R.E.M. has decided to unearth yet another treasure from their vault, because apparently retirement is just a suggestion. The band has shared a previously unreleased live performance of The Great Beyond, a song that was originally released on the soundtrack to the 1999 film Man On The Moon. This performance is part of The Black Sessions Revealed, a 17-song live recording that will be released on November 20 as part of the band’s Reveal (25th Anniversary Edition). Because who doesn’t need another deluxe edition to add to their collection?
The Great Beyond: A Blast from the Past
The live performance of The Great Beyond was recorded for Radio France in Paris on May 7, 2001, and features the band’s unique blend of expansive pop melodies and layered guitars, keyboards, and electronic textures. The song reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and is a staple of the band’s live shows. The Black Sessions Revealed is a rare live document of the Reveal era, which saw the band play a handful of promotional performances instead of a traditional tour. The collection features new liner notes by journalist Birgit Fuss, including reflections from Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills.
Reveal (25th Anniversary Edition): A Feast for Fans
The Reveal (25th Anniversary Edition) celebrates 25 years of R.E.M.’s 12th studio album, which was originally released in May 2001. The album reached No. 1 in the UK and features fan favorites like Imitation of Life, All The Way To Reno (You’re Gonna Be A Star), and I’ll Take The Rain. The deluxe 2CD/Blu-ray set and expanded digital edition pair the original 12-track album with the previously unreleased Black Sessions performance. The Blu-ray includes high-resolution audio and 5.1 surround sound, the album’s three official music videos, and the original EPK. Because the remaster economy remains undefeated, and we’re not complaining.
Supernatural Superserious: A New Video and a Collaboration
In other R.E.M. news, the band has debuted a new video for Supernatural Superserious, the lead single from their 2008 album Accelerate. The video was created in collaboration with MUBI and the filmmakers behind Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma, featuring footage from the film written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun. The film’s soundtrack will also be released by Waxwork Records, and features a cover of Nightswimming and closes with Supernatural Superserious. Writer/director Jane Schoenbrun has praised R.E.M.’s music, saying it’s “one of the most beautiful gifts out there.” We couldn’t agree more.
The Legacy of R.E.M.
R.E.M.’s music has been a staple of the alternative rock scene for decades, and their influence can still be felt today. With their unique blend of catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, they have built a loyal fan base that spans generations. As the band continues to release new music and deluxe editions of their classic albums, it’s clear that their legacy will only continue to grow. And we’re happy to report that the farewell tour count has not increased, at least not yet. Somewhere, a record label executive felt a disturbance in the royalties, and music historians are preparing fresh shelves for the box set. A vinyl pressing plant somewhere just burst into tears, but we’re sure they’ll survive. After all, nobody truly retires in this industry. They merely wait for the 40th anniversary edition. Nature is healing, and another deluxe edition has appeared. But we’re not complaining, because we love R.E.M. and all the music they bring to our lives.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
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