R.E.M. gets back to basics on their new Album titled Accelerate due out April 1st. R.E.M.’s first single from the new album is "Supernatural Superserious" and will hit radio in mid February. The band recently shot the video in Manhattan's Lower East Side at a restaurant and sex shop. The band set up in the corner of the restaurant and shot the first half of the video, while surprised patrons enjoyed the show during lunch. The second part of the video was shot in the front window of a nearby sex shop. Just to give you an idea of what the song is about, the lyrics include "You realize your fantasies are dressed up in travesties / enjoy yourself with no regrets."
Accelerate is R.E.M.’s 14th studio release and is said to be a back to the basics approach recording more like in their pre-label and Life’s Rich Pageant recordings. Billboard had a listen to some of the songs and here is what they had to say:
“Opener "Living Well's the Best Revenge" sets the tone, with a prominent lead guitar figure from Peter Buck, thumping, melodic bass lines and backing vocals from Mike Mills and a rapid stream of lyrics from front man Michael Stipe. The track almost seems like a musical cousin to "Just a Touch" from 1986's "Life's Rich Pageant."
“The up-tempo approach extends to "Supernatural Superserious.”
“Elsewhere, "Hollow Man" begins as a piano ballad but quickly morphs into a revved-up chorus, while "Horse To Water" is a noisy, angular rocker with the unmistakable stamp of R.E.M.'s pre-major label days.”
“Among the slower departures are " Houston," which is vaguely reminiscent of the vintage "Swan Swan H," and the politically charged "Until the Day Is Done" ("The verdict is dire / the country's in ruins," Stipe sings).”
R.E.M. will also be touring to support the release with The National and Modest Mouse opening. Michael Stipe has been a major supporter of the National in recent months and has been seen at a few of their shows over the last year.
The entire track list:
1. "Living Well Is the Best Revenge"
2. "Man-Sized Wreath"
3. "Supernatural Superserious"
4. "Hollow Man"
5. "Houston"
6. "Accelerate"
7. "Until the Day Is Done"
8. "Mr. Richards"
9. "Sing for the Submarine"
10. "Horse to Water"
11. "I'm Gonna DJ"
Fan video of the "Supernatural Superserious" video shoot.
