The new album is fantastic. Somehow they made an angsty rock record that doesn't make them sound like they're crotchety. It sounds young and hip, while still being REM.

I'm just going to pretend the last couple albums were a side project. "Let's see what happens when REM gets bored!"

I don't think I can stomach a Key Arena show now that I've seen them play the Croc (one of the best nights of my life!!!).

But I'm definitely curious to hear the entire new record! I've heard such good things, and what I've heard on KEXP really does sound great.

peter buck still lives here most of the time from what i can tell.. when i worked at easy street last year i would see him almost every tuesday. he was always very nice and fun to talk to, despite the barfy feeling i dealt with every time i saw him.

p.s. YES! the whole record is great!

REM has been for me what Bob Dylan was for Nick Hornby, as he wrote in 'Songbook' -- "No, I'm not really a huge fan, I just have some of their al-- hey, how the HELL did I get all this guy's records in my collection? When did that happen?"

I like pretty much everything about R.E.M. I didn't even mind their last two albums, though I would certainly admit Around the Sun dragged too often when it should have rocked. Thankfully, the new record rocks a LOT! I love it so far.

(I also love that the vinyl edition comes on two 45s instead of one LP... "Accelerate"... get it?! You gotta play it faster!)

Tour note: There's no Seattle date on the tour because they're headlining Sasquatch on Saturday. How could that info have escaped your imaginary radar? Anyway, they will be much better rocking out at the Gorge than in a stinky old arena.

cosign #2.

After seeing them up close at Stubb's, seeing them from a distance at the cavernous dump that is Key would be anticlimactic. But seeing them at the Gorge, presumably right after Modest Mouse, is going to be INCREDIBLE!