R.E.M. to release 25th anniversary edition of New Adventures In Hi-Fi

R.E.M. have announced the reissue of their 1996 album New Adventures In Hi-Fi for its 25th anniversary.

The band, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary, will release the reissue on October 29. They have also shared a new version of 'Leave,' which you can listen to below.

"I actually might prefer this version to the one that's on the record..." said frontman Michael Stipe about the alternate version of 'Leave.' "Well, I wouldn't say I prefer it, it just tells a different story with the lyric."

Bassist Mike Mills said that they wanted to "make a record about being on the road without singing about being on the road," hoping that it would shine through the track's feel and sound.

Guitarist Peter Buck added that they saw it as a "challenge."

"My feeling was, it'll show exactly where we're at right now in a way that maybe some of the records don't at all," said Buck. "This record was just an attempt to be who we were at that minute."

The expanded edition of R.E.M.'s New Adventures In Hi-Fi will be available in a two CD/one Blu-Ray disc set, which includes a hardcover book of exclusive line notes, interviews, photos, lyrics, a second B-side disc, and Blu-Ray disc of five music videos and previously unreleased films. It will also be available digitally and in two CD and vinyl formats.

Earlier this year, R.E.M. reissued their 1981 debut single 'Radio Free Europe' in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Listen to the alternate version of 'Leave' below: