R.E.M. must know that I started this weekly feature because it was reported today that the new album is “two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through,” according to bass player Mike Mills.

With the new live album set for release in October and Mills intimating that about a month of work in the studio remains, I can see a spring release with a tour to follow. That would be perfect for festivals, etc.

One thing I liked about this interview is that Mills didn’t try and characterize the record’s sound. Members of the band had intimated before “Around the Sun” that they would return to a guitar-heavy sound, but that never materialized.

Mills did say that you could listen to songs from their “live rehearsals” in Ireland to get a feel for the sound, and that makes me feel better. The songs on the record may sound different than what was played in Dublin, but at least we know they will rock (like “Living Well’s The Best Revenge” below) when they are played live, which is my main concern.