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When was R.E.M.'s eleventh studio album, 'Up', officially released?
Answer: True
Explanation: The album 'Up', R.E.M.'s eleventh studio release, was officially issued on October 26, 1998.
Was R.E.M.'s album 'Up' released under the independent record label Sub Pop?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the album 'Up' was released under the major label Warner Bros. Records, not the independent label Sub Pop.
Did Bill Berry remain R.E.M.'s drummer throughout the recording sessions for the album 'Up'?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Bill Berry retired from R.E.M. in October 1997, prior to the completion of the album 'Up'.
Did R.E.M. embark on a concert tour to support the album 'Up'?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, R.E.M. undertook a concert tour in support of 'Up' throughout 1999, performing in both Europe and the United States.
What significant health issues did R.E.M. members face during or subsequent to the tour supporting their album 'Monster'?
Answer: True
Explanation: During the 'Monster' tour, R.E.M. members faced considerable health challenges: Bill Berry suffered an aneurysm, Mike Mills underwent surgery for an intestinal tumor, and Michael Stipe experienced a hernia, which collectively led to tour cancellations.
What was the approximate value of the record deal R.E.M. signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1996?
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1996, R.E.M. signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records that was reportedly worth approximately $80 million, considered substantial at the time.
What was the stated reason for R.E.M.'s separation from their manager, Jefferson Holt, in 1996?
Answer: False
Explanation: R.E.M. parted ways with their longtime manager Jefferson Holt in 1996 due to allegations of sexual harassment, not creative differences.
Was the album 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi' considered a commercial failure, notwithstanding its positive critical reception?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi' (1996) was a critical and commercial success, reaching high chart positions in the US and UK, although its singles did not achieve the same level of success as previous releases.
When did Bill Berry announce his departure from R.E.M., and what was his stated wish regarding the band's future?
Answer: True
Explanation: Bill Berry announced his departure from R.E.M. in October 1997, explicitly stating his desire for the band to continue its musical endeavors without him.
What is the title of R.E.M.'s eleventh studio album, released in 1998?
Answer: Up
Explanation: The eleventh studio album by R.E.M. is titled 'Up', officially released on October 26, 1998.
Under which record label was R.E.M.'s album 'Up' officially released?
Answer: Warner Bros. Records
Explanation: R.E.M.'s album 'Up' was released through Warner Bros. Records.
What pivotal event within R.E.M. occurred immediately prior to the recording sessions for the album 'Up'?
Answer: The retirement of drummer Bill Berry
Explanation: The most significant event preceding the recording of 'Up' was the retirement of drummer and founding member Bill Berry in October 1997.
How did the band members characterize the creative process involved in producing the album 'Up'?
Answer: Chaotic and close to breaking up
Explanation: The band members described the creation process of 'Up' as tumultuous, admitting that the sessions brought them close to dissolution.
Did R.E.M. conduct a concert tour in support of the album 'Up'?
Answer: Yes, they toured throughout 1999 in Europe and the US.
Explanation: Yes, R.E.M. embarked on a concert tour throughout 1999 in Europe and the United States to promote the album 'Up'.
Which member of R.E.M. sustained a hernia during the tour supporting the album 'Monster'?
Answer: Michael Stipe
Explanation: Michael Stipe experienced a hernia during the 'Monster' tour, which was one of several health issues faced by band members during that period.
What was particularly noteworthy regarding R.E.M.'s 1996 recording contract with Warner Bros. Records?
Answer: It was worth an estimated $80 million.
Explanation: The 1996 record deal R.E.M. signed with Warner Bros. Records was notable for its substantial value, reportedly estimated at $80 million, making it one of the largest at the time.
What were the circumstances leading to R.E.M.'s termination of their professional relationship with manager Jefferson Holt in 1996?
Answer: He was accused of sexual harassment.
Explanation: R.E.M. ended their professional relationship with manager Jefferson Holt in 1996 due to allegations of sexual harassment.
Following Bill Berry's retirement, did R.E.M. exclusively employ drum machines for percussion on the album 'Up'?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, R.E.M. utilized both session drummers, such as Joey Waronker and Barrett Martin, and drum machines for percussion on 'Up' after Bill Berry's departure.
Pat McCarthy produced R.E.M.'s album 'Up'. Was this production collaboration a return to working with their longtime producer, Scott Litt?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Pat McCarthy produced 'Up'. This marked R.E.M.'s first album since 'Lifes Rich Pageant' (1986) not to be produced by Scott Litt, who was unavailable due to founding a new record label.
Is the album 'Up' characterized by a significant influence from electronic music and an extensive utilization of keyboards?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, 'Up' is noted for its strong influence from electronic music and its extensive use of keyboards and synthesizers, representing a sonic evolution for the band.
Were the recording sessions for R.E.M.'s album 'Up' conducted exclusively in Athens, Georgia?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the recording sessions for 'Up' were conducted across multiple locations, including studios in Seattle, San Francisco, and Athens, Georgia.
What was the reason for Scott Litt's unavailability to produce R.E.M.'s album 'Up'?
Answer: True
Explanation: Scott Litt was unavailable to produce 'Up' as he was in the process of founding a new record label, which reduced his interest in taking on production duties at that time.
Had R.E.M. begun experimenting with electronic sounds even prior to Bill Berry's official departure from the band?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, even prior to Bill Berry's departure, R.E.M. had initiated a shift towards electronic sounds, incorporating drum machines and exploring new sonic territories.
Were Joey Waronker and Barrett Martin the sole percussionists credited on R.E.M.'s album 'Up'?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, while Joey Waronker and Barrett Martin were prominent session drummers on 'Up', Peter Buck also contributed to the percussion.
Was the song 'Airportman' among the final tracks to be completed during the recording sessions for R.E.M.'s album 'Up'?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, 'Airportman' was reportedly one of the first songs to be completed, with its writing, recording, and mixing accomplished within a single day.
Which tracks from 'Up' are cited as exemplifying the album's experimental instrumentation?
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Diminished', featuring embellishments of vibes and tabla, and 'Parakeet', utilizing Pet Sounds-era organs, were cited as examples of 'Up's' experimental instrumentation.
Which instruments did Peter Buck contribute to the album 'Up'?
Answer: True
Explanation: Peter Buck played guitar, bass guitar, and keyboards on R.E.M.'s album 'Up'.
Was Michael Stipe the exclusive vocalist for lead parts on 'Up', with no other band members contributing vocals?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, while Michael Stipe handled lead vocals and played cowbell, other members also contributed to the album's vocal arrangements and instrumentation.
Who was responsible for the string arrangements on the songs 'Suspicion' and 'You're in the Air' from the album 'Up'?
Answer: True
Explanation: Eddie Horst provided the string arrangements for the songs 'Suspicion' and 'You're in the Air' on the album 'Up'.
What measures did R.E.M. implement to address the absence of Bill Berry's drumming on the album 'Up'?
Answer: They hired session drummers and used drum machines.
Explanation: To compensate for Bill Berry's absence, R.E.M. engaged session drummers, including Joey Waronker and Barrett Martin, and also incorporated drum machines into the album's percussive arrangements.
Who served as the producer for R.E.M.'s album 'Up', signifying a departure from their long-standing production collaborator?
Answer: Pat McCarthy
Explanation: Pat McCarthy produced the album 'Up', marking the first time since 'Lifes Rich Pageant' (1986) that R.E.M. did not work with producer Scott Litt.
What primary musical genre exerted a significant influence on the sonic texture and instrumentation of R.E.M.'s album 'Up'?
Answer: Electronic Music
Explanation: The album 'Up' is notably influenced by electronic music, characterized by its extensive use of keyboards and programmed rhythms.
In which locations were the primary recording sessions for R.E.M.'s album 'Up' conducted?
Answer: Across Seattle, San Francisco, and Athens, Georgia
Explanation: The recording sessions for 'Up' took place across multiple studios: La Casa del Elefante in Seattle, Toast Studios in San Francisco, and John Keane's studio in Athens, Georgia.
Which R.E.M. member contributed performances on both bass guitar and keyboards for the album 'Up'?
Answer: Mike Mills
Explanation: Mike Mills played bass guitar and keyboards on the album 'Up'.
Did Michael Stipe primarily employ traditional narrative storytelling in his lyrical compositions for the album 'Up'?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Michael Stipe aimed for an 'automatic, unconscious' lyrical style on 'Up', inspired by Patti Smith, rather than traditional narrative storytelling. He also explored themes contrasting the spiritual and the modern age.
Was Michael Stipe's lyrical approach on 'Up' directly influenced by the work of Thom Yorke?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Michael Stipe's lyrical style on 'Up' was inspired by the work of Patti Smith, not Thom Yorke.
Did Leonard Cohen receive a writing credit for the song 'Hope' as a result of direct collaboration with R.E.M.?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Leonard Cohen received a writing credit for 'Hope' due to perceived melodic and lyrical similarities to his song 'Suzanne', not due to direct collaboration with R.E.M.
What conversation inspired the lyrics of the song 'Walk Unafraid'?
Answer: False
Explanation: The lyrics for 'Walk Unafraid' were inspired by a conversation with Patti Smith, who encouraged Michael Stipe to adopt a 'fearless' approach during the album's creation.
From what perspective are the lyrics of the song 'Daysleeper' presented?
Answer: True
Explanation: The lyrics of 'Daysleeper' are presented from the perspective of a nightshift worker, exploring themes of isolation and depression associated with their nocturnal schedule.
What new practice regarding lyric presentation was initiated by Michael Stipe with the release of 'Up', and did it persist?
Answer: True
Explanation: With 'Up', Michael Stipe began including complete lyrics in the CD booklet, a practice he maintained for all subsequent R.E.M. studio albums.
What specific lyrical approach did Michael Stipe endeavor to employ on the album 'Up'?
Answer: An automatic, unconscious lyrical style
Explanation: Michael Stipe aimed for an 'automatic, unconscious' lyrical style on 'Up', drawing inspiration from artists like Patti Smith, and exploring themes that contrasted the spiritual with the modern age.
Which artist's work served as a primary inspiration for Michael Stipe's lyrical approach on the album 'Up'?
Answer: Patti Smith
Explanation: Michael Stipe's pursuit of an 'automatic, unconscious' lyrical style on 'Up' was significantly inspired by the work of Patti Smith.
For which of his songs did Leonard Cohen receive a writing credit for R.E.M.'s track 'Hope' due to melodic and lyrical parallels?
Answer: Suzanne
Explanation: Leonard Cohen received a writing credit for 'Hope' due to perceived similarities with his song 'Suzanne'.
Beyond the core members Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe, who else is credited as a songwriter for the track 'Hope'?
Answer: Leonard Cohen
Explanation: Leonard Cohen is credited as a songwriter for the track 'Hope', alongside Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe.
Did the commercial performance of 'Up', despite reaching the top 3 in the US and UK, surpass the sales figures of R.E.M.'s preceding albums?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, although 'Up' achieved chart success, reaching the top 3 in both the US and UK, its sales figures were ultimately lower than those of R.E.M.'s previous albums.
Was 'Daysleeper' the sole single from R.E.M.'s album 'Up' to achieve a Top 10 position on the UK singles chart?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, both 'Daysleeper' and 'At My Most Beautiful' achieved Top 10 success on the UK singles chart from the album 'Up'.
What RIAA certification did 'Up' achieve in the United States, and how does this compare to 'Lifes Rich Pageant'?
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Up' achieved Gold certification in the US, marking the first time since 'Lifes Rich Pageant' (which achieved Platinum) that an R.E.M. studio album did not reach Platinum status.
In which European countries did R.E.M.'s album 'Up' reach the number one position on the album charts?
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Up' reached number one on the album charts in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Norway.
What was the peak position of R.E.M.'s album 'Up' on the US Billboard 200 chart?
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Up' achieved a peak position of number 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Did R.E.M.'s album 'Up' reach the number 1 position on the UK Albums Chart?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, 'Up' peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, not number 1.
What were the approximate sales figures for 'Up' in the U.S. as of March 2007?
Answer: False
Explanation: As of March 2007, 'Up' had sold approximately 664,000 units in the U.S., falling short of one million units.
In terms of commercial performance, how did 'Up' fare relative to R.E.M.'s preceding albums?
Answer: It sold fewer copies despite chart success.
Explanation: Despite achieving chart success, 'Up' sold fewer copies than R.E.M.'s earlier albums, a notable shift from their previous commercial trajectory.
Which singles from R.E.M.'s album 'Up' attained Top 10 positions on the UK singles chart?
Answer: Daysleeper and At My Most Beautiful
Explanation: Both 'Daysleeper' and 'At My Most Beautiful' achieved Top 10 status on the UK singles chart from the album 'Up'.
What was the highest chart position achieved by R.E.M.'s album 'Up' on the UK Albums Chart?
Answer: Number 2
Explanation: 'Up' reached a peak position of number 2 on the UK Albums Chart.
What was the chart performance of 'Up' on the German Media Control Albums Chart?
Answer: It charted number 1.
Explanation: 'Up' reached number 1 on the German Media Control Albums Chart.
What RIAA certification was awarded to R.E.M.'s album 'Up' in the United States?
Answer: Gold
Explanation: 'Up' achieved a Gold certification from the RIAA in the US.
How was the album 'Up' generally received by critics, particularly in its recognition as a transitional record for R.E.M.?
Answer: True
Explanation: Critical reception for 'Up' was generally positive, with many critics acknowledging it as a transitional record for R.E.M. that incorporated new electronic elements, though some reviews were mixed.
To which Radiohead song have Michael Stipe's vocals on 'Falls to Climb' been compared by critics?
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Stipe's vocal performance on the closing track 'Falls to Climb' has drawn comparisons to Thom Yorke's singing on Radiohead's 'How to Disappear Completely'.
How did Pitchfork's original review characterize the band's sonic evolution on the album 'Up'?
Answer: False
Explanation: Pitchfork's original review of 'Up' was critical, describing the band's change in sound as 'contrived and forced' and the album overall as 'dull and tired', rather than innovative.
What was The Guardian's assessment of R.E.M.'s sonic diversification on 'Up'?
Answer: True
Explanation: The Guardian acknowledged R.E.M.'s diversification of sound on 'Up' but concluded that the experimentation was only intermittently successful, suggesting the album sounded like it was 'suffering an identity crisis'.
What was Stephen Thomas Erlewine's retrospective assessment of 'Up' regarding R.E.M.'s artistic identity?
Answer: False
Explanation: Stephen Thomas Erlewine retrospectively viewed 'Up' as proof that R.E.M. could integrate diverse genres while maintaining its identity, although he also noted the band seemed to be 'playing catch-up' with contemporary trends.
To which Radiohead albums did Louis Pattison of Uncut compare R.E.M.'s embrace of electronica on 'Up'?
Answer: True
Explanation: Louis Pattison, writing for Uncut, compared 'Up's' electronic leanings and 'fin de siècle' atmosphere to Radiohead's albums 'OK Computer' and 'Kid A'.
What ranking did 'Nude as the News' assign to 'Up' in its 1999 list of 'The 100 Most Compelling Albums of the Decade'?
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Nude as the News' ranked 'Up' at number 74 in its 1999 compilation of 'The 100 Most Compelling Albums of the Decade'.
What ranking did 'Juice' magazine accord 'Up' in its list of 'The 100 Greatest Albums of the '90s'?
Answer: True
Explanation: The Australian magazine 'Juice' ranked 'Up' at number 38 in its 1999 list of 'The 100 Greatest Albums of the '90s'.
What was the general critical consensus regarding R.E.M.'s musical direction on the album 'Up'?
Answer: Critics saw it as a transitional record with praise for electronic elements.
Explanation: Critics generally received 'Up' positively, recognizing its transitional nature and praising its integration of electronic elements, though some reviews offered mixed assessments.
According to Pitchfork's original review, how was the album 'Up's' sonic transformation characterized?
Answer: Contrived and forced
Explanation: Pitchfork's original review described the album 'Up's' sound change as 'contrived and forced'.
To which specific Radiohead albums did Louis Pattison of 'Uncut' draw comparisons for 'Up's' incorporation of electronica?
Answer: OK Computer and Kid A
Explanation: Louis Pattison of 'Uncut' compared 'Up's' electronic leanings and 'fin de siècle' atmosphere to Radiohead's albums 'OK Computer' and 'Kid A'.
Identify the four official singles released from R.E.M.'s album 'Up'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The four singles released from the album 'Up' were 'Daysleeper', 'Lotus', 'At My Most Beautiful', and 'Suspicion'.
What did the 25th-anniversary edition of 'Up', released in 2023, include?
Answer: True
Explanation: The 25th-anniversary edition of 'Up', released in 2023, includes a second disc featuring a live performance from 1999 and a DVD containing music videos and other supplementary material.
Did the song 'Lotus' feature Peter Buck on keyboards and include live drumming?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the song 'Lotus' was composed by Peter Buck on keyboards and is noted as one of the few tracks on the album to feature live drumming.
Has the song 'At My Most Beautiful' been compared to the music of The Beach Boys?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the song 'At My Most Beautiful', along with other tracks on 'Up', has frequently been compared to the music of The Beach Boys, particularly their 1966 album 'Pet Sounds'.
What is the title of the hidden track featured on the song 'Diminished'?
Answer: True
Explanation: The hidden track featured on 'Diminished' is titled 'I'm Not Over You'.
Did R.E.M. reportedly concur with Warner Bros.' decision to release 'Daysleeper' as the lead single for 'Up'?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the band reportedly disagreed with Warner Bros.' choice to release 'Daysleeper' as the lead single, feeling it did not fully represent the album's diverse sound.
Identify the single from the following options that was NOT among the four officially released from R.E.M.'s album 'Up'.
Answer: Losing My Religion
Explanation: 'Losing My Religion' was not one of the four singles released from 'Up'; the singles were 'Daysleeper', 'Lotus', 'At My Most Beautiful', and 'Suspicion'.
What content was included in the 25th-anniversary edition of 'Up', released in 2023?
Answer: A live performance disc and DVD with music videos
Explanation: The 25th-anniversary edition of 'Up', released in 2023, features a second disc containing a live performance from 1999 and a DVD with music videos and associated material.
Which of the following tracks was cited as a B-side for the single 'Daysleeper'?
Answer: Sad Professor (live in the studio)
Explanation: 'Sad Professor (live in the studio)' was cited as a B-side for the single 'Daysleeper'.
In terms of R.E.M.'s catalog, what is the song 'At My Most Beautiful' frequently considered to be?
Answer: Love song
Explanation: The song 'At My Most Beautiful' is frequently regarded as R.E.M.'s first explicit love song.