronic-leaning album that divided fans and exposed the growing pains of becoming a trio. Three years later, Reveal offered an alt solution — less existential crisis, more sunshine.

Now, 25 years later, Craft Recordings is giving the band’s 12th studio album another spin with Reveal (25th Anniversary Edition), arriving November 20th. And, rather than simply dusting off the original recordings and calling it a day, the label has unearthed something worth revisiting: a previously unreleased 17-song live performance titled The Black Sessions Revealed.

For a band that never officially toured the album, that’s a pretty substantial find.

Recorded across Athens, Vancouver, Dublin, and Miami with producer Pat McCarthy, Reveal found Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills settling into their new chemistry. The result was a surprisingly warm collection of layered guitars, electronic textures, orchestral arrangements, and catchy melodies. “Imitation of Life” remains the album’s obvious standout, while “All the Way to Reno (You’re Gonna Be a Star)” delivers a cheeky take on fame and ambition. “I’ve Been High” floats through dreamy electronics, “Saturn Return” brings back the band’s familiar introspection, and “I’ll Take the Rain” reminds listeners that R.E.M. never completely abandoned their melancholy streak.

Interestingly, the album’s return to a sunny disposition wasn’t entirely intentional. In the 25th anniversary accompanying liner notes, Stipe recalls battling writer’s block during a particularly miserable stretch in Dublin before hopping on a plane to find some sunshine. He subsequently wrote “Disappear” and “I’ve Been High”, finishing “Imitation of Life” on a beach.

Apparently, a little vitamin D goes a long way…

But the real attraction of this anniversary edition is the aforementioned Black Sessions Revealed, recorded for Radio France in Paris on May 7th, 2001 — just days before the album’s release. Joined by guitarist Scott McCaughey, keyboardist Ken Stringfellow, and drummer Joey Waronker, the trio brings a 17-song set to life, moving between six Reveal tracks and older favorites; “The One I Love”, “Losing My Religion”, “Man on the Moon”, and It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” all make an appearance. There’s even an early-era favorite thrown in, “So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)”!

The deluxe 2-CD/Blu-ray edition packages both albums inside a 32-page hardcover book, featuring archival photography and new liner notes from journalist Birgit Fuss, including reflections from all three members. The Blu-ray adds high-resolution and 5.1 surround audio, three music videos, and the original promotional documentary, too! Vinyl collectors can grab The Black Sessions Revealed separately as a double-LP, including an exclusive neon pink pressing on top of the neon orange edition.

Reveal may never command the same attention as Automatic for the People or Out of Time, but this quarter-century anniversary treatment makes a convincing case for revisiting R.E.M.’s often overlooked middle years. Pre-order the Reveal (25th Anniversary Edition) today here or via the links below.

Track listing:

REVEAL (25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION) 2-CD & Blu-ray

Disc 1

1. The Lifting
2. I’ve Been High
3. All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star)
4. She Just Wants To Be
5. Disappear
6. Saturn Return
7. Beat A Drum
8. Imitation Of Life
9. Summer Turns To High
10. Chorus And The Ring
11. I’ll Take The Rain
12. Beachball

Disc 2

The Black Sessions Revealed CD – Recording made by RADIO FRANCE for The Black Sessions, May 7, 2001

1. Imitation Of Life
2. The Great Beyond
3. What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?
4. All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star)
5. Daysleeper
6. I’ve Been High
7. Electrolite
8. The Lifting
9. At My Most Beautiful
10. I’ll Take The Rain
11. The One I Love
12. She Just Wants To Be
13. Walk Unafraid
14. Losing My Religion
15. Man On The Moon
16. So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)
17. It’s the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Disc 3 – Blu-ray

1. Hi-Resolution Audio
2. 5.1 Surround Sound
3. Imitation Of Life (music video)
4. All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star) (music video)
5. I’ll Take The Rain (music video)
6. Reveal EPK

Cover photography by Anton Corbijn

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