prog | ATTN fellow REM fanfolk

"Leaving New York", the first single from REM's forthcoming album Around the Sun is available through the iTunes store.

An unusual choice for a lead single; it's not as immediately grabbing as half the stuff from Reveal, though maybe I say that since it seems completely synth/FX-free, which is a little strange for post-New Adventures REM, and it might fall into what certain of my friends would sneeringly call Adult Contemporary.

It seems to be a song about the uncertain regrets that come with ending a romantic relationship, even though (according to Wikipedia) Stipe calls the whole album a "primitive and howling" political statement. We'll see; I'll definitely be there on opening day (to click the 'buy album' button in iTunes).

Now I feel like listening to Reveal again.