REM to complete album in Miami

[United Press International]

MIAMI, May 7 (UPI) -- The alternative rock group R.E.M. is
heading to Miami for the final phase of recording and mixing its
next studio album, Billboard.com said Friday.
A message posted on the band's Web site by manager Bertis
Downs said R.E.M. has already worked in Vancouver and the Bahamas on
the album, which is expected to be distributed in the fall by Warner
Bros.
"They are making a very cool record with a lot of things
that sound nothing like them, plenty of things that do, and a strong
sense of melody throughout (and no reggae or overtly island mon
tings that I hear,)" Downs reported. "If you are already an R.E.M.
fan, I cannot imagine you not liking this one; if you aren't a fan,
maybe you will be when you hear it."
R.E.M. is planning an extensive tour in the fall, including
visiting cities the group has never played during its 20-plus-year
career, said Billboard.com.