N*E*R*D’s debut album, In Search Of…, was first released in Europe on August 6, 2001. The album’s first edition featured mainly electronic instrumentation for its 13 tracks. On March 12, 2002, N*E*R*D released a new version of In Search Of… worldwide, with the original album’s electronic soundscape replaced by instruments played by funk-rock band Spymob. For the first time, In Search Of…’s “electronic version” and “rock version” have been paired, for new deluxe 4LP vinyl set to be released October 25 by Virgin/Urban Legends/UMe. On the same date, An expanded deluxe digital edition for the album’s “electronic version” will be released. The new edition adds seven rare and previously unissued remixes and live tracks to the album, all of which are making their digital release debuts.
In Search Of…’s first edition, also known as the “electronic version,” features drum machines and synthesizers for a sound more typical of N*E*R*D duo Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo’s production work as The Neptunes. The album’s first edition also features an “Intro” track and three interstitial skits with the tracks “Things Are Getting Better,” “Stay Together,” and “Tape You.”
The album’s 12-track global “rock version” is sequenced differently and does not include the first edition’s “Intro” track or skits. Entertainment Weekly bestowed an A- review grade on the album’s “rock version,” saying the second edition “has a crackling vigor missing from the first stab, and its mélange of genres makes for music unlike anything else around.” Rolling Stone awarded it four stars, and MOJO also praised it, saying, “It is quizzical, troubled, socially concerned, compassionate, schizoid, retro-eclectic, strikingly modern, racially mixed–and even likes women.”
In Search Of…’s new 4LP set presents the album’s “rock version” in one 2LP gatefold jacket and its European “electronic version” in its own 2LP gatefold jacket, packaged together with a 24-page booklet in a rigid slipcase. The new edition’s LP lacquers were cut by Alex Abrash at AA Mastering.
The seven rare bonus tracks featured on the new In Search Of… “electronic version” deluxe digital edition will all make their digital debuts with the new release. Three of the tracks have never been commercially released in the U.S. in any format:
• “Provider (Zero 7 Remix)” was originally released only on the European “Provider” CD and 12-inch vinyl single.
• “Lapdance (Trent Reznor Remix)” was promo only and has never been commercially released.
• “RockStar (Nevins Classic Club Blaster)” was never commercially released in the U.S.
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